DIMAPUR: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) and Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) have strongly condemned the reported incident at Avangkhu Checkgate, Meluri district, where personnel of the Assam Rifles allegedly stopped a delegation of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) from proceeding towards Myanmar on September 19.
In its statement, DNSU media cell, termed the action “high handed and unjust,” asserting that restricting student leaders from visiting Naga brethren across the border was a direct attempt to sever ancestral, cultural and social ties. It maintained that the border between India and Myanmar was an artificial division imposed without the consent of the indigenous people, and emphasised that Nagas living in Myanmar were not foreigners but part of the same community sharing identity, heritage and destiny. DNSU said such actions disregarded the sentiments and rights of the indigenous hill people and fostered division and resentment. It reiterated solidarity with NSF and demanded that authorities respect the rights and freedom of movement of the Naga people within their traditional homelands.
YAN, in its condemnation note, expressed deep concern over the incident while acknowledging the importance of national security in border areas. It stressed that restrictions on peaceful movement of citizens or recognised organisations must be based on clear, lawful and legitimate grounds, and reasons should be communicated transparently. Highlighting the long standing social, cultural and historical ties between Naga communities on both sides of the India-Myanmar border, YAN called upon the Government of India, Assam Rifles and concerned authorities to clarify the circumstances and provide a clear explanation regarding the grounds for stopping the NSF delegation.
The association urged the establishment of a transparent mechanism to facilitate legitimate cultural and social engagements while respecting security protocols.
Monday, September 21, 2026