Guwahati, July 25: The Naga Hoho has lashed out at the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the state and sought its repeal to restore the “democratic and political rights” of the Nagas.

The Hoho, in a press communiqué, said the act would only reinforce feelings of “suspicion and distrust” and weaken the already fragile peace process.

“At this juncture, when the Centre and the Nagas are involved in a peace process to overcome years of bitterness, oppression and alienation by constructively engaging in a peace process to bring mutual respect and understanding, the extension of the act violated all ethical norms and is a breach of trust,” the communiqué said.

By continuing with the act, the Centre has made clear its intention of persisting with its policy of “alienation and isolation” of the Naga people. “Nagas have once again come to realise that New Delhi does not have the political courage nor the political will to enter into any democratic process,” it added.

Jamir stresses security

Former chief minister S.C. Jamir today said the Nagas should opt for a political framework that would safeguard their political and economic future as well as protect their identity.

Speaking to newspersons at a news conference, Jamir maintained that the Naga problem was a unique one and should not be compared to other states.

He was referring to BJP legislator Hokishe Sema’s drawing a parallel with the situation in Puerto Rico and East Timor.

The Congress leader said his party was in favour of reconciliation and had proved it by withdrawing the arrest warrants on the NSCN (I-M) leaders before they arrived in New Delhi early this year. Recommending a single approach to reconciliation, Jamir stressed the need for neutral bodies like the Church and the media to be involved in the peace process.

“Let a neutral party approach everyone,” Jamir said. The government should get involved only in the final stage, he said. He, however, refused to comment on the Centre’s reported proposal to grant Union territory status to the Naga-inhabited areas in other states.

Earlier in the Assembly today, Jamir said the Prime Minister was right in saying that the Kashmir and Naga political problems were separate. An unstarred question by Congress legislator K.V. Pusa raked up the Kashmir issue, quoting A.B. Vajpayee’s statement that the Hurryiat leaders were more important than the Naga insurgents.