NNN | SENAPATI, JULY 20: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), while condemning the killing of six NSCN-IM cadres near Nginu village in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh by the security forces on July 11, has alleged that there has been a “constant attempt from the Government of India to limit the extent of the Indo-Naga ceasefire agreement by giving it a territorial interpretation when the ceasefire is between two entities and is not state bound”. The Naga students’ body condemned such alleged attempts of the government.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the ANSAM termed the July 11 incident of Arunachal Pradesh as “cold-blooded killings” by the security forces.
Holding its 4th “Legislative Assembly” held on July 18, the ANSAM statement said it observed one-minute silence in respect to the six NSCN-IM cadres, “who have made supreme sacrifice for the cause of the Naga nation”. The ANSAM statement also said that it saluted the six cadres namely “Sgt. Maj. Ashak Wangsa, Late Sgt. Sawang Pansa, Late 2nd Lieut. Somaya Shatsang, Late Sgt. Somipam Shaiza, Late L/Corp. Lentsuba Lalii and Late L/Corp. Paogouhao Lhangum with the highest honour”.
The ANSAM press statement then said, “According to the Bangkok Declaration dated 14.06.2001, the ongoing ceasefire has been signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) as two entities without territorial limits thereby mutually agreeing upon that both the parties would abide by the ground rules as revised on January 13, 2001, both in letter and in spirit”. The ANSAM legislative assembly also took strong exception to the “provocative attitude” and actions of the Assam Rifles posted in various “Naga areas” even without sparing innocent villagers by the conduct of raids and other mental torture”.
The ANSAM then called for the “cessation of all armed hostilities, attacks, and military raids and operations and political witch hunts against the Nagas by the machinery of the government of India”.
The ANSAM then appealed to all the Naga people to stand united rising above all the differences at “this crucial” juncture.
The ANSAM legislative assembly then paid tributes to Oliver Mongsang, former president of ANSAM (1980-1981) who expired on July 15, 2020 by observing a “one-minute silence prayer”.
The ANSAM legislative assembly then extended appreciation to Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), Arunachal Naga Students’ Federation (ANSF), civil societies, individuals and all concerned individuals and leaders “who had enabled” to bring the mortal remains of the six NSCN-IM cadres to their respective villages, reception of mortal remains throughout their journey and grand condolence services in honour of the six cadres and solidarity to their families.