Rally in Ukhrul protests against AFSPA, border fencing and scrapping of FMR

November 16, 2024 4 Views No Comment

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 16 (MExN): People gathered at Ukhrul on November 15 to participate in a public march organized by the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), in collaboration with the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS). The rally, titled ‘Save the Peace,’ was a protest against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar boundary, and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).

Participants marched from two starting points—Dungrei and Kharasom Junction—converging at the TSL Jubilee Venue. The rally resonated with demands for the repeal of AFSPA, opposition to border fencing, the reinstatement of FMR, and an early settlement of the Indo-Naga peace talks. Banners with messages such as “Honour the Framework Agreement” and “Honour Your Commitment, Prime Minister” underscored the crowd’s calls for justice and lasting peace.

The event saw the participation of prominent leaders, including Neingolu Krome, Secretary General of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR); Priscilla Thiumai, President of the Naga Women Union (NWU); Vareiyo Shatsang, General Secretary of the United Naga Council (UNC); and representatives from the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and the Global Naga Forum (GNF).

Addressing the gathering, Neingolu Krome emphasized the fragility of the ongoing peace process and the need for the Government of India to honor its commitments under the 2015 Framework Agreement. “The threat of the peace talks breaking down has been looming. India’s backtracking on its word jeopardizes the dignity of the ceasefire, which must be maintained under all circumstances,” he stated. Krome also raised concerns about the interlocutor’s inability to make decisive decisions, calling for a full-time interlocutor with a proper mandate from the Indian government.

Krome further highlighted the potential necessity of third-party intervention if the government continues to falter on its commitments. “The Nagas have refrained from insisting on third-party mediation out of respect for India’s request. However, after 27 years of negotiations, the government’s lack of seriousness might force us to reconsider,” he said.

Marking its 50th anniversary, TSL reflected on its origins as a response to the atrocities inflicted during the enforcement of AFSPA in the 1960s and 1970s. President of TSL, Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi, called AFSPA a “black law” and urged its immediate repeal. “India, as the world’s largest democracy, should not impose such oppressive legislation on any part of the country. We are a peace-loving community, but we are repeatedly forced to react to injustice,” she stated.

Priscilla Thiumai of the NWU reiterated the appeal for the repeal of AFSPA, which she said had led to countless human rights violations in Naga-inhabited areas. “This law has been misused time and again. Its removal is imperative for restoring dignity and peace,” she said.

Addressing the issue of border fencing, UNC General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang voiced strong opposition to barriers dividing Naga-inhabited areas. “We do not recognize the so-called Indo-Myanmar border. The construction of fences is unacceptable and violates the historical and cultural unity of our land,” he declared. He also called for the reinstatement of the FMR, which had facilitated free movement between communities on both sides of the border since 1951.