The All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) has strongly condemned the unprovoked attack against Naga Village Guard (NVG) across Naga areas, arbitrary arrest of Naga leaders and intimation to villagers. ANSAM has also demanded for the immediate removal of AFSPA from the Naga areas.
The press release of ANSAM stated that “the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) strongly condemned the unprovoked attacked, unwarranted and heavily militarized operations carried out by the Indian Armed Forces towards the Naga Village Guards across Naga areas of the state. The Naga people are perturbed by the colonial pattern of indiscriminate operations, arbitrary arrests of Nagas including leaders, intimidation of village communities and the systematic militarization of Government of India sinister policies using Kuki armed militants in Naga areas while the actual perpetrators of violence continue to operate with impunity. The recent operations conducted on 29th July, 2026 by personnel of the Indian CRPF-CoBRA units in villages under Noney Sub-Division, Tamenglong District, by indiscriminate firing upon Naga Village Guards resulting in grievous bullet injuries and the killing of Mr. Lanbilung Riamei, 29 years. old, who was defending his village as village guard, is a grave violation of the right to life and security of indigenous communities and its traditional village law. Such actions cannot be justified under any democratic governance and amount to a serious abuse of its colonial power. The use of coercive state machinery against those seeking justice and security for their people is unacceptable and poses a serious threat to democratic freedoms.
“The Association is deeply alarmed that these actions have taken place in the backdrop of the prolonged violence inflicted upon the Naga people since February 2026. Armed Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) arrangement, particularly KNF-P and other allied armed groups, have repeatedly carried out attacks on Naga villages, killings, abductions, destruction of properties and forced displacement of innocent Naga civilians. Despite these repeated incidents, justice has remained elusive, and the response of the state has been marked by selective action and misplaced militarization. Instead of dismantling Kuki militant networks responsible for the inhumane killing of six Naga Hostages at Lailon Vaiphei, TM Kasom ambush massacring two civilians, Joujangtek ambush massacring one civilian, Kotlen-Kozim ambush killing three Thadou church leaders, various attacks on indigenous Naga villages killing civilians, the Indian security forces have increasingly targeted Naga areas through intensive search operations, harassment of civilians and intimidation of village institutions. This selective application of force has created a widespread perception that the state and centre is criminalizing the victims while failing to act decisively against those responsible for violence and crimes. Such an approach not only deepens public mistrust but also undermines the rule of law and the credibility of democratic institutions.
“ANSAM is equally concerned by the continued militarization of Naga areas by sections of the Assam Rifles and CRPF-CoBRA units immediately before and after attacks on Naga villages. These operations have generated fear and insecurity among students, youth, women, and ordinary villagers. Rather than providing protection to the affected communities, these actions have weakened the confidence of the people in the neutrality of the security apparatus. The failure to ensure the security of vulnerable Naga villages while subjecting them to coercive operations raises serious questions about the intent and priorities of the state agencies. The continued use of militarized measures against indigenous communities threatens to derail the fragile peace process and further alienate the younger generation. Suppression, intimidation and arbitrary use of force cannot replace justice, Naga-Indo political dialogue and a sincere commitment to peace. As the apex students’ and Youths organization of the Nagas in Manipur, ANSAM cannot remain a silent spectator while innocent civilians and community leaders are subjected to violence, harassment and persecution. We call upon all Naga students, youths, civil society organizations, churches and democratic forces to remain united, vigilant and resolute in defending the legitimate rights, security and future of the Naga people and pursuing for justice for the crimes. in accordance to the charter of demands placed before the Government of Manipur and India by the United Naga Council and the demand of ANSAM for removal of Indian Armed Forces and its draconian law, the AFSPA, from the Naga Areas. Any further. provocation and escalation of the situation arising out of such partisan and repressive actions shall rest squarely upon the Government of India and the Government of Manipur” added the statement issued by the Information & Publicity, ANSAM.
