Kohima, March 29 (MExN): The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has expressed shock and grief over the reported killing of four Naga Army officers, allegedly by fellow comrades, terming the incident a “heinous act.”
In a press statement, the organisation said it was “deeply pained” by the incident, adding that the reasons behind the killings were not known but asserting that “the act of killing any person is a human disgrace and any act of fratricide is tragic and an abject social disgrace and shame,” it held.
The NPMHR further alleged that external forces were adversely impacting the Naga people’s pursuit of their “political rights and sovereign right over our homeland,” claiming that divisive tools, often presented under the guise of development and economic wellbeing, were used to fragment the social fabric.
It cautioned that such influences were fostering internal discord and contributing to incidents of violence among Nagas, adding that though few in numbers, Nagas everywhere together “been non-violently defending our homeland and our inalienable rights.
“Such ‘killings’ are yet another manifestation of the impact of the narratives of the adversaries,” who are absolutely focussed on destroying us and hence have deviously polluted our minds leading us to destroy each other,” it added.
Appealing for restraint and unity, the NPMHR urged all sections to uphold “humane sense” and stand together against forces that seek to divide the Naga people.
It further conveyed its condolences to the families of the deceased, expressing “profound grief” over the loss.
As per news report, the incident took place in Hongbei village on Saturday and the cadres were members of “NSCN Eastern Flank.” It was followed by torching of office allegedly used by NSCN (IM) by “an irate mob” in Manipur's Ukhrul on Sunday.
