Naga Student Bodies Condemn FIRs Against Student Leaders, Demand Withdrawal

Senapati, June 15: Several Naga student organizations have strongly condemned the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), and five federating units following peaceful protests against the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the imposition of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar boundary.

In a series of press releases, student bodies expressed outrage over what they termed as attempts to criminalize democratic dissent and intimidate student leaders and civil organizations.

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The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) denounced the FIRs as acts of intimidation, blaming the Senapati Superintendent of Police (SP) and Additional SP (Law and Order) for provoking tensions during the peaceful 48-hour office picketing organized by ANSAM on June 2 and 3. “The escalation was solely due to the aggression of the police officials,” TKS stated, demanding the immediate withdrawal of FIRs and the transfer of the SP and Addl SP from Senapati. It warned that any further provocation would be treated as a direct attack on the democratic rights of Naga students.

Similarly, the Naga Students’ Union Chandel (NSUC) reaffirmed its solidarity with ANSAM and criticized the police for disrupting peaceful protests. The union demanded the unconditional withdrawal of FIRs and immediate transfer of the involved officials.

The Anal Lenruwl Tangpi General Headquarters (ALT-GHQ) described the FIRs as a suppression of the Naga people’s fight for their land and identity. Asserting their continued support for ANSAM and SDSA, ALT-GHQ called the Government of India’s move to scrap the FMR and build fences “a direct challenge” to the aspirations of the Naga people.

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Echoing similar sentiments, the Maring Students’ Union (MSU) condemned the Government of India’s actions, which it said undermine historical and cultural ties. The MSU criticized the SP and Addl SP of Senapati for unethical interference, demanding their transfer and a sincere response from the Government to Naga concerns. “The FIRs are an attempt to criminalize legitimate dissent,” the union said, pledging continued resistance for justice and dignity.

The Sirti Thiimjiitam Sourkhe (STS), or Monsang Naga Students’ Union, called the FIRs unjust and a blatant act of intimidation against peaceful and democratic expression. It reaffirmed support for ANSAM, SDSA, and their federating units, urging the Government to withdraw the FIRs unconditionally.

Meanwhile, the Zeme Students’ Organisation, Manipur (ZSOM) also condemned the FIRs and accused the Senapati police officials of provoking unrest. Calling the FIRs a suppression of rightful voices, the ZSOM demanded immediate withdrawal and transfer of the officials involved. The group called on Naga civil society and student bodies to remain vigilant and united in protecting their land and rights.

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The student organizations collectively emphasized that their protest actions were peaceful and democratic, and reiterated their stand to continue defending the rights, identity, and aspirations of the Naga people. They warned that further state repression would only strengthen their resolve.