The Naga Hoho, the apex body of all Naga tribes, has resented the extension of the Disturbed Area Act (DAA) in Nagaland by the Centre and demanded its immediate repeal. The Hoho said that the Centre’s decision to continue its policy of “alienation and isolation” of the Naga people by extending the DAA by one year was a cause for worry. The Hoho said the DAA, which invoked the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act (1972), was an Act “violating all human understanding of natural justice”, and added that the deliberate intent of the Centre in extending the Act, undermining all democratic values and ethics at this crucial juncture when an honourable settlement was being aimed at, only smacked of lack will and honesty on its part. Terming the extension as a “breach of trust” with the intent to break the spirit of the Naga people’s aspirations, the apex Naga body also said it would only reinforce feelings of suspicion and distrust, which would weaken the peace process.

The Hoho further said the Nagas had once again come to realise that the Centre “lacked political courage” and demanded immediate repeal of the DAA for the restoration of democratic and political rights of   the Nagas. In another development, the Naga Hoho had demanded an apology from Mr Sapamacha Jadumani, president of the United Committee of Manipur, for his alleged claim that there was no Naga MLA and ministers in the Manipur Assembly. Naga Hoho information and publicity secretary Keviletuo Kiewhuo said time and again the Nagas living in Manipur had stated that they are Nagas and not Meiteis or Manipuris as he claimed. Terming as unfortunate the inability of the UCM president to identify the Meiteis, Nagas, Kukis and other ethnic communities inhabiting in Manipur, the Naga Hoho had reminded M Jadumani that he was a non-entity to determine who is Naga. The statement of Mr Jadumani was irresponsible and undermining not only the Naga struggle for self-determination and Naga homeland, but also the struggle of the all people of the region. It also called for recognition of all nationalities and respecting their identities to promote understanding and peaceful co existence.

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