ANSAM to picket Govt offices today
Source: Chronicle News Service / Lester Makang

Ukhrul, June 01 2025: All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) is set to enforce a 48-hour picketing of government offices across Naga-inhabited districts starting June 2, 2025 in protest against the ongoing border fencing and the scrapping of the FMR .

In a statement released Sunday, ANSAM president Th Angteshang Maring and general secretary Isaac Charenamei outlined the rationale behind the decision, explaining that the movement is a united demonstration expressing their resentment against the ongoing imposed border fencing and scrapping of FMR on February 8, 2024 .

The Association called upon all the constituent units and sub-ordinate bodies to strictly enforce office picketing in their respective jurisdictions for 48 hours effective from Monday keeping in mind the movement is in the interest of the people and in defence of ancestral lands and integrity of Naga families.

"In the event of any unwanted incidents and situations arising out of the issue, the Government of India and the Government of Manipur should solely hold the responsibility," it warned.

The statement continued that ANSAM has repeatedly expressed concern and dismay regarding the rapidly and forceful ongoing construction of border fencing within the Naga homeland through public demonstrations, rallies, sit-in protests, and press releases along with various Naga-based civil organisations.

ANSAM said that it has unequivocally asserted that the permanent sealing of the border and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is highly unacceptable and uncalled for, reasoning that it has triggered an unprecedented human crisis rather than solving any problem.

In a presidential council meeting held on May 12, 2025, the association unanimously agreed to pursue democratic actions to register their sentiment, calling for an immediate stoppage of the imposed fencing work and the reinstatement of the FMR .

The Association then criticised the Government of India for its indifference and aggressive approach on the matter, calling it as highly undemocratic and repressive.

ANSAM also made it clear that any individual, contractor, transporter, agency, etc., engaging in the transportation, supply, storage, or facilitation of any raw materials intended for the Construction of border fencing in connection with the scrapping of FMR should stop immediately, warning that if any entity is found aiding this activity, they shall be held accountable for any untoward incident and face the consequences.

At the same time, ANSAM reasserted the people's voice, and reminded the government of India to sincerely engage in the negotiating table to resolve the protracted Indo-Naga political issue.

Comment