The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has called for relocation of Assam Rifles (AR) camps from urban areas in Nagaland, including Kohima and Dimapur, for urban development and civil-military harmony.
In an appeal to tribe hohos, women associations, civil society, and student and youth bodies in the state, the GNF said it firmly believed that such a move would not only help foster better civil-military relations but also unlock opportunities for sustainable urban development in the of cities, which were currently constrained by the presence of these military installations.
It hoped that leaders cutting across political parties, ideologies, and tribal lines would get behind this overdue public interest reform for the good of the people of Nagaland.
GNF also appealed the chief minister and home minister Nagaland to prioritise this request and take immediate action by initiating discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs and AR for the relocation of the camps.
Maintaining that the relocation of AR camps would accelerate urban development, reduce civil-military tensions, and contribute to overall peace and prosperity of Nagaland, the forum said it would also serve as a model for other states in the Northeast that were facing similar challenges.
It hoped that prompt and decisive action on the matter would be taken to ensure a better future for all the residents of Nagaland.
Claiming that altercations between AR personnel and civilians had been a recurring issue, GNF mentioned that these altercations stemmed from the prolonged deployment of security forces under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), causing unnecessary cultural misunderstandings and avoidable perception of heavy-handedness.
Among numerous incidents, GNF said the altercation between AR personnel and Angami Students’ Union (ASU) in Kohima on August 9, 2024 highlighted the ongoing misunderstandings and tensions between security forces and local communities.
Warning that such incidents if left unaddressed could escalate, leading to further strain in civil-military relations, the forum said relocating the AR camps would reduce such tensions and contribute to long-lasting peace in the cities.
Noting that AR camps were located in prime urban areas, including Kohima, limiting the potential for urban development, the forum said these camps occupied land that could otherwise be used for community-friendly projects, including public parks, tourism infrastructure, hotels, and community recreational facilities.
GNF argued that developing such spaces would benefit local communities, boost tourism sector, and create new economic opportunities. It pointed out that the vacated land in Kohima could be transformed into a tourism and cultural hub, vital for economic growth.
Further, according to the forum, the presence of AR camps in urban areas also caused frequent traffic disruptions, impacting local residents’ mobility and overall urban experience. It mentioned that this had become a significant issue in busy towns like Kohima and Dimapur, where the already limited space was further congested.
Recognising the need for both security and urban growth, the forum mentioned that several north-eastern states had already undertaken or proposed the relocation of AR camps from urban centres. For instance, Mizoram’s capital city Aizawl successfully relocated AR camp from the city centre to the outskirts (Tlangnuai), freeing up prime land for urban development.
A demand of Manipuri people for long, the AR camp in the historic Kangla Fort, Imphal was shifted in 2004, and had now become a tourist spot. Further, discussions about relocating AR camps from congested areas like Nagaram and Minuthong to the outskirts for better urban planning and reducing tensions were ongoing.
While AR camps in Agartala had been moved to the city’s periphery, particularly to areas like Nabajiban, to ease congestion and facilitate urban growth, military camps in Gangtok too had been shifted to peripheral areas such as Bermiok and Rangpo, providing space for the city’s expansion while maintaining security needs.
Itanagar too had witnessed some relocation of AR camps to peripheral areas like Banderdewa and Hollongi, helping to decongest the city and open up space for urban development.
As the state government was committed to the development of urban centres, the GNF sad relocating AR camps would align with these goals, helping transform Kohima, Dimapur, and other towns into vibrant, modern cities with greater infrastructural development.
GNF proposed the relocation of AR camps from urban areas in Nagaland to carefully chosen, strategic sites on the outskirts of towns, arguing that this move would ensure the security needs of the region while freeing up space for urban development.
The forum said the land freed from AR camps should be repurposed for community development projects, including public spaces, tourism facilities, recreational centres, and hotels that could generate local revenue and support the state’s tourism sector.
Urging the state government to engage with the Ministry of Home Affairs, AR, and urban planning authorities to discuss and finalise the relocation process, the GNF insisted that civil society organisations and local stakeholders too should be included in the discussions to ensure a well-rounded, and a transparent approach.