The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has demanded the immediate removal of the Avakhung Check Gate from within the village and withdrawal of the Assam Rifles outpost from civilian areas, alleging that restrictions at the border point have affected the movement, healthcare access and livelihoods of local residents.
The demand came in response to the clarification issued by the Spokesperson and PRO, Ministry of Defence, regarding the reported stoppage of an NSF delegation at Avakhung in Meluri district on September 19.
The NSF said its delegation had travelled to Tsera in the Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ) to meet the Naga Students’ Organization (NSO) and other Naga communities for a cultural exchange programme. It said the delegation had approached the concerned authorities to complete the necessary registration and formalities for obtaining a Border Pass.
According to a statement issued by NSF President Mteisuding and General Secretary Kenilo Kent, the delegation sought an audience with the Company Commander at Avakhung to explain the purpose of its visit, clarify requirements for onward movement and raise concerns reportedly faced by local villagers. However, it alleged that the Company Commander declined to meet the delegation.
The NSF said the delegation’s inability to produce a Border Pass should not be viewed in isolation, claiming that the registration process required for obtaining the pass was not allowed to proceed and that the delegation was not given an opportunity to meet the officer in charge.
The Federation said that on September 18, the delegation had reached Lütsam village in the Phokhungri area and consulted local public organisations, including the Phokhungri Area Public Organization (PAPO), regarding difficulties reportedly faced by residents in the border areas.
It claimed that following the consultations, local representatives approached the Assam Rifles outpost at Avakhung to facilitate the delegation’s onward movement. The delegation, it said, complied with the requirements communicated to it, including providing a reference from the concerned public organisation.
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However, upon reaching the Avakhung Check Gate on September 19, the delegation was informed that its onward passage would not be facilitated and that the registration process could not proceed, the NSF claimed.
While acknowledging the Government of India’s regulatory framework governing movement across the international boundary, including Border Pass requirements, the NSF said such regulations did not address what it described as wider concerns over the regulation of ordinary civilian life within Avakhung.
The Federation alleged that access to the village dispensary and healthcare services had been affected by the presence and functioning of the Check Gate. It further claimed that sick persons from neighbouring Naga villages had been stopped or delayed while being taken to hospitals.
The NSF also alleged that Assam Rifles personnel in civilian attire had been visiting village homes and questioning residents during morning and evening hours. It further claimed that the movement of agricultural produce, goods and other materials connected with local trade and livelihoods had been restricted.
The Federation also raised concerns over the alleged occupation or use of State Government properties under the Departments of Health & Family Welfare, Industries & Commerce, and Transport, including the International Trade Centre (ITC). It sought clarification over restrictions allegedly imposed on departments and local residents accessing these areas.
The NSF demanded disclosure of the legal order, notification or authority under which the Check Gate and outpost are operating at their present locations.
It also sought immediate clarification regarding reports of sick persons being denied or delayed access to hospitals and healthcare services, and called for assurances that essential medical movement would not be obstructed.
Among its other demands, the Federation called for an end to house-to-house questioning of villagers and what it described as unnecessary surveillance, intimidation, frisking, harassment and interference in the ordinary lives of civilians.
It also demanded unhindered lawful movement of agricultural produce, goods and other livelihood materials, besides clarification on the legal status and authority concerning the occupation or control of the ITC and other State Government properties.
The NSF said the Naga people have historically maintained social, cultural, familial and customary relationships across the Naga homeland, including communities on both sides of the India-Myanmar boundary.
Calling for security arrangements within Nagaland to be undertaken in coordination with and within the lawful framework of the State Government and its police authorities, the Federation urged the Assam Rifles and the Government of India to refrain from interfering in what it described as the Naga way of life and movement within Naga areas.
The NSF said it stood with the people of Avakhung and the wider Naga populace in seeking what it termed lawful, transparent and accountable governance, adding that it would continue to pursue the matter through democratic and peaceful means.
