The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the All Nagaland College Students Union (ANCSU) have condemned the assault on the President of Angami Students’ Union (ASU) by jawans of the 13th Assam Rifles on 9th August 2024 at D Block, Kohima. extending solidarity with ASU, both the NSF and ANCSU have reiterated the demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Nagaland.
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has said in its statement that the “incident is not just an attack on an individual, but a direct assault on the entire Naga student community and the values we uphold” and that AFSPA continues to provide a cover of impunity for such inhumane acts. “AFSPA has no place in a democratic society and must be repealed to ensure the protection of the rights and dignity of the Naga people”, it added.
The time has come for a collective and unified stance against the continued militarization of our land and the violations that accompany it, stated the Federation while reminding its Federating Units and sub-ordinate bodies to strictly comply with the standing Non-Cooperation movement towards the armed forces.
Furthermore, NSF has also demanded for the immediate removal of the Assam Rifles Camp at D Block, Kohima citing that it not only causes inconvenience to the public but “has now also become a source of harassment and danger to our community leaders.”
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While appealing the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to bring those responsible to justice, the All Nagaland College Students Union (ANCSU) has stated that the assault on the ASU president undermines the right to free expression and respectful dialogue.
“Given these significant concerns, the ANCSU appeals the authority concerned for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1985 from the public areas and state of Nagaland
Immediately,” the ANCSU stated.
Furthermore, it called for unity among student bodies and organisations in their commitment to non-violence and mutual respect.
