The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has issued a directive to all its constituent units, urging alignment with the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in advocating for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Naga homeland. The LSU extended its gratitude to its units for their unwavering support and cooperation and reiterated the importance of this unified stance.
During the 1st NSF Federal Assembly held on 25 November 2023 for the 2023-2025 tenure, the house resolved that all federating units must restrict their members from engaging with the Indian Armed Forces within educational institutions and during student-related events, the LSU said, adding that the resolution reaffirms a stance initially adopted during the 2nd NSF Federal Assembly in the 2021-2022 tenure, emphasizing the collective commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the Naga people.
“The AFSPA has been a longstanding source of hardship and injustice for innocent citizens in our homeland. The act grants excessive powers to the armed forces, often resulting in severe human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and unwarranted harassment of civilians,” it said.
In light of these issues, the LSU has issued the following directives for strict compliance by all constituent units:
1. Active Advocacy for Repeal of AFSPA:
All units are to actively advocate for the repeal of AFSPA from the Naga homeland. This includes organizing awareness campaigns, collaborating with civil society organizations, and engaging with local and national authorities to amplify the unified voice against this draconian law.
2. Restriction on Collaboration with Indian Armed Forces: Effective immediately, all constituent units must ensure that their members refrain from any collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces within educational institutions and during student-related events. This includes participation in events organized or sponsored by the armed forces and any form of endorsement or support for military activities within academic settings.
3. Monitoring and Compliance: Each constituent unit is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with this directive. Reports on actions taken and compliance status should be submitted to the LSU office.
The LSU counts on the steadfast dedication of its units to uphold these directives, thereby contributing to the larger cause of justice and freedom for the Naga people. The LSU expressed gratitude for the continued commitment and cooperation in the collective struggle against the injustices inflicted by AFSPA.