In order for the Human Rights Caucus to take up Nagalim's cause before congress, there needs to be a constituancy of at least 50,000 Americans who show concern for this Christian nation to be free. Since there are  less than 200 Naga people living in the  USA, mostly students who fear for their families back home, it is not possible to get enough signatures unless Christian people help. We Americans first offered them spiritual salvation now they are looking to us for a national salvation as well of their freedom.

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Letter to President Bush:

April  26, 2005       Dear President Bush,   Representing the Government of Nagalim, (Nagaland), located  in an important “strategic nuclear hotspot” on the North Eastern corner of India, bordering China and Burma, I send greetings from President Isak Chishi Swu. The people of Nagaland are 95% Christian (these English speaking people were evangelized by American Christian missionaries in 1873) and are from Mongolian-Sino descent and have their own Judeo-Christian based culture and language.   Between 1950 and 1997 over 300,000 Nagas suffered rape, torture and genocide at the hands of India’s military force, occupying Nagaland since 1947. Since 1997 a ceasefire agreement with the Government of Nagalim (NSCN, I-M) and India officially began. During the past seven years India has stated and signed a Joint Communique recognizing the ‘uniqueness’ of Nagaland’s history. "Uniqueness" in the fact Nagaland never joined the Indian Union by "conquest or concession", and was always treated under India's Ministry of External Affairs up till 1976. Hypocritically India claims that a military solution is out of question and yet continues to still enforce oppression through military occupation of Nagaland and utilizes several inhuman constitutional laws.   Mr. President, after monitoring the peace talks from the sidelines these past seven years and seeing no tangible progress I am personally starting to question the sincerity of "the peace talks". While the Naga leadership may not necessarily agree with me I think the rules India has drawn for the talks lacks sincerity in the sense that they must always be "behind closed doors." If India really wants to work out an honorable solution with the Naga people, the peace talks should be open, transparent and allow the US, international community, UN and press to monitor the progress so both sides can be held accountable as well as adhering to a managed time frame like other legitimate international disputes are handled. These secret meetings, "calling it an internal issue" is starting to look to me like a political cloak to cheaply placate the Nagas.   While the peace talks may seemingly be “more politically correct” than a military solution it also conveniently covers up this gross genocide, thus saving India from further international embarrassment. This brilliant stalling tactic allows India to financially "spin its wheels" for years, hence draining this economically challenged nation further.   Mr. President, I was fortunate enough to attend your second term inauguration and was inspired by your speech which promised to sustain global peace and our national security by liberating all oppressed nations who believe in "westernized democratic principles." - Nagaland would like to jump on your bandwagon campaign. Mr. President, the Nagas ask for nothing more than their right to freedom and human liberty.     "The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world."    Even though the cease-fire agreement is a step in the right direction there is still two areas of grave injustice for which I believe America could help influence change. The full history is on their website: www.nscnonline.org.   1) Encourage the repeal of the Draconian law - the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1958 through the congressional human rights caucus by diplomacy. This shoot-to-kill law was originally implemented by British colonizers to prevent Indians from espousing their independence. India, which claims to be the "World’s largest democracy", hypocritically continues to enforce this same law against their Naga neighbors, without rules or boundaries. Under the AFSPA the people of Nagaland are constitutionally (legally) murdered. It is hard to fathom in the year 2005 that “these human beings” do not have the right to live freely. I rejoiced when you said:   "In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights  Without human liberty."   This law does not need reviewing; it is blatantly unjust, any freedom action (a speech for instance) or non-action groups (of five or more) congregating can be construed as rebellion, and there is no opportunity for legal recourse if arrested, beaten or killed, therefore it violates rights to a fair trial. AFSPA should be repealed.   2) I pray Mr. President, that you will use your moral conscience and international clout to influence India's government to withdraw their 250,000 army troops from Nagaland or face economic and humanitarian aide sanctions. It is a well documented fact that India is riddled with millions of human rights violations against numerous religious minorities and children. (Consider the State Department’s, Dept. of Human Rights, International Religious Freedom report on India and the UN report on Caste–based Discrimination.) It is time for America to confront countries that oppress people or else withdraw alignment from those who refuse to comply to the universal standards of United Nations Declaration for Human Rights.   As you stated in your speech, "bullying tactics" would not be tolerated. Therefore, it is vital that the next generation of Nagas grow up without Indian military bullies breathing down their necks and watching their every move.  It is you who promised that:   "All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors... America's influence is considerable and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause."   It is time to put a stop to the physical, psychological and emotional oppression that these people have wrongly suffered for almost 60 years.  We are hoping to help you deliver on your promise by offering economic development opportunities with the Naga government since we have many natural resources to offer such as oil reserves. Loyally the Naga people fought side by side with America and allied forces in both World Wars - now it is time for those allied forces to support them.   Mr. President, I should also like to request an opportunity to meet with you or a member of your staff as earliest as possible to explain in detail how protecting Nagaland is in our national interest and security as it is a gateway hub to other Asian countries.   Thank you - on behalf of 4 million residents of Nagaland and those who will be born in years to come. Your prompt concern and ability will change their future from one of despair and oppression to hope and freedom.   God Bless America!     Grace Lyu-Collins Honorary Ambassador of Nagaland

             

Petition to download and pass around for signatures:

Locate your senator or congressman. They need to hear from you!

 www.senate.gov   or   www.congress.org

Please email : gr1co@aol.com for mailing instructions to turn this in for the Human Rights Caucus .                           Thank you.