Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Dimapur, October 16:
Following the historic UN Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples, "the Nagas are picking up the UN support in a positive manner to face the reality of the world, vis-�-vis, the Indigenous Peoples' rightful claim to self determination," stated the NSCN-IM today.
The outfit stated that awareness and education on the rights of the Nagas in the context of the changed world perception on the rights of the Indigenous Peoples is the need of the hour for the Indigenous Peoples.
"Given this new development, the initiative taken Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR, South Sector) in organizing a Human Rights Conference on the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples at Ukhrul is very much valued and appreciated," lauded the NSCN-IM on the efforts of NPMHR.
It also stated that in the past too the role of the NPMHR is all a "shining light" and much credit goes to its untiring effort in bringing international awareness on the Nagas' political rights as an indigenous people.
"The NSCN expects much more to be done by other Naga NGOs to educate the Nagas and push forward the demand to respect and honor Nagas' rights in a more vigorous manner," suggested the outfit.
The NSCN-IM then stated that the Nagas have to strike while the iron is hot and prod the international community to exercise more responsibility, morally and politically, in bringing about a just and honorable solution to the current Indo-Naga peace process.
"Earlier, the Mokokchung based Concerned Citizens' Forum have taken the lead in appealing to the UN Secretary General directly to direct the Govt of India to recognize the Naga political rights under the principles of UN charter of Indigenous Peoples' Rights.
Such initiative by Naga NGOs will go a long way in furthering our cause before the world by virtue of our right as an Indigenous Peoples", predicted the NSCN-IM.