SENAPATI, June 12:    The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), on Thursday reaffirmed its unwavering support for the ongoing people’s movement against the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the imposition of border fencing in Naga areas. The association also extended its full solidarity with the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) in its declared non-cooperation with the Superintendent of Police and Additional SP (Law and Order) of Senapati District.

In a strongly worded statement issued on June 12, ANSAM emphasized that it stands still in defending the legitimate rights of our people, for our ancestral land and unique history. The student body referenced recent democratic agitations held on June 2 and 3 against the Government of India’s actions, asserting that these movements are grounded in the collective will of the Naga people.

“These protests are a political expression of our desire to live as one people and to seek a political settlement based on the 3rd August 2015 Framework Agreement,” ANSAM stated. The agreement, according to the association, recognizes the Naga flag, constitution, and the integration of all Naga areas as inalienable rights.

The association also invoked international legitimacy for the Naga cause under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), 2007, particularly Article 36, arguing that the Indian government has failed to uphold democratic principles and has shown “frailty of governance” by ignoring the will of indigenous communities.

While the 48-hour office picketing protest passed peacefully across other hill districts, ANSAM highlighted a specific incident in Senapati, blaming it on “reckless and unnecessary provocation made by the law enforcing agency in the behest of SP and Addl. SP (L&O).” The association called this behavior “chilling and biased,” arguing it challenged the democratic rights and sentiments of the Naga people.

In a clear show of support, ANSAM declared its “resolute solidarity” with the SDSA’s call for non-cooperation with the said officers and cautioned the government: “In the event of any untoward incident, the government should be held fully responsible.”

The statement further condemned the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against various student organizations including ANSAM itself, SDSA, the Maram Students’ Union (MKS), Mao Students’ Union (MSU), Poumai Naga Students’ Union (PNTM), Thangal Students’ Union (TAJ), and Zeliangrong Students’ Union – Senapati Zone (ZSU-SZ).

Calling the FIRs “outrageous and illogical,” the association warned of the danger in criminalizing the collective conscience of Naga youth and civil bodies: “We condemn this autocratic action of the Senapati District police department in no uncertain terms and shall fight to the end for our rights.”

Questioning the motives behind such action, ANSAM expressed deep disapproval of the district police leadership and called for accountability. “We question the sagacity and personal interest of the SP and Addl. SP (L&O) who had the audacity to lodge FIRs and level IPC sections against student bodies that represent the voice of the people,” the statement said.

“All the Constituent and Subordinate Units of the association and the Naga populace, are cautioned to remain steadfast and roll up their sleeves for any eventuality,” the statement concluded.