Kohima, April 26: The Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland (NNC/FGN), under the leadership of Zhopra Vero, has expressed strong opposition to the proposed installation of a Mountain Radar System by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Pfutsero in Phek district, stating that the move is unacceptable to the Naga people and raises concerns about the increasing presence of military infrastructure in civilian areas.
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In a statement issued on Sunday, the organization alleged that the proposal was advanced without adequate consultation with local communities and stakeholders. According to the NNC/FGN, decisions involving major security or military installations in Naga areas should involve meaningful engagement with the people, given the region’s unique historical and political context.
The organization argued that the establishment of military infrastructure in populated areas has broader implications beyond security considerations. It maintained that such projects should take into account the concerns, aspirations, and sentiments of local communities, particularly in regions with a long history of political movements and negotiations.
The NNC/FGN stated that the Naga people have historically resisted militarisation and have consistently advocated for the recognition of their political rights through dialogue and peaceful engagement. The group contended that the construction of strategic military facilities in inhabited regions could be perceived as contrary to those aspirations and may create apprehension among residents.
Referring to historical developments, the organization cited the 1964 Indo-Naga ceasefire and the subsequent prime minister-level talks held between Naga representatives and the Government of India during 1966 and 1967. It argued that these engagements reflected a commitment to resolving issues through dialogue rather than through the expansion of military presence. The statement also criticized the continued implementation of security laws such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in parts of the region.
Expressing concern over the potential impact of the proposed radar installation, the NNC/FGN said that the expansion of military infrastructure could transform civilian areas into zones of heightened surveillance and strategic significance. The organization warned that such developments may have social and psychological effects on local communities and could alter the character of otherwise peaceful residential and rural areas.
The group further argued that, given the region’s proximity to international borders, the installation of strategic military assets could potentially expose nearby communities to additional security-related concerns. It stated that residents may face disruptions to daily life and increased anxiety if the area becomes associated with sensitive defence infrastructure.
According to the NNC/FGN, the proposed radar project should be examined not only from a security perspective but also in terms of its social, political, and developmental implications. The organization cautioned that the continued expansion of military facilities in Naga areas could contribute to what it described as the gradual militarisation of the region rather than fostering long-term peace and stability.
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The statement emphasized that projects of such significance must be undertaken with transparency, public consultation, and the informed participation of affected communities. The NNC/FGN urged civil society organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to critically examine the proposal and engage in constructive dialogue regarding its potential implications.
The organization concluded by calling for broader public discussion on the issue and reiterated its position that decisions affecting the future of Naga areas should involve the consent and active participation of the people concerned.
