Ukhrul: The Tangkhul Shanao Long, true to their role as “Pukreila” (the peacemaker), organised “Save The Peace,” a public march against Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA 1958), Border Fencing and scrapping of Free Movement Regime (FMR) at Ukhrul Headquarters in collaboration with Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong on Friday.
The rally started at two points, Dungrei and Kharasom Junction and converged at TSL Jubilee Venue at Ukhrul Headquarters. The rallyist demanded repeal of AFSPA, No To Border Fencing, Reinstatement of Free Movement Regime (FMR) and settlement of Indo-Naga Peace Talk at the earliest. “Honour The Framework Agreement,” “Honour Your Committment Prime Minister” read the banners as thousands of people from all walks of life marched the street of Ukhrul demanding for early settlement of Indo-Naga peace talks.
The rally was also attended by Neingolu Krome, Secretary General of Naga People’s Movement For Human Rights (NPMHR), Priscilla Thiumai, President of Naga Women Union (NWU), Vareiyo Shatsang, General Secretary of United Naga Council (UNC) and representatives from All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) and Global Naga Forum (GNF) among others.
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Speaking at the rally, Neingolu Krome said, “Today’s rally is centered around the theme Save The Peace, a slogan that the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has been using for the past few years, particularly as the peace talks have grown increasingly uncertain. There is a looming threat of the peace process breaking down, largely because India has been reneging on its commitments, especially regarding the Framework Agreement. Additionally, the interlocutors have not been acting as expected in such critical negotiations.
The phrase Save The Peace reflects our unwavering desire for peace and our belief that it must be given a chance to resolve the Indo-Naga issue. Under this theme, we have carried out campaigns across various parts of India, including Delhi, where we have garnered support from struggling communities nationwide. Today’s rally carries the same message: for the sake of future generations, peace is essential—not just for the Nagas but for India as a whole.
India’s history of brutality and human rights violations demands a more sensitive approach to these issues. Given the present situation, where even the ceasefire is at risk of collapsing, we urge all parties involved to ensure its continuation under any circumstances. However, this must be a dignified ceasefire. The Government of India must honor its commitments, and interlocutors must act with the responsibility expected of them. If this is not the case, it warrants a reconsideration of their roles.
In the second week of September, the Nagaland government convened a meeting with civil society and various organizations. It was highlighted during the meeting that the current interlocutor is not meeting expectations. As a result, a resolution was passed urging the Government of India to appoint a full-time interlocutor with proper authority and mandate. At present, the interlocutor often has to seek approval from higher authorities before making decisions, which hinders progress. This lack of decisiveness is one of the core issues we are raising.”
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The NPMHR Secretary General continued, “The other issue is that the Government of India continues to go back on its commitments. As some of you may know, there were calls for third-party intervention during the ceasefire agreement signed in 1997. However, at India’s request—being the world’s largest democracy—it was agreed that such intervention would not be pursued. The Nagas, respecting India’s request, refrained from insisting on it, and the idea of third-party involvement was set aside.
Now, even after 27 years, the Government of India does not appear as committed as it claims to be. Instead, it is downgrading the peace talks and reneging on its promises. In such a situation, third-party intervention may become necessary to ensure accountability and progress. This is the reality we are confronting today.”
Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi, President of Tangkhul Shanao Long, in her remark said, “We are holding this press conference to mark the 50th anniversary of Tangkhul Shanao Long. The organization was founded in 1974 by Tangkhul women as a collective response to the atrocities inflicted on us during the 1960s and 70s under the enforcement of AFSPA. During this time, many of our members suffered torture, rape, and molestation at the hands of Indian security forces.
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Tangkhul Shanao Long was established to stand up against such injustices. Today, as we commemorate this milestone, we once again raise the issue of AFSPA. This draconian law, which has no place in a democracy as large as India, should not be enforced in our land or anywhere else in the country.
We are here to voice the concerns and struggles of the Naga people in our homeland. While we are a peace-loving community, we are repeatedly forced to respond to oppressive laws, tactics, and sanctions that we fundamentally oppose.”
Priscilla Thiumai, President of Naga Women Union also said taht, “Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, has often been misapplied and misused. Therefore, we strongly appeal for its immediate repeal, particularly in Naga-inhabited areas. AFSPA is currently imposed in states like Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Jammu and Kashmir, but its impact has been especially detrimental in Naga regions, where its removal is urgently needed”
Vareiyo Shatsang, General Secretary of the United Naga Council, emphasized that there should be no border fencing in Naga-inhabited areas. “There should be no barriers, and we do not recognize the so-called Indo-Myanmar border. The construction of walls and fences is strongly opposed by the United Naga Council. Additionally, the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which has existed since 1951, must be reinstated. Otherwise, the Nagas are prepared to take any course of action, whether democratic or otherwise,” stated Vareiyo Shatsang.
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