The office of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) representing the voice of the Naga students and youths in Manipur submitted a representation to Yumnam Khemchand Singh Chief Minister of Manipur on 16 March 2026 demanding immediate removal of Assam Rifles and revocation of AFSPA from Manipur state.
The representation reads “at a time when the state continues to face profound political and social challenges, the Association expects that you will take this opportunity to rebuild trust among the communities and address the deep-rooted grievances that have long affected the hill peoples particularly the Nagas.
“The Association would like to put record straight that, while the Naga people continue to face various socio-political, and developmental challenges in the state, one of the most pressing concerns remains the continued imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 in the Naga ancestral land making the Naga people suffered immeasurably at the hands of the Indian military, who have been granted impunity to commit egregious human rights violations. Since the imposition of the draconian law, AFSPA, in Naga homeland, the innocent Naga people were terrorized and were used as an object of soft target by the Indian Army not sparing even the women and children on the pretext of maintaining law and order situations.
“The Naga people are peace loving people and have been maintaining peace and harmony in all Naga Homeland since the signing of Indo- Naga ceasefire agreement in 1997 which paved a way to signing of the Framework Agreement between the Government of India(Gol) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland(NSCN) on August 3, 2015 but the blatant and continuous imposition of AFSPA, in Naga Homeland negates the spirit of Indo-Naga peace process which is at the highest level and reflects the insincerity on the part of Gol in resolving the longest political issue in the Southeast Asia.
“Notwithstanding the volatile circumstances in the state, the Association express our serious concern and grievances on the increasing reports from the Naga populace that the personnel’s of Assam Rifles (AR) have been working in close coordination with the Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operation (SoO). Such act has created mistrust and insecurity to the Naga people in the state.
“As per the numerous reports from the Naga populace in the state about the AR working in close coordination with Kuki SoO groups, the Association would like to highlight some recent incidents:
1. The unethical movement of Assam Rifles with the ethnic militant organisation in the wee hours on February 22, 2025 in Senapati District developing fear psychosis to the locals in the district. The Naga CSOs have condemned such nefarious activities against the AR.
2. Dismantling of Naga Village bunkers and gates which were constructed to protect the community from outside aggressions and intruders on March 11, 2026 by the Assam Rifles, at Waphong Inthan Village an Inpui Naga Village. The Association viewed such abhorrent act as a grievous violation of rights and safety of the Naga People and siding one community during this prevailing situation in the state alienating and mistreating the Naga people.
3. The abduction of 21 innocent Tangkhul Naga civilians, including women and elderly by the kuki armed militants right under the nose of the Assam Rifles on March 11, 2026 from Shangkai village on the Imphal- Ukhrul road. This act is a grave threat and such lapses raise serious questions about the accountability of the personnel operating in sensitive areas. The Association vehemently condemns such failure of the security forces and demands immediate and decisive action ensuring impartial inquiry into the role of Assam Rifles.
The representation further added “with some recent incident highlighted, the Association considers the alleged conduct of the Assam Rifles in facilitating or allowing the activities of Kuki militant groups, operating under SoO in Naga ancestral land has further heightened tensions and poses a grave threat to peace and stability in the state.
“Therefore, the Association urges the Government of Manipur under your abled leadership to take immediate cognizance of the matter and initiate necessary measures to thoroughly investigate, and to restore peace in the state, Assam Riffles be removed from the state of Manipur and replaced by other military forces that can execute their duties with complete neutrality and professionalism. Furthermore, a draconian law, AFSPA, 1958 be repealed for ushering peace and stability in the state. We sincerely hope that the government will consider this matter with utmost seriousness and this pressing issue be discussed and resolved in the 7th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly session to gain the confidence of the people” stated the representation jointly signed by Angteshang Maring, President ANSAM and Isaac Charenamei, General Secretary ANSAM
