UKHRUL, August 11: The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) has directed its constituent and subordinate units to observe August 14 as the 80th Naga Independence Day and called upon Naga students, youths and the Naga populace to abstain from participating in the August 15 celebration of India’s Independence Day.
The directive was issued on August 11 in pursuance of resolutions adopted at the 3rd Legislative Assembly of ANSAM for the 2024–26 tenure, held at Chandel Christian village in Chandel district on August 10.
As per the directive, all constituent and subordinate units of ANSAM have been asked to hoist the Naga national flag at their respective “Okings” on August 14 in commemoration of the 80th Naga Independence Day.
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ANSAM has also called upon all educational institutions and government and non-government offices within Naga areas to declare a holiday on August 14 to mark the occasion.
Further, the association directed all Naga students, youths and the Naga populace to abstain from attending or participating in the August 15 celebration of India’s Independence Day.
In its directive, ANSAM cited what it described as the “betrayal” of the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement, the militarisation of Naga areas through the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), policies aimed at dividing the Nagas, suppression of Naga rights and denial of justice in cases of alleged human rights violations and crimes against Nagas.
ANSAM urged leaders of its constituent and subordinate units to strictly enforce the directive within their respective jurisdictions.
The decision to observe August 14 and abstain from August 15 celebrations was earlier adopted during the association’s 3rd Legislative Assembly. Reaffirming its commitment to an “acceptable, inclusive and honourable” Naga political solution based on the 2015 Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN, the assembly urged the Centre to demonstrate political will and implement the agreement in its “true letter and spirit”.
ANSAM said the agreement recognises the flag and constitution as inalienable rights of the Nagas.
The assembly also reiterated its opposition to the 6th Amendment Act and 7th Amendment Bill concerning the Autonomous District Councils introduced by the Manipur government in the state Legislative Assembly, stating that any activities undertaken under the two amendments would be opposed.
It further opposed what it described as any unconstitutional attempt by the Manipur and Indian governments to formulate or enact policies, programmes and legislation against the spirit of Article 371C and the interests of the Naga people.
On reservation and constitutional rights, ANSAM reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and privileges of tribals in the state. It called for strict implementation of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012, in all central institutions in Manipur.
The association also demanded strict adherence to the Scheduled Tribe reservation quota for direct recruitment to Group C and Group D posts in state and central institutions as prescribed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), and sought the filling of backlog vacancies reserved for STs through special recruitment drives.
Expressing concern over the shortage of teachers in primary and higher education institutions in Naga-inhabited districts, ANSAM said the careers of thousands of students were at stake and demanded immediate recruitment to fill vacant teaching posts.
The assembly further reaffirmed its demand for repeal of AFSPA from Naga areas and called upon the Naga populace to remain vigilant and united.
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On the prevailing situation in the state, ANSAM said the lives and property of Naga people were being threatened on a daily basis and stressed the need for unity among Nagas. It reiterated its support for movements spearheaded by the United Naga Council (UNC) and respective district apex Naga organisations.
Earlier, Wng. Lawrence, president of ALT GHQs, which hosted the assembly, called for unity among Nagas, particularly during the prevailing difficult circumstances.
Delivering the presidential address, ANSAM president Th. Angteshang Maring said the deliberations of the assembly would remain focused on issues concerning the interests and cause of the Naga people.
