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05/30/2009: "The Naga International Support Center, NISC, deplores Hopeson’s (NSCN) murder of Meitei officials and Khathing’s execution for being a warned traitor"

A Naga International Support Center, NISC, www.nagalim.nl
A human rights organization

Amsterdam, May 29 2009

The Naga International Support Center, NISC, deplores Hopeson’s (NSCN) murder of Meitei officials and Khathing’s execution for being a warned traitor

Specializing in the rights of the Naga Peoples the Naga International Support Center is a human rights organization. NISC, founded to defend and highlight the rights of the Nagas internationally, supports the Naga Peoples in their just quest for self determination. As they know them well, Naga organizations are expected to live by them.

Considering the many threats to their long struggle, not only against oppressors who deny them their rights but also against opportunists who do not stop at killing innocent people as well as leaders, the Nagas who defend the nation and the rights of the Naga People are pushed to their limits. While the National Socialist Council of Nagalim, NSCN, negotiates with the Government of India an honorable settlement to this overdue conflict, they have to take the pressure and the tactics to split the Nagas. Taking this into account NISC understands the strain, the bitterness the NSCN leaders experience. Still, when at peril and the going gets really tough, the defender of the people’s rights, the NSCN as the representative body, should set the example. But, the NSCN’s execution of Khathing fails that as the NSCN fails to live up to its own standards. Unfortunately it shows it can act like the Government of India does with the dreaded Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Understandably the people of a nation, under siege for six decades and on ceasefire for over twelve years, feel cornered when money talks and weapons speak. And, extended ceasefire, with soldiers training in camps but with nothing much else to do, make discipline fade away. When opportunists then quickly profit from the cracks forged by Naga adversaries, who grow in numbers, it is a a formidable, almost insurmountable task to keep the ranks closed.

Considering that process, does this mean the Naga customary rights system of justice collapsed?
No, because it is laudable that Hopeson of the NSCN, responsible for murdering officials in Manipur, was taken into the custody of the NSCN. After confession the NSCN investigated to collect evidence for a court of justice which on the basis sentenced him.

But why was Mr. Khathing not awarded the same treatment? Why was he awarded the death penalty without public prosecution instead? Were accusations of Khathing being a traitor and murderer enough to warrant capital punishment?

Yes, because according to the NSCN Mr. Khathing was a treacherous person. The people and the NSCN were never against him even though he was given many times many clues to correct his ways, his behavior and to understand the desire of his people. Years ago, a decade, before he defected he worked all out for his people and the NSCN trusted him to deal with the Indian leaders. But after this he changed and began to speak and act against the NSCN and openly stated he was against the organization who seeks solution outside Indian constitution. His motives with evil intentions did not end there. If he had just spoken what he believed in, the NSCN would have left him alone. But, he went further and collaborated with the enemy and other traitors and went as far as attacking and killing his own people. The NSCN questioned him: “Who is Khathing to judge his people and decide for them as he shouts from the military camp of the enemy and in the process betrays his own wife, children and the Nagas. Are we to be dependent on his mercy? Khathing is responsible for killing his own people; in the hands of the enemy his own relative among them, they were treated worse than animals. Khathing betrayed and killed his own people and we question; is that not against the human rights? Who is to judge that killing a traitor is against human rights? Khathing violated the human rights of the Nagas! The NSCN is bitter about those who don’t mind betraying their own, those who have no regard for sacrifice of life. The NSCN, now or in the future, will not allow people like Khathing to mislead or misguide our own people. The NSCN with our people stands and fight for our just cause, till the end!
No because according to NISC Mr. Khathing may have been guilty on all accounts put forward by the NSCN, accounts like siding with forces of the Government of India, standing with the Meiteis for the integrity of the state of Manipur, or worse for purchasing weapons to fight against the sovereignty of the Naga People, but just like Hopeson should have been arrested, charged and brought before a court of justice, a Naga Customary Rights Court. Why?
Because, apart from raising suspicion that the NSCN took the law into its own hands and hands down capital punishment at will, killing him outright, apprehending to publicly prosecute him would expose not only himself but also all concerned who collaborated with him; those who were involved. Handing Khathing over to the Ministry of Justice of the Government of Nagalim consequently the NSCN would have achieved clarity and credibility. The majority of Nagas are Christian and capital punishment is the opposite of turning ‘the other cheek’. Thou shall not kill!
Any government acts on behalf of its people and is accountable to the people. Justice for all is the foundation of a true nation and the Government of Nagalim is no exception to that. Consequently severe punishment for selling out the rights of the Nagas and violently turning against his own yes,
Capital punishment no.

The Naga International Support Center in recognizing the immense and growing difficulties the NSCN is facing and has to deal with, calls on the wisdom of the leaders to be the example of the Naga People, to live by what it professes and to show the world that in the heat of pressure it does not deter it from its just cause.

For more information visit our website www.nagalim.nl or email nisc@nagalim.nl