NSF demands removal of Avakhung Check Gate, withdrawal of Assam Rifles outpost

Responds to Ministry of Defence PRO clarification

Kohima, September 24 (MExN): 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 their activities are restricting ordinary movement and livelihoods. In a press release dated September 24, the NSF also demanded disclosure of the legal order, notification or authority under which the Check Gate and outpost are operating at their present location.

The Federation sought immediate clarification on reports of sick persons being denied or delayed access to hospitals and healthcare services, and demanded assurances that essential medical movement would not be obstructed.

It further demanded an end what it alleged as “house-to-house questioning of villagers”  and halt “unnecessary surveillance, intimidation, frisking, harassment and interference” in the ordinary lives of civilians.

The NSF also called for unhindered lawful trade and movement of agricultural produce, goods and other livelihood materials.

It sought clarification on the legal status and authority concerning the occupation or control of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and other State Government properties under the Departments of Health & Family Welfare, Industries & Commerce, and Transport, and restrictions reportedly placed on the concerned departments and local residents from accessing these areas.

Claims Company Commander declines to meet delegation
The demands came in response to a clarification issued by the Spokesperson and PRO, Ministry of Defence, regarding the stoppage of an NSF delegation at Avakhung, Meluri district, on September 19.

The NSF stated that the delegation had approached the concerned authorities to complete the necessary registration and other formalities required to obtain a Border Pass and proceed to Tsera in the Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ).

According to the Federation, the delegation had sought an audience with the Company Commander at Avakhung to explain the purpose of its visit, clarify requirements for onward movement and raise concerns regarding difficulties reportedly faced by local villagers.

It alleged that the Company Commander refused to grant an audience, preventing the delegation from presenting its case directly or seeking clarification on the requirements being imposed.

Accordingly, the NSF maintained that the delegation’s inability to produce a Border Pass should not be viewed in isolation, stating that the necessary registration process to obtain the pass had not been allowed to proceed and that the delegation was not given an opportunity to meet the Company Commander.

The Federation said its delegation was travelling to Tsera to meet the Naga Students’ Organization (NSO) and other Nagas for a Cultural Exchange programme.

It stated that on September 18, the delegation reached Luitsam 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.

Following the consultations, local representatives approached the Assam Rifles outpost at Avakhung to facilitate the delegation’s onward movement, the NSF said.

The delegation complied with the requirements communicated to it, including providing a reference from the concerned public organisation. However, upon reaching the Avakhung Check Gate on September 19, it was informed that the requested passage would not be facilitated and that the necessary registration process could not proceed, it added.

Concerns over movement and access to services
The NSF stated that it was aware of the Government of India’s regulatory framework, including Border Pass and other requirements governing movement across the imposed international boundary.

However, it maintained that such regulations did not address the larger concerns regarding the reported 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, and that sick persons from neighbouring Naga villages had been stopped or delayed while being taken to hospitals.

It also alleged that Assam Rifles personnel in civilian dress had been visiting village homes and questioning residents during morning and evening hours, while the movement of agricultural produce, goods and other materials connected with local trade and livelihoods had reportedly been restricted.

NSF calls for coordination with State authorities
The NSF called upon the Assam Rifles and the Government of India to “stay away from the Naga way of life” and restrictions on movement within Naga areas.

It further stated that any security arrangements within Nagaland must be undertaken in coordination with, and within the lawful framework of, the State Government and its police authorities.

The NSF said it stood with the people of Avakhung and the wider Naga populace in seeking lawful, transparent and accountable governance, and would continue to pursue the matter through democratic and peaceful means. 

The people have the right to live, move, work, cultivate their lands, access healthcare, pursue lawful livelihoods and maintain our social, cultural and familial relationships in our homeland.