Ukhrul: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), along with the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), the Naga Students’ Union Chandel (NSUC), and its federating units, visited border villages on Wednesday amid ongoing concerns over the fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.
Organized by the NSF, the apex body of Naga student organizations in the northeastern region, the visit took place under the theme “Safeguarding Naga Homeland: Breaking Barriers & Shadow Lines” as part of the ‘Reconnaissance Mission to Chandel and Ukhrul on Abrogation of FMR’ from October 21-25, 2024.
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The NSF-led delegation visited Border Pillar No. 82 near Nongkham Satang village to assess the situation and met with the village authorities of Nongkham Satang and Choktong.
During the interaction, Peter, Chairman of Choktong Village Authority, shared that their village is hosting 690 refugees, of whom only 290 have undergone biometric verification. He also mentioned that the number of refugees is twice the population of the village.
Addressing the gathering, NSF President Medovi Rhi reaffirmed that the land belongs to the Nagas, stating, “The land we are standing on today belongs to the Nagas, and nothing will take it away from us.”
“This land is ours, it belongs to all Nagas. We cannot compromise because of individual interests,” he continued. Rhi assured the villagers that the NSF and all Naga students would support them if they face any challenges. “The NSF will continue to fight for our land and protect it,” he said.
Dangshawa Mopham, Chairman of the N. Satang Village Authority, expressed that as simple villagers, they feel voiceless regarding the fencing issue but will support the decisions made by the United Naga Council (UNC) and other Naga bodies like the NSF.
Ruwnglar Elly Anal, President of NSUC, expressed gratitude for the NSF’s visit, stating that it highlights the significance of the border fencing issue and strengthens the Naga student bodies in Chandel and Manipur.
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Criticizing the Centre’s efforts to remove the FMR through border fencing, Elly Anal emphasized that it would only further divide the Nagas, who have long been fighting for their land and sovereignty. He asserted that the Nagas would never accept the border fencing.
After spending the night in Ukhrul, the NSF and ANSAM members will continue their journey on Thursday, visiting border villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts to further assess the fencing situation.
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