NNC/FGN condemns the Assam Rifles for stopping an Naga Students' Federation delegation at the Avakhung check gate in Meluri district.
DIMAPUR — The Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland (NNC/FGN) led by Zhopra Vero has condemned the alleged obstruction of a Naga Students' Federation delegation by personnel of the Assam Rifles at the Avakhung check gate in Meluri district on September 19.
In a press statement, the NNC/FGN stated that the incident demonstrated that Indian military forces have no regard for basic humanitarian values and rights.
The NNC/FGN stated that Naga communities across the modern border between India and Myanmar had maintained relationships through kinship, customary institutions, trade, marriage, religious fellowship, and social exchange long before the Avakhung check gate was established.
The group questioned the moral and political authority of Assam Rifles personnel to disrupt customary practices and traditional relationships, alleging that the militarisation of the Naga homeland continues to project the security forces as adversaries of human rights.
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The release added that the cumulative experience of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, draconian security laws, military checkpoints, permits, passes, and other restrictions has deeply affected the daily exercise of civilian rights and freedoms, creating hurt and distrust.
Stating that Nagas have lived, worked, travelled, interacted, and maintained relationships across their homelands long before independent India and Myanmar or the Assam Rifles existed, the group demanded that Nagas be allowed to exercise their rights to preserve, nurture, and cultivate their cultural and traditional values.