The Naga Students’ Federation’s (NSF) phase wise agitation began on August 3 with students in educational institutions all over Nagaland wearing black badges and bands to protest the extension of Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) and the imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
During a press conference held at the NSF office, President Subenthung Kithan announced that the agitation will continue till August 11 when a rally against the draconian laws will be held the same day at Khochiezie, Kohima Local ground. Students, and Naga apex organizations such as Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Hoho and Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) will join the protest.
Kithan also clarified that due to some miscommunication, the agitation in the form of wearing black badges and bands, could not fully be covered in educational institutions on the first day. Further the 3 day agitation which was supposed to be held from August 3-5 has been extended till August 11. The August 11 rally will be held in all Naga inhabited areas and headquarters of the NSF subordinate units.
The NSF has also directed students in all educational institutions in Nagaland to strictly adhere to the ongoing agitation and support the cause. After the rally, the next phase of the agitation will entail Naga apex organizations meeting the Ministry of Home Affairs for discussions on revoking the DAA and AFSPA. An action plan will further be notified in the coming days.
Taking a serious note on the extension of the DAA and the AFSPA, the NSF along with Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Hoho and NPMHR held a consultative meeting on July 25 where concerns were raised on the AFSPA and the recent threatening and filing of legal notice against the President of Pochury Students’ Union (PSU) by the Assam Rifles.
Taking it forward
Discussions are currently on for seeking support and solidarity from all States in India which have been affected by the AFSPA.
“Nagas has always had a soft corner for any struggling people and our heart and mind goes to the people of Kashmir now,” expressed Kenneth Mao from NMPHR, also mentioning that Nagas are taking up efforts to invite all concerned organizations in the Northeast to fight the common fight. Dark laws like AFSPA have no space in modern society, added Mao.
“As far as the Wuzu killings and the threat against the President of PSU is concerned the AR has clearly forgotten that the inquiry commission is still on. The Judicial Inquiry Commission has not cleared them of their guilt. Legally too they are in no position to serve this kind of legal notice, and least of all a defamation case because perhaps it could be the other way round. To have a legal notice being served to this young student leader is highly objectionable,” said Rosemary Dzüvichü, Advisor, NMA, who also reminded that the NMA and Pochury Mothers’ Association have filed a case in the Supreme Court with all the evidences, photographs, and testimonials. The SC immediately directed the High court in Nagaland to dispose the case at the earliest. However, the NMA stated that case is facing problem due to the delay of the JIC report which is needed as a basis for the case.
Dzüvichü also asserted that Nagas should be even more concerned about the AFSPA because the draconian law was first imposed on the Nagas. “With the peace process going on for so many years, we are also tired. You (GoI) are talking of peace on one side and pointing your guns at us on the other,” expressed Dzüvichü, who has appealed to the public to join the fight against AFSPA.
The NSF has further notified that a meeting will be held with all apex organizations on August 5 at 11:00 am at Hotel Japfü.
ANCSU directs students to wear black badges
The All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has directed all its units to comply with the NSF directive to all students in Naga inhabited areas to wear black badges from August 3-5. The black badge will be worn to show resentment against the imposition of the AFSPA and the DAA in Nagaland. This information was issued by ANCSU General Secretary, Benjong Longchar and Publicity & Information Secretary, Imnameren N Jamir.
