Maring students reaffirm non-cooperation to SF
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, June 22 2024:
Maring Students' Union (MSU) has reaffirmed its unwavering support to the non-cooperation movement declared by Naga Students' Federation (NSF), denouncing any form of cooperation with the Central security forces.
Issuing a press release in this regard, Information and Publicity Cell of MSU on Saturday said that as the principal student organisation representing the Maring Naga Tribe, the Union expressed profound concern over the recent actions of Assam Rifles in the Rilram Maring Area of Tengnoupal and Moreh sub-division.
The Assam Rifles' rigorous and intrusive checks on local roads, coupled with their negligence in securing the borders, undermine the purpose of their presence.
Despite knowing that commuters - whether public or business people - are local residents, they unnecessarily ask for ID proof and sometimes detain civilians, which amounts to harassment.
The Union demands an end to the intimidation of village leaders and dissemination of misleading reports, particularly those unjustly targeting Rilram Area Maring Organisation (RAMO).
While expressing heartfelt sympathy toward the plight of Myanmar nationals, the press release of MSU, nonetheless, pointed out that massive inflow of these individuals following the political upheaval in Myanmar after the military coup in 2021 has started to create unbearable hardships and insecurity for the native residents.
The Myanmar nationals being sheltered in the six Mar-ing Naga villages (Saibol, Moirengthel, Chanringphai, Lamlong Khunou, Choktong, Satang), numbering about 1,428 (only those whose biometrics were captured), have outnumbered the local residents, which is of great concern.
Monitoring their activities has become a significant challenge as the authorities cocerned cannot regularly conduct verification exercises amidst the fluctuating number of inmates while the Union acknowledges the violent conflict in neighbouring Myanmar.
In addition to the harsh reality faced by local residents along the Indo-Myanmar border, MSU is appalled by the massive militarisation in Maring area and the belligerent attitude of the Central security forces operating there.
The halting of business commuters by Assam Rifles stationed at Sita presents a significant challenge to their right to live with dignity and economic well-being.
Such interruptions not only hamper their ability to earn a livelihood but also impose undue stress and uncertainty on their daily lives.
Ensuring the smooth passage of commuters is essential to uphold their fundamental rights and foster a stable economic environment.
The attitude of the military personnel is highly questionable, it questioned.
While paying deepest homage to the victims, the union recalled the historical incidents of brutality, including the infamous Operation Bluebird of 1987 at Oinam Hill and surrounding villages, the brutal assault and murder of Late Eli Rose of Ngaprum village, and the tragic Oting incident in December 2021.The implementation and recent extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA-1958) on April 1, 2024, for another six months have exacerbated these issues, fostering a culture of impunity and leading to numerous human rights violations.
The Union vehemently condemned such violent acts and demands accountability.
The Union also called on the Government of India to repeal AFSPA and conduct transparent investigations into all reported abuses in the Naga areas.
Furthermore, it urged the international community to support their quest for peace, justice, and human dignity.