The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has written an appeal letter to the Tribe Hohos, Women Associations, Civil Societies, Students’ and Youth Bodies in Nagaland State requesteng for the relocation of Assam Rifles (AR) camps situated In the heart of urban areas across the state, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur.
“We firmly believe that such a move will not only help foster better civil-military relations but also unlock opportunities for sustainable urban development in the heart of our cities, which are currently constrained by the presence of these military installations. We are very hopeful that civil society leaders across political parties, ideologies, and tribal lines can get behind this overdue public interest reform for the good of the people of Nagaland as a whole,” stated the Forum in the appeal.
The GNF also highlighted the key issues and concerns;
- Growing Civil-Military Tensions:
Altercations between the Assam Rifles and civilians in Nagaland have been a recurring issue due to the sensitive nature of the region’s political and security environment. These altercations stem from the prolonged deployment of security forces under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) causing unnecessary cultural misunderstandings and avoidable perception of heavy-handedness. Among numerous incidents, the recent altercation between Assam Rifles personnel and the Angami Students Union (ASU) in Kohima on 9th August 2024 highlights an ongoing issue of misunderstandings and tensions between security forces and local communities. Such incidents, if left unaddressed, may escalate, leading to further strain in civil-military relations. We believe that relocating the AR camps will reduce such tensions and contribute to long-lasting peace in our cities.
- Impact on Urban Development:
The Assam Rifles camps are located in prime urban areas, including Kohima, which limits the potential for urban development. These camps occupy land that could otherwise be used for community-friendly projects, including:
Public parks, tourism infrastructure, hotels, and community recreational facilities.
Developing such spaces would benefit local communities, boost the tourism sector, and create new economic opportunities. For example, the vacated land in Kohima could be transformed into a tourism and cultural hub, vital for economic growth.
- Traffic and Mobility Issues:
The presence of AR camps in urban areas also causes frequent traffic disruptions, which impact local residents’ mobility and the overall urban experience. This has become a significant issue in busy towns like Kohima and Dimapur, where the already limited space is further congested.
- Successful Relocation Precedents in Other States:
Several states in the North East have already undertaken or proposed the relocation of Assam Rifles camps from urban centers, recognizing the need for both security and urban growth. For instance:
Mizoram : The capital city of Aizawl successfully relocated Assam Rifles camps from the city center to the outskirts (Tlangnuai), freeing up prime land for urban development.
Manipur: In Imphal, the ARs camp in the historic Kangla was shifted in 2004 which has been a demand of Manipuri people for long and has now become a tourist spot. Further, there have been ongoing discussions about relocating Assam Rifles camps from congested areas like Nagaram and Minuthong to the outskirts, allowing for better urban planning and reducing tensions.
Tripura: Assam Rifles camps in Agartala have been moved to the periphery of the city, particularly to areas like Nabajiban, to ease congestion and facilitate urban growth.
Sikkim: In Gangtok, military camps have been shifted to more peripheral areas such as Bermiok and Rangpo, providing space for the city’s expansion while maintaining security needs.
Arunachal Pradesh: Itanagar has seen some relocation of Assam Rifles camps to peripheral areas like Banderdewa and Hollongi, helping to decongest the city and open up space for urban development.
- Alignment with Urban Development Goals:
The Government of Nagaland is committed to the development of urban centers, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission. Relocating AR camps would align with these goals, helping transform Kohima, Dimapur, and other towns into vibrant, modern cities with greater infrastructural development.
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Further the proposed action plan was also outlined by the Forum:
- Relocation of Assam Rifles Camps: It proposed the relocation of Assam Rifles camps from urban areas in Nagaland to carefully chosen, strategic sites on the outskirts of towns. This move will ensure the security needs of the region are maintained while freeing up space for urban development.
- Utilization of Vacated Land:
The land vacated by the Assam Rifles camps should be repurposed for community development projects, including:
Public spaces, tourism facilities, recreational centres, and hotels that can generate local revenue and support the state’s tourism sector.
- Stakeholder Collaboration:
It urged the Government of Nagaland to engage with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Assam Rifles leadership, and urban planning authorities to discuss and finalize the relocation process. Additionally, civil society organizations and local stakeholders should be included in the discussions to ensure a well-rounded, transparent approach.
The Forum also appealed the Chief Minister and Home Minister of Nagaland to prioritize the request and take immediate action by initiating discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Assam Rifles for the relocation of the camps.
“We believe that the relocation of Assam Rifles camps will greatly enhance urban development, reduce civil-military tensions, and contribute to the overall peace and prosperity of Nagaland. It will also serve as a model for other states in the Northeast region that are facing similar challenges,” stated the GNF expressing anticipation for prompt and decisive action to ensure a better future for all the residents of Nagaland.
