The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), through its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), has slammed the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), labeling their actions as “insulting.” The NSCN-IM stated that AAPSU would be held accountable for opposing the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) at the behest of external forces aiming to undermine the rights of the Nagas in Arunachal Pradesh.
“For your act of insulting the Wangcho Region of NSCN/GPRN, AAPSU shall be held accountable for deliberately standing against NSCN/GPRN at the behest of forces and agencies determined to obliterate the rights of the Nagas from Arunachal Pradesh,” the NSCN-IM stated.
This statement follows a controversy that erupted following a directive issued by the NSCN-IM in June 2024. The directive, aimed at village authorities in the Wancho region of Arunachal Pradesh, including village chiefs, ZPMs, GPCs, and the Head GB, sought to ban illegal fishing and deforestation activities to preserve the ecosystem, natural habitats, flora, and fauna, and to prevent natural disasters in the region. The directive emphasized adherence “for the welfare of the future generation,” warning that non-compliance would result in fines and stern actions by the Wancho regional office.
The Wancho people, culturally Naga, inhabit the Patkai hills of Longding District in Arunachal Pradesh and are ethnically related to the Nocte and Konyak Naga of the Mon and Tirap districts.
In response, the AAPSU expressed strong discontent, stating, “Interfering in the affairs of other states is something we do not expect from the GPRN. We will not tolerate such directives/orders from Nagaland in the future.” The union viewed the GPRN’s order as a direct affront to the people of Arunachal Pradesh and emphasized the capability of local and district administrations to address conservation issues.
“Various CBOs, organizations, and local and district administrations are capable of addressing our issues,” the AAPSU added, urging the GPRN to refrain from issuing similar orders in the future.
The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) perceived the NSCN/GPRN’s action as “unwarranted interference” in Arunachal Pradesh’s internal matters, particularly in the Tirap, Changlang, and Longding (TCL) region.
The NSCN, on July 2, responded that AAPSU’s “adverse reaction” to the Wangcho Region’s efforts to preserve the natural habitat and ecology of wildlife and aquatic systems within Arunachal Pradesh’s Wangcho Region had “bewildered” the NSCN.
“The apex students’ body of Arunachal Pradesh is acting in defiance of the NSCN when it expresses concern for wildlife conservation and halting reckless exploitation that destroys wildlife habitats, including aquatic life,” the NSCN noted, adding that it challenges the geopolitical rights of the Nagas, as defined by their historical and political rights defended by the NSCN-led movement.