GNF to move human rights bodies over Samziuram incident
The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has said it will place the alleged intrusion at Samziuram Baptist Church on March 9 before constitutional and international human rights mechanisms for scrutiny and accountability.
In a statement, the forum condemned what it described as a midnight raid carried out at the church, which it said also involved entry into the residence of the pastor. According to the organisation, conducting such an operation at night in a place of worship undermines the dignity of the church and the community.
The forum also raised concern over the emergence of a “No Objection/Claim/Harassment Certificate” reportedly signed by the church pastor and the Samziuram Village Council chairman stating that no harassment took place. The GNF said the existence of such a document raises questions about whether a search operation may have been carried out within the church premises.
It further claimed that during search operations, security forces sometimes obtain “no objection” signatures under difficult circumstances, adding that the alleged incident has caused fear and distress among the pastor, church leaders and their families.
The forum said the episode raises concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India as well as the freedom of religion recognised under international human rights principles.
The forum said the episode raises concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India as well as the freedom of religion recognised under international human rights principles.
Referring to the long-standing slogan of the Assam Rifles as the “Friends of the Hill People,” the forum said incidents such as the alleged intrusion stand in contradiction to that claim.
Stating that the sanctity of religious institutions and the dignity of the people are “non-negotiable,” the forum said it would place the case, along with other documented incidents affecting the rights of the Naga people, before appropriate constitutional and international human rights mechanisms.
CSU alleges PSU leader treated as suspect during search
Meanwhile, the Chakhesang Students’ Union condemned what it termed an arbitrary raid conducted by the Assam Rifles on the evening of March 12, during which the general secretary of the Phek Students’ Union was allegedly publicly blamed and treated as a suspect associated with factions.
The union said such an act hurt not only the individual concerned but also the dignity of the Chakhesang community.
CSU also reiterated its non-cooperation with the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and called on the Government of India to repeal the law, stating that the people of Nagaland had suffered under its provisions for far too long.
