Dr Vikuosa Nienu
The massacre of innocent civilians in Mon district last Saturday unequivocally reassertedthe ulterior motives of the Indian Armed Forces.Of the more than a dozen people killed, none were provoked, and none were armed. They were returning home late from their jobs.
For centuries, the Nagas lived in total freedom and tranquility until India seized control of their country and their lives. Since then, thousands of innocent Nagashave lost their lives at the hands of the Indian Armed Forces. As seen in these atrocious acts, time and again committed by the Indian Armed Forces without cause, the Nagas find it impossible to conduct their normal lives. They will continue to fear for their livesuntil their freedom is restored.
My heart goes out to those killed and to their loved ones. These are our brothers and sisters, as all the Nagas are. The Almighty God, whom I serve, knows that I have no hatred against Indians; it is their evil acts that I abhor. No civilized people can condone murder, especially of unprovoked, unarmed, and innocent lives. The Nagas cannot go on reliving and mourning the loss of precious lives.
We need to end these unnecessary tragedies and coverups. The time to do that is now, before more lives are lost. I call for both the Indian and Naga leaders to come together and settle the long-standing Indo-Naga Settlement issue.
May the Almighty God grant peace and consolation to the bereaved families.
