The Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) and All Inpui Students’ Union (AISU) has strongly condemned the actions of Assam Rifles at Waphong Inthan. It stated that the Assam Rifles has seemingly sided with one community during this mayhem crisis, effectively alienating and mistreating the Naga people.
The press release signed by A. Saloni Tony, President of SDSA stated that “the office of the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) expresses our profound outrage and condemnation regarding the actions taken by the Assam Rifles in Waphong Inthan, an Inpui Naga village on 11th March, 2026. The dismantling of village bunkers, gates, and signboards-structures established to protect the community from outsiders and intruders-marks a grievous violation of the rights and safety of the Naga people.
‘The bunkers and gates served as a crucial line of defense for the residents of Waphong Inthan village, ensuring their safety in an environment where the risk of outside aggression has always been a pressing concern. These structures represented not only physical protection but also a symbol of the village’s resilience and autonomy in safeguarding their rights and heritage. SDSA is particularly alarmed by the implications of this destruction and the firing of live rounds, which has created panic and fear among the citizens. This act of aggression undermines the very foundation of community security and instills fear among the residents. who have the right to live peacefully without the threat of violence or intimidation.
“In the midst of the ongoing crisis resulting from the Kuki-Meitei conflict, it is particularly disheartening to witness an organisation that claim to be protector of the North East and friends of the Hill people Assam Rifles. However, recent events have cast a shadow over this perception, revealing a troubling pattern of partiality that undermines the very principles of neutrality and protection that the Assam Rifles purport to uphold.
“It is with great disappointment that we observe the Assam Rifles seemingly siding with one community during this mayhem crisis, effectively alienating and mistreating the Naga people. Such selective neutralization is unacceptable and only exacerbates the ongoing tensions in the region. It is imperative that the Assam Rifles adopt an impartial stance, focusing on their mandate to protect all communities equally, regardless of ethnic or cultural affiliations.
“Given the evident bias and misconduct displayed, we appeal to the Government of India to remove the Assam Rifles from Naga ancestral lands. Their presence, as it stands, has contributed to a climate of fear and mistrust among the Naga people.
“The Naga people deserve to live in peace, free from fear and intimidation. We stand united in our demand for justice, safety, and the respect of our rights. We urge the Government of India to take immediate action to rectify this situation and ensure the safety and sovereignty of the Naga people.
The All Inpui Students’ Union (AISU) has also condemned the incident. The press release stated that “the All Inpui Students’ Union (AISU) expresses its strongest condemnation and deep concern over the alarming incident that occurred on the morning of 11 March 2026 at Waphong Inthan Naga Village, where personnel of the Indian Army (Assam Rifles) reportedly fired at the camp of local volunteers in the village and destroyed the bunker, giving harassment to the volunteer who were stationed to safeguard and defend the land of the Naga people.
“The volunteers at Waphong Inthan Naga Village were peacefully guarding and protecting their ancestral land and community. The act of firing by the Indian Army and destroying of the bunkers, is an act of intimidation and harassment against civilians and volunteers who are only standing to defend the rightful land and interests of the Nagas. Such irresponsible action has created panic and tension in the area and is a clear disrespect to the rights and dignity of the Naga people.
“It is highly questionable and deeply disturbing that the Indian Army would resort to such action against volunteers who are defending their own land. The Nagas and the Government of India have already entered into a Framework Agreement with the aim of resolving the long-standing political issue through peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding. Incidents like this directly contradict the spirit of that understanding and undermine the trust between the Naga people and the Government of India.
‘AISU firmly questions the rationale behind targeting volunteers who are safeguarding Naga areas. Such acts only provoke unrest and further complicate the fragile peace process in the region.”
In this regard, the All Inpui Students’ Union (AISU):
Demands that the concerned authorities immediately conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
Urges the Government of India and the concerned authorities to respect the rights, land, and dignity of the Naga people.
Calls for immediate repeal of AFSPA from all the Naga- inhibited areas, as such laws continue to enable intimidation and harassment of the innocent civilians.
Calls for the immediate removal of Indian Army (Assam Rifles) presence from Naga-inhabited areas to prevent further intimidation and harassment of innocent civilians.
AISU stands firmly with the people and the volunteers who are defending our land, rights, and dignity. The Union warns that such acts of provocation and intimidation will only deepen resentment and disturb the peace in the region.
AISU further urges the concerned authorities to address this matter with utmost seriousness and ensure that such unacceptable incidents are not repeated in the future.
