Chandel: The Maring Students’ Union reaffirms its unwavering support for the non-cooperation movement declared by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), denouncing any form of cooperation with the Indian Armed Forces. This was stated in a press release issued by the Information and Publicity Cell of the Maring Students’ Union on Saturday.
As the principal students’ organization representing the Maring Naga Tribe, the Union expressed profound concern over the recent actions of the Assam Rifles in the Rilram Maring Area of Tengnoupal and Moreh Sub-division. The Assam Rifles’ rigorous and intrusive checks on local roads, coupled with their negligence in securing the borders, undermine the purpose of their presence. Despite knowing that commuters—whether public or business people—are local residents, they unnecessarily ask for ID proof and sometimes detain civilians, which amounts to harassment. The Union demands an end to their intimidation of village leaders and dissemination of misleading reports, particularly those unjustly targeting the Rilram Area Maring Organisation (RAMO).
While expressing heartfelt sympathy towards the plight of Myanmar nationals, the massive inflow of these individuals following the political upheaval in Myanmar after the military coup in 2021 has created unbearable hardships and insecurity for the native residents. The Myanmar nationals being sheltered in the six Maring Naga villages (Saibol, Moirengthel, Chanringphai, Lamlong Khunou, Choktong, Satang), numbering about 1,428 (only those whose biometrics were captured), have outnumbered the local residents, which is of great concern, the release stated. Monitoring their activities has become a significant challenge as the concerned authorities cannot regularly conduct verification exercises amidst the fluctuating number of inmates. The Union acknowledges the violent conflict in neighboring Myanmar.
In addition to the harsh reality faced by local residents along the Indo-Myanmar border, the Maring Students’ Union is appalled by the massive militarization in the Maring area and the belligerent attitude of the Indian Armed Forces operating there. The halting of business commuters by Assam Rifles stationed at Sita presents a significant challenge to their right to live with dignity and economic well-being. Such interruptions not only hamper their ability to earn a livelihood but also impose undue stress and uncertainty on their daily lives. Ensuring the smooth passage of commuters is essential to uphold their fundamental rights and foster a stable economic environment. The attitude of the Indian military personnel is highly questionable, it stated.
While paying the deepest homage to the victims, the Union recalled historical incidents of brutality, including the infamous Operation Bluebird of 1987 at Oinam Hill and surrounding villages, the brutal assault and murder of Late Eli Rose of Ngaprum village, and the tragic Oting incident in December 2021. The implementation and recent extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA-1958) on April 1, 2024, for another six months have exacerbated these issues, fostering a culture of impunity and leading to numerous human rights violations.
The Union vehemently condemns such violent acts and demands accountability. The Union calls on the Indian government to repeal AFSPA and conduct transparent investigations into all reported abuses in the Naga homeland. The Union urges the international community to support their quest for peace, justice, and human dignity.
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