In the representation today, the NSUD listed out the genesis and course of events that NC Hills is enmeshed in, and set a number of points for the centre to act with. The NSUD said the “militarization” in NC Hills “is against cease-fire principles”. In spite of the ongoing political dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), the students stated, “The Nagas have been facing incessant state repression and army atrocities.”
The NSUD referred to the recent cabinet decision of Manipur “to overrule the principles and conditions of the ceasefire agreement signed by the central government with the NSCN.” This was done by deploying Indian Reserve Battalions (IRB) and commandos in the four Naga Hill districts of Manipur, the union stated. “… (It is) not only unprecedented but, it is suspicious aversion from peaceful political dialogue and overt attempt to create tension in the region,” the NSUD said in solidarity with the protest from the four districts of Manipur. The militarization in NC Hills must stop and “refrain from inculcating inter-community conflict in the region”, according to the NSUD.
The NSUD lamented that the recent development has sufficiently indicated the “non-seriousness” of the government of India in resolving the Indo-Naga problem “by resorting to the tactics of derailing the peace processes at the behest of the Indian military personnel.” It is also understood that the involvement of Indian military forces in inter-community discord and the recent provision of designated camps to the Kuki militants in the four Naga districts in Manipur by the Government of India are attempts to create disharmony in the region, the union claimed.
The NSUD urged for a number of measures the PM can take to contain the situation in NC Hills and to restore. The union sought the central government’s assurance to “ensure that the Indian military forces are not terrorizing the Naga villages” but “ascertain the security” of the lives of the Nagas in the region. Relief materials should be provided immediately to the displaced Naga refugees, while compensation must be granted for the loss of lives and properties, the union said. The union also took note of what it said is the “suspicious conduct of the Indian military forces” and demanded that Naga village volunteers “must be equipped by the Government of India to regain their confidence and security in their own land.”
The centre was asked to take ‘appropriate action’ immediately to contain both the Dimasa militant groups DHD (J) and DHD (D) in all possible means for the safety of the lives of the Nagas and the “minor tribes” in NC Hills, and that the government must ensure that the DHD (D) faction does not breach the ceasefire ground rules. The central government must warn the Dimasa militants of strict action against the claim for ‘Dima Hasao Raji’ (‘kingdom of the Dimasa’) in the Naga areas, the union added.
Further, the central government has been urged to look into the “loopholes of the administration of Assam state government and reproached for its inaction” and ensure “safety of passage for passenger and commodity cars plying on the economic roadways leading to the Naga areas”.