The Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland (NNC/FGN) under the leadership of Zhopra Vero has condemned the reported obstruction of a Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) delegation by Assam Rifles personnel at the Avakhung Check Gate in Meluri district on September 19.
In a press release issued on September 21, NNC/FGN Killo Kilonser Victor M Thuu said the delegation was travelling to Myanmar for a cultural exchange and to meet Naga students and communities across the India-Myanmar boundary.
The NNC/FGN said Naga communities on both sides of the boundary had maintained relationships through kinship, customary institutions, trade, marriage, religious fellowship and social exchanges long before the establishment of the Avakhung Check Gate.
It questioned the obstruction of such traditional interactions, asking, “What moral and political rights do they have to question our traditional values, norms and practices by forcefully occupying our land?”
The statement also criticised the continued presence of security checkpoints, permits and other restrictions, saying these had affected the exercise of civilian rights and freedoms. It referred to the cumulative impact of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and other security measures on Naga society.
The NNC/FGN further asserted that Nagas had travelled and maintained social and cultural relationships across their homelands before the establishment of India, Myanmar and the Assam Rifles.
The statement called for Nagas to be allowed to preserve and maintain their cultural and traditional practices.
