Myanmar-based NSCN-K (Yung Aung) and the ULFA (Independent) have declared a total shutdown on August 15 across the states of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, rejecting what they term as “colonial India” gearing up to once again showcase her “false Independence Day in the Wesea region under gun-point.”
In a joint statement released by Col Joseph (Retd), NSCN-K (YA) deputy kilonser, MIP, the groups declared the shutdown from 1 AM to 6:00 PM on 15 August with exceptions made for emergency services, media, and religious activities.
The groups called on the citizens of the “Wesean region” to support the boycott by staying indoors. Under the spirit of “One People, One Region, One Vision,” the organisations called upon all “freedom-loving Wesean citizens” to reject this day.
“This colonialist symbol is just to deceive the world and justify the illegal domination to continue suppression of the legitimate aspirations of the Wesean region,” the groups said, alleging that India is “desperately trying to paint the picture of normalcy in the region which is only a myth.” Beneath the veneer lies a harsh reality composed of “brutal military oppression, endless human right violations, and cruel assimilation policies,” the groups alleged.
“This imposed celebration has nothing to offer our region except a sorrowful reminder of another year under India’s brutal occupation,” the statement read, adding that August 15 will continue to be observed as a “Black Day” in the history of the Wesean revolution.
“The imposed celebration has nothing to offer our region except a sorrowful reminder of another year under India’s brutal occupation,” the joint statement read, adding that it is an “insult to the aspirations of the Wesean peoples who had sacrificed much for restoration of our lost sovereignty.”
It added that 15 August will continue to remain a ‘Black Day’ in chapter of “Wesean revolution.”