Naga bodies flay AR-militant nexus
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, February 27 2025: All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), has expressed deep concern over the nefarious activities of the Assam Rifles working hand-in gloves with the ethnic militants in the state on February 22, in Senapati district.

In a statement, ANSAM expressed shock to witness the suspicious and provocative actions displayed by security forces and members of an ethnic armed group in a public square during the wee hours of February 22 .

The association stated that the incident raised significant doubts and instilled sense of fear among the local population.

The sight of apparent camaraderie between Kuki militants and the Indian security forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, in the town has raised questions about the motives behind such actions.

The Association also strongly criticised any organisation that irresponsibly associates the names of Naga leaders in statements where they are not involved.

For the record, the entourage of Naga leaders has never been escorted by the Indian army, unlike the Kuki militants, who are reported to be operating under the protection of the Assam Rifles, the release stated.

In the interest of maintaining peace in the region, ANSAM called on all concerned stakeholders, including security forces, to exercise restraint and mutual respect, keeping in mind the sentiments and positions of all communities.

Naga Women's Union (NWU) has also condemned the incident that happened near Lairouching in Senapati district on February 22 night, where some army officials were caught red-handed trying to ferry armed militants.

The NWU stated that the incident violated the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), and is also in direct defiance of the guidelines set by the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) .

The union also condemned the secret midnight meeting between the AR and the UPF (Kuki militant group), calling it unlawful.

Transporting militants in Assam Rifles vehicles violates guidelines, misuses uniforms, and tarnishes the reputation of military institutions, it added.

It called for strict sanctions against those involved, whether commissioned or non-commissioned officers, and urged a top-level inquiry to investigate the motives behind the act, while also appealing MHA and the Ministry of Defence to address the issue for the sake of national security.

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