NSF demands removal of Avakhung check gate, alleging restrictions on healthcare, livelihoods and civilian movement in border areas
DIMAPUR — The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has demanded the immediate removal of Avakhung Check Gate and withdrawal of Assam Rifles outpost from civilian areas, citing alleged restrictions on movement, healthcare and livelihoods.
The demand came in retaliation to the Ministry of Defence’s clarification over an NSF being stopped at Avakhung, Meluri district, on September 19.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the federation also called for disclosure of the legal order, notification or authority under which the check gate and outpost are operating at their present locations.
The federation alleged that the presence of check gate had affected access to the village dispensary and other healthcare services. It claimed that sick persons from neighbouring Naga villages had reportedly been stopped or delayed while being taken to hospitals.
It further alleged that Assam Rifles personnel in civilian clothing had been visiting village homes and questioning residents during morning and evening hours, while the movement of agricultural produce, goods and other livelihood materials had reportedly been restricted.
Related: Naga Students' Federation denied meeting fellow Nagas in Myanmar
Assam Rifles says NSF delegation lacked border-crossing authorisation
The federation also raised concerns over the reported occupation or use of state government properties belonging to the departments of Health & Family Welfare, Industries & Commerce, and Transport, including the International Trade Centre (ITC). It sought clarification on the legal status and authority concerning the occupation or control of these properties and restrictions allegedly placed on government departments and local residents from accessing them.
The NSF demanded immediate clarification on reports of sick persons being denied or delayed access to hospitals and sought assurances that essential medical movement would not be obstructed.
It also called for an end to house-to-house questioning of villagers and what it termed unnecessary surveillance, intimidation, frisking, harassment and interference in the ordinary lives of civilians.
On trade and livelihoods, the federation demanded unhindered lawful movement of agricultural produce, goods and other materials connected with local trade.
On the Border Pass issue, the NSF recounted that its delegation had travelled to Tsera in the Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ) to meet the Naga Students’ Organisation and other Naga groups for a cultural exchange programme.
The delegation reached Lütsam village in Phokhungri area on September 18 and consulted local organisations, including the Phokhungri Area Public Organization (PAPO), about difficulties reportedly faced by residents in the border areas, it stated.
According to the federation, local representatives subsequently approached the Assam Rifles outpost at Avakhung to facilitate the delegation’s onward movement. The delegation complied with requirements communicated to it, including providing a reference from the public organisation concerned, it added.
However, on reaching the Avakhung Check Gate on September 19, the delegation was informed that passage would not be facilitated and that the registration process for obtaining a Border Pass could not proceed.
According to the NSF, it had sought an audience with the Company commander to explain the purpose of the visit, clarify onward movement requirements and raise concerns regarding villagers, but the officer allegedly refused to meet the delegation.
The federation said it was aware of the government of India’s regulatory framework governing movement across the India-Myanmar boundary, but maintained that such regulations did not address the wider concerns it had raised about civilian life in Avakhung.
It called upon the Assam Rifles and the government of India to refrain from restricting movement and interfering with the Naga way of life.
The NSF also maintained that security arrangements within Nagaland should be undertaken in coordination with the state government and its police authorities.
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