ANSAM to Enforce 48-Hour Office Picketing from Tomorrow in Naga Areas Over Border Fencing

“We rigidly oppose this coercive action by the Government of India under any condition,” the release stated.

The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), has announced a 48-hour office picketing in all Naga-inhabited hill districts starting June 2, in protest against the ongoing border fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR). The student body said the move is a direct threat to Naga ancestral land and condemned it as “undemocratic and repressive.”

In a press release issued on Sunday, ANSAM said the border fencing has been forcefully pushed forward despite widespread public resistance from Naga civil society groups through rallies, sit-in protests, press releases, and memoranda.

“We rigidly oppose this coercive action by the Government of India under any condition,” the release stated.

The association maintained that sealing the border and cancelling the FMR would not solve any issue, but instead has caused “an unprecedented human crisis.” It accused the government of adopting an “indifferent and aggressive” approach despite repeated appeals from the Naga people.

“The permanent sealing of the border and scrapping of the FMR is highly unacceptable and uncalled for,” the release said. “Time and again, we have raised this concern, but the government continues to ignore our voice.”

ANSAM said it’s Presidential Council meeting on May 12, had unanimously resolved to undertake democratic actions demanding an immediate halt to the fencing and restoration of the FMR. This was further endorsed during the office bearers’ meeting held on May 26.

As part of the decision, all constituent units and subordinate bodies have been instructed to strictly enforce office picketing from June 2. The Association said the movement aims to defend the ancestral land and the unity of Naga families.

“If any unwanted incident arises from this issue, the Government of India and the Government of Manipur must take full responsibility,” the release said.

The student body also cautioned individuals, contractors, transporters, and agencies against participating in or supporting the fencing project in any way.

“Anyone aiding the construction in connection with the FMR scrapping will be held accountable for any consequences that follow,” ANSAM stated.

The Association once again urged the Centre to sincerely return to the negotiating table to address the unresolved Indo-Naga political issue in a peaceful and democratic manner.

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