Kohima, September 20(MExN): The Angami Students' Union (ASU), Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) and Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) have expressed concern and condemned the reported stopping of a Naga Students' Federation (NSF) delegation by Assam Rifles personnel at the Avangkhu Checkgate in Meluri district while it was proceeding to Myanmar.
The NSF delegation was reportedly stopped in the early hours of September 19 despite having reference letters and documents for the proposed visit, according to the organisations. The delegation was travelling to meet Naga communities in Myanmar as part of a proposed cultural exchange.
The ASU said it was "aghast and appalled" by the reported action and questioned whether the restriction was endorsed by the Government of India, particularly in view of its acknowledgement of the "unique history" of the Nagas.
The union also criticised the Assam Rifles' description of itself as "Friends of the hill people", alleging that the force's actions had instead caused hardship to hill communities.
The ASU said publicity events and distribution of materials or essentials could not, in its view, overshadow what it described as the alleged atrocities against Nagas over the decades. It condemned the reported action and expressed solidarity with the NSF.
The DNSU also condemned what it termed the "high-handed and unjust" action, saying restricting student leaders from visiting Naga communities across the border could affect ancestral, cultural and social ties among Naga communities.
It described the India-Myanmar boundary as an artificial division across the Naga ancestral homeland and said boundaries could not erase shared history, family relations and cultural ties.
The DNSU urged authorities to respect the movement of Naga people within their traditional areas and refrain from imposing undue restrictions on peaceful delegations.
YAN, while acknowledging the importance of national security, particularly along the international border, said any restriction on the peaceful movement of citizens or recognised student organisations should be based on clear, lawful and legitimate grounds.
It said that where restrictions were necessary, the reasons should be communicated properly and transparently to those concerned.
YAN said the reported incident was particularly concerning given the long-standing social, cultural and historical connections among Naga communities on both sides of the India-Myanmar border.
The organisation called upon the Government of India, Assam Rifles and other concerned authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and explain the grounds on which the NSF delegation was stopped.
It sought clarity on whether the restriction was based on any specific law, order, directive or security-related instruction and whether the reasons were properly communicated to the delegation.
YAN also urged the authorities to establish a transparent mechanism for legitimate cultural, social and people-to-people engagements while maintaining necessary security protocols.
"National security and the rights and dignity of citizens should not be viewed as conflicting interests," it said, adding that both could be protected through proper communication, lawful procedures, mutual respect and coordination.
The organisation appealed to the authorities to address the matter through dialogue and institutional communication to prevent further misunderstanding or erosion of trust between the people and security forces in Naga-inhabited areas.
As of September 20, no official explanation from the Assam Rifles regarding the reported stopping of the NSF delegation was available in the public domain.
