Nagas Oppose Assam Rifles' War Memorial in Mokokchung

Mokokchung, February 2, 2020:

A batch of "concerned citizens" of Nagaland have come together to oppose the construction of the spanking new war memorial in Nagaland's Mokokchung, built in honour of Assam Rifles troopers who have died in the hill state over the years.

In a statement, the citizens have stated that the the history of the Indo-Naga protracted conflict, amongst the longest armed conflict in recent history, is "because Indian Government could not accept the simple but clear declaration of the Nagas’ desire to be left alone."

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"The Indian Security Forces including the Assam Rifles invaded Naga-land in rampant violation of our fundamental human rights, security and sovereign rights", the citizens' body accused, adding that hundreds and thousands of Nagas were killed.

The body also lamented the introduction of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and stated that it was introduced in 1958 to specifically deal with the 'Naga freedom movement'.

"We strongly object and question the proposed combined War Memorial, to be inaugurated in Mokokchung Town by Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) in memory of the 357 Army and Assam Rifles personnel lost in Nagaland", the Naga body said, and added that they are "shocked" at this "insensitivity.

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It may be mentioned here that the Assam Rifles has constructed a combined war memorial in Nagaland's Mokokchung for the 357 Army and Assam Rifles personnel killed while fighting insurgency in the hill State. Confirming this, an army spokesman told the media that This memorial is the first of its kind in Nagaland, which also has the famous Second World War Cemetary in capital city Kohima.

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