GNF cites Article 371A against proposed IAF installation at Pfutsero

Urges restraint for Chakhesang landowners, links issue to military presence in civilian areasDimapur, April 5 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed serious concern over the proposed installation of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Mountain Radar system at Pfutsero, located in the area under the jurisdiction of the “Chakhesang country.” The GNF cautioned that the move carries far-reaching political and social implications beyond its technical description.In a press release issued by its Media Cell, the GNF acknowledged that the radar is “not a weapon system but a surveillance installation intended to monitor airspace and strengthen India’s defence preparedness” and therefore “may not be immediately dangerous to the lives of the Naga people.”However, the Forum cautioned that reducing the issue to a mere technical deployment would be a “grave mistake.” It said that the implications are far-reaching and must be understood in their full political, social and historical context. “Every such installation comes with consequences that go far beyond its technical description. Land around the site will inevitably become restricted. Military presence will increase. Infrastructure will follow. And most importantly, the area will be drawn into India’s strategic defence grid. Once that happens, the land will no longer just be a village asset. It becomes part of a larger military framework with implications that go far beyond what is being told to the people today,” the release stated.The GNF noted that the proposed radar is “part of India’s larger strategy to strengthen its defense posture in response to China and Pakistan” and that Nagaland is being positioned within that framework because of its geography. “But the question before us is not about India’s security concerns alone. The real question is about the rights, the future, and the consent of the Naga people,” it said.Citing Article 371A of the Constitution, which...