ANSAM reaffirms support for Indo-Naga Peace Process, Demands unconditional release of all Naga Political Prisoners

Senapati, 20 May: The All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has reaffirmed its support for the Indo-Naga peace process while demanding unconditional release of all Naga political prisoners.

A press release issued by its president Th. Angteshang Maring and General Secretary Isaac Charenamei stated that the ANSAM in its second Presidential Council meeting held at Community Hall, Konsakhul Village, hosted by Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Manipur (LNKR-M) reaffirmed its stance to extend fullest support towards the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process for a logical conclusion in the true spirit of the Framework Agreement, signed on August 3, 2015, duly recognizing the Naga national Flag and Constitution.

Must read | Journalists Reportedly Asked to Hide ‘Manipur’ Label on State Bus En Route to Shirui Lily Festival

The document also stated that the council stands in solidarity with all the Naga political prisoners languishing in the various custodies, be it in India or Myanmar, for the sacred cause of the people and demands for the unconditional release of all the Naga political prisoners at the earliest as a confidence-building measure. ANSAM expects the Government of India leaders to reposition themselves from a double standard approach to fairness and justness to resolve the longest political issue in Southeast Asia, with political will and magnanimity.

The association unanimously reasserted its staunch opposition to the arbitrary decision and actions of the Government of India on the abrogation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and imposed border fencing in the Naga homeland. Also, they unanimously agreed to take up a democratic course of action to register their sentiments and to stop the imposed border fencing works and the reinstatement of the FMR. The association, while asserting its position of staunch opposition to the scrapping of FMR and border fencing, also implored the Government of India to sincerely engage at the negotiating table to resolve the protracted Indo-Naga political issue.

Also read | Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Inaugurates 5th Edition of Shirui Lily Festival 2025 at Shirui Village

Further, the Presidential Council Meeting, after a threadbare discussion taking into account the incidents and acts of provocative intrusion happening in and around Naga areas, unanimously reaffirmed its rigid stance to protect the Naga ancestral land and people, and decided to take appropriate steps to secure the same from any form of aggression.

In this regard, the association expressed it’s deep concern and dismay over the recent incident wherein, the Konsakhul village Chief, Chairman, Pastor, and several villagers were inhumanely assaulted by the aggressive villagers from L. Phaijang village, Munlai Village, Haraothel Village, and Kuki militants disguised as civilians on April 5, 2025 with hundreds of assailants without any compunction, even aftermath. The main concern is keeping such sentimental issues unattended and remaining unsolved, it stated, adding that the understanding and silence of the Naga people should not be misconstrued as weakness.

The ANSAM then cautioned the authorities in the helm that the Naga people would not allow any further bifurcation and alienation of the Naga homeland under any circumstances in any manner, stressing its resolute stand to safeguard their land and people.

Also read | Parliament should discuss Balochistan issues: Indian Balochs