The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has demanded the removal of the Avakhung Check Gate from within the village and withdrawal of the Assam Rifles outpost from civilian areas, while raising concerns over alleged restrictions on movement, healthcare and livelihoods in the border area.
In a statement issued on September 24, the Federation said its delegation, which was travelling to Tsera in the Naga Self-Administered Zone for a cultural exchange programme, was stopped at the Avakhung Check Gate on September 19.
The NSF said the delegation had intended to complete the registration and other formalities required for obtaining a Border Pass. It claimed that its request to meet the Company Commander at Avakhung was not granted and that the registration process could not proceed.
The Federation said it was aware of the Government of India’s regulatory requirements governing movement across the international boundary, but argued that such regulations did not address what it described as wider concerns over the regulation of ordinary civilian life in Avakhung.
The NSF said it had received reports that access to the village dispensary and healthcare services had been affected by the Check Gate, including instances where sick persons from neighbouring Naga villages were allegedly stopped or delayed while being taken to hospitals.
It also alleged that Assam Rifles personnel in civilian dress had been visiting village homes and questioning residents, while the movement of agricultural produce, goods and other livelihood materials had reportedly been restricted.
The Federation further raised concerns over the alleged occupation or use of State Government properties under the Departments of Health & Family Welfare, Industries & Commerce, and Transport, including the International Trade Centre (ITC). It sought clarification on the legal status and authority under which the properties are being occupied or controlled and why access to them is reportedly restricted for concerned departments and local residents.
Among its demands, the NSF called for an end to what it described as unnecessary surveillance, intimidation, frisking, harassment and interference in the ordinary lives of civilians. It also demanded unhindered lawful trade and movement of agricultural produce, goods and other livelihood materials.
The Federation sought immediate clarification on the legal order, notification or other authority under which the Avakhung Check Gate and Assam Rifles outpost are operating at their present locations.
It also demanded assurances that essential medical movement would not be obstructed and called for an end to house-to-house questioning of villagers.
The NSF called upon the Assam Rifles and the Government of India to refrain from what it described as interference in the Naga way of life and restrictions on movement within Naga areas. It said any security arrangements within Nagaland should be undertaken in coordination with, and within the lawful framework of, the State Government and its police authorities.
The Federation said it stood with the people of Avakhung and would pursue the matter through democratic and peaceful means, asserting that people should be able to live, move, work, cultivate their lands, access healthcare and pursue lawful livelihoods while maintaining their social, cultural and familial relationships.
The allegations and demands were made by the NSF in its September 24 statement.