3 days ago
Student group's 48-hr protest disrupts govt operations in Naga-inhabited Manipur dists
Imphal: The 48-hour office picketing
enforced by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), since Monday has disrupted the normal functioning of govt offices across the Naga-inhabited hill districts of Senapati, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Chandel, Kamjong, and Noney.
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The protest, which is being carried out in opposition to the ongoing construction of the India-Myanmar border fencing and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), has received strong backing from Naga civil organisations.
In Senapati district, tensions escalated on Tuesday at the district headquarters when a vehicle belonging to the superintendent of police (SP) was reportedly damaged during a confrontation.
According to sources, the incident occurred after a scuffle broke out following the SP's alleged non-compliance with the protest. A heated exchange ensued between the officer and the protesters, leading to further unrest. Protesters claimed that the SP ordered a CRPF personnel to load their weapon and threatened the protesters, which, in turn, provoked them to overturn the SP's official vehicle.
The picketing in Senapati district is being led by the Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) along with its federating student unions, including the Mao Students' Union (MSU), Maram Students' Union (MKS), Poumai Naga Students' Union (PNTM), Thangal Students' Union (TAJ), and Zeliangrong Students' Union, Senapati Zone (ZSU-SZ).
Meanwhile, ANSAM has reaffirmed its opposition to any decision that undermines the historical and traditional rights of the Naga people, particularly concerning unrestricted movement across the India-Myanmar border. The student body emphasized that the ongoing protest is part of a broader campaign aimed at securing recognition and respect for these rights.
Sources confirmed that the picketing of govt offices has severely impacted administrative operations across the Naga-inhabited districts, adding to concerns over governance and public services.
