Amidst growing tensions over the unresolved Naga political issue, thousands gathered in Ukhrul on Friday for a solidarity march organized by the Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), protesting against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), border fencing, and restrictions on the Free Movement Regime (FMR).
Organised as part of the golden jubilee celebration of Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), the march commenced from two locations—Kharasom Junction in Ukhrul and Dungrei Junction in Hungpung—and converged at Wino Bazaar, the town center, where a public meeting was held. Participants carried banners with messages such as “Respect the Unique History of the Naga People,” “Save the Peace,” and “Nagas Are Not Lost People,” emphasizing their demands for honouring commitments in the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement and protecting their identity.
The event was attended by Naga leaders from various states and Myanmar.
Speakers at the event included Neingolu Krome, Secretary-General of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR); Priscilla Thiumai, President of the Naga Women’s Union (NWU); and Dr Rose Mary Dzüvichü, Co-convenor of the Naga Global Forum.
They addressed themes central to the Naga people’s struggle, from autonomy to resisting military and legislative restrictions.
Neingulo Krome, secretary general of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, rejected the notion of an Indo-Myanmar border in the Naga homeland.
“With or without the free movement regime, there is no Indo-Burma or Indo-Myanmar border in the Naga homeland,” he said. “There may be a Burma-Naga border somewhere in the Chindwin River. There is another, Indo-Naga border, towards the Brahmaputra. There is no Indo-Burma border between these two rivers.”
Krome accused colonial powers of dividing the Naga homeland, adding, “The Britishers divided the Naga homeland, and India and Myanmar occupied it. But we are one people, and the idea that there is a border in the middle of Naga homes and villages is a wild imagination.”
He expressed confidence in the Nagas’ readiness to resist such “repressive ideas and laws of the Government of India.”
Krome highlighted the significance of the Indo-Naga peace talks, describing them as a critical step towards mutual respect and sustainable peace between the Indian government and the Naga people. Meanwhile, Priscilla called for the repeal of AFSPA, condemning it as a “draconian law” that perpetuates human rights abuses. She warned that continued enforcement could strain the government’s relationship with Naga communities, leading to further unrest.
Marking 50 years of activism, TSL unveiled its Vision 2050 roadmap, focusing on unity, self-reliance, and resistance to oppressive policies. A press briefing at the celebration venue reiterated the call for justice and preservation of Naga heritage.
Vareiyo Shatsang, General Secretary of the United Naga Council (UNC), criticized border fencing projects as an infringement on traditional rights and cross-border ties among Naga communities. He emphasized the historical importance of the FMR, established in 1951, in maintaining cultural and social cohesion.
The march concluded with a collective pledge to uphold Naga identity and rights, demonstrating unwavering unity against challenges posed by AFSPA, border fencing, and FMR restrictions.