Nagas Protest Against Imposition of Section 144 CrPC in Ukhrul

New Delhi, 03 Sep 2014: Thousands of Nagas gathered at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday to protest the recent killings of innocent Naga civilians by Manipur Commandos and the Indian Reserved Battalion during a peaceful rally in Ukhrul town on August 30. The protest, organized by the Naga Students' Union, Delhi (NSUD), condemned the imposition of Section 144 CrPC in Ukhrul District.

According to a press statement by NSUD, the unprovoked firing stemmed from the imposition of Section 144 CrPC following the assassination of Mr. Ngalangzar Malue, a member of the Autonomous District Council (ADC), on July 12, 2014. Mr. Malue was gunned down by unidentified armed men 22 km from Ukhrul town.

Following the incident, the Manipur government raided the public liaison office of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) and arrested eight cadres. On the same day, Section 144 CrPC was imposed in the district's headquarters.

NSUD condemned the government's actions, stating that it unfairly targeted the Naga community without conducting a proper legal investigation. The union warned that the "draconian" actions of the Manipur government and the Central government’s negligence could provoke an open civil uprising, jeopardizing the peace and coexistence between the hills and valley communities in Manipur.

NSUD also highlighted the impact on innocent students who are unable to pursue their education, and the broader public, who are deprived of their daily freedoms, including movement and association.

"We, the Nagas, have been suffering for 68 years. We demand the withdrawal of security forces from Ukhrul, the removal of Section 144 CrPC, and an expedited resolution of the Indo-Naga talks," said NSUD spokesperson Lakpachui Siro.

The protestors burned an effigy of Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh near Parliament Street Police Station, shouting slogans in unison. NSUD submitted memoranda to the President of India, the Union Home Minister, the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, and the Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur.

The Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) also condemned the killings and organized a separate protest at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, expressing solidarity with the cause.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal 
(The Mizoram Post | The Northeast Today | Manipur Chronicle | Zogam Today)

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