SENAPATI, Feb 25: The Naga People’s Organization (NPO) and the Senapati District Women Association (SDWA) have strongly condemned the actions of the Assam Rifles in Senapati District following a controversial incident in the early hours of February 22, where officials of the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) intercepted the Assam Rifles and SoO Kuki militants working in close collaboration at the heart of our district.

The Naga People’s Organization (NPO), in a press release issued on Monday, condemned the Assam Rifles for their actions during the night of February 21-22, 2025. The NPO expressed grave concern over the high levels of violence in and around Senapati and described the actions as unsettling.

In their statement, the NPO condemned all acts of terrorism and targeted attacks against peaceful civilians. While reaffirming their support for the work of the Assam Rifles and other security forces in maintaining peace and security in the region, the NPO called on the Assam Rifles to respect the sentiments of the Naga people and to engage meaningfully in their duties. The organization urged the Assam Rifles to take a more responsible approach to avoid escalating tensions further and ensure that peace prevails in the region.

In a separate statement, the Senapati District Women Association (SDWA) also expressed alarm and concern regarding the actions of the Assam Rifles. The SDWA condemned the incident on February 22, where officials of the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) intercepted the Assam Rifles and SoO Kuki militants working together in Senapati District. The SDWA stated that the late-night movement of SoO militant leaders, who were under full security cover provided by the Assam Rifles, was unjustified and disruptive to the peaceful environment of the district. The SDWA raised serious concerns about the implications of such actions and called for transparency from the authorities.

The SDWA also expressed full solidarity with the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) in their pursuit of peace, justice, and transparency. The SDWA urged the authorities to clarify the reasons for escorting armed groups into Naga areas and to ensure that the peace and neutrality of the land are preserved. The association emphasized that such actions by the Assam Rifles threaten the stability and peace of the district, and called for responsible action to maintain order and trust among the communities.