Mao Students Union(MSU) reported that its delegation along with Poumai Students Union and Maralui Karalimei Swijoikang (Maram Students Union) were “stopped, questioned and obstructed” from proceeding beyond Khuzama by volunteers of SAPO and SAYO on Wednesday at around 11 a.m. MSU publicity wing said the delegation of the three unions were on their way to attend the emergency meeting/special assembly convened by the NSF in Kohima on June 10.
MSU said despite clarifying about the purpose of their movement, SAPO and SAYO volunteers “humiliated and intentionally meted harassment to the student leaders” besides aggressively abusing and even attempting physical assault. MSU said when Nagaland Police personnel intervened, its leaders were turned back and the Poumai and Maram student leaders were “given passage”. MSU wanted to know what was meant when volunteers asked “if you were a Naga behave as a Naga” .
Further, MSU pointed out that they had reposed full faith in the statement of Naga Hoho that SAPO and SAYO had kept their notice in abeyance by assuring that “no harm will be meted to the Mao community”. Based on the assurances, MSU said its delegation had proceeded to attend the NSF meeting in the hope that it would bridge the misunderstanding and to provide full cooperation to the federation. MSU asked, if anything happened, will the Naga Hoho be responsible for the irresponsible act adding such acts distort the very fabric of democracy and Naga brotherliness.
Condemnation: Maring Students Union, Monsang Students Union, Moyon Students Union and Lamkang Students Union strongly have condemned the incident where the students leaders were stopped from attending the NSF Assembly. The students body said despite producing ID cards, some volunteers at Khuzama area stopped them. The unions appealed that such incidents should not be repeated by any Naga brethren in future and urged for peace and unity.
Appeal: Peace Coalition of North East India (PCNI) has appealed for goodwill and amicable settlement of the land dispute between SAPO and Mao Council in the truest spirit of Naga brethren. PCNI coordinator Adahe Neli and asst.coordinator Kahuli Swu reminded that resolving the conflict through mutual respect and dialogue may be the best alternative way out.
PCNI also appealed to all concerned organizations, civil societies, Churches, students bodies and individuals to look into the matter and bring about an amicable solution at the earliest possible.