Drs. F.A.M. Welman, Secretary of Naga International Support Center (NISC) (Human Rights Organization), says, Nagas are as much part of the International Community as any other people.
Though it is understandable that the American Baptists left in the midst of a war, it is not understandable they abandoned the Naga Peoples. Why? Because, once back in the United States of America, what they could and should have done was to raise the alarm on what was happening in Nagaland.
Welman continues,
What has happened cannot be undone! However to develop plans to make good can! Therefore:
1 - NISC calls on all American Baptists who uphold one of the most important statements in the bible: Love Thy Neighbor like oneself.
1 - Create a publicity wave to show you stand by the right to Self Determination of the Naga Peoples. We urge American Baptists to involve Baptists worldwide to support the Naga Peoples who are forced to live in India and Myanmar.
NISC has been set up to focus attention on a very real conflict for the sake of human rights and the right to self determination.
The Nagas declared independence in 1947, one day ahead of the Union of India. The United Nations received this declaration and acknowledged the receipt of this communication, but until today the declaration of independence has not been recognized.
In 1954, India conducted a military invasion and the conflict began in earnest. See chronology of history.
The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) showed that the casualty figures rose to about 300,000. That's speaking on the Naga community alone. Countless farmers have been tortured, raped, arrested, entire villages burned to the ground, their crops and livestock burned.
The American Missionaries were aware of this war of invasion and scorched-earth policy but ignored; they neglected to bring the atrocities to the attention of the International Community.
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