ANSAM decries killing of NSCN (IM) cadres
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Senapati, July 20 2020:
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 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".
In a 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" on July 18, the ANSAM said it observed a 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 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 added, "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 not sparing innocent villagers by the conduct of raids and other mental torture".
The student body 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".
ANSAM then appealed to all the Naga people to stand united rising above all the differences at "this crucial" juncture.
The ANSAM legislative assembly 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 also extended appreciation to Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers' Association (NMA), Arunachal Naga Students' Federation (ANSF), civil societies, individuals and all individuals and leaders concerned "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.
Meanwhile, in the "business hour of the 4th legislative assembly" of the ANSAM on July 18, "after considering all the facts and relevant documents", the assembly approved the affiliation and recognition of Rongmei Naga Students' Organization Manipur (RNSOM), Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR) and Zeme Students' Organization Manipur (ZSOM) as the "legitimate constituent units of the ANSAM".
In welcoming the 3 student bodies into the association as constituent units, a document of acknowledgement signed by speaker of ANSAM, Pungdi P Celestine and president of ANSAM, Joseph Adani was issued to the new respective constituent units.
It then said that, considering the compelling situations and in the greater interest of the association, the assembly extended the incumbent ANSAM office bearers' tenure 2018-2020 for 6 months with effect from April 16, 2020 as per the Article 18 (2) of the association's constitution.
"Other immediate pressing issues that concern the tribals in the State were dwelt at length", the student association added.