Kohima: Assam Rifles personnel at the Avangkhu Checkgate in Meluri district blocked a seven-member Naga Students Federation (NSF) delegation on September 19. The group intended to visit the Naga Students Union in Myanmar for a cultural exchange. The Phokhungri Area Public Organisation had previously requested permission for the crossing, but the post commander denied it. The NSF president, Heraang, recorded a video at the gate after the rejection. He slammed the military response as unreasonable and arrogant.
Heraang stated in the video, "The post commander has clearly rejected on the phone call by stating that he will not give us the pass, and after which we came here in the gate, he started saying that to give a pass and to let the Naga Students Federation walk by foot towards the border area, which is unacceptable." The federation argues this move challenges the integrity of the Naga people. They warned of a strong non-cooperation campaign against the Assam Rifles.
Military officials cited the central government's decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime as the reason for the denial. They told the delegation that any approval must come from a higher authority. The NSF demanded the government explain its intent behind the movement restrictions. They claim democracy is being betrayed in the Naga homeland.
The Angami Students Union and Pochury Students Union condemned the incident. Pochury leaders Rongley Leyri and Tsiarhotho Thsangkhure noted the site serves as a vital point for public and commercial interaction. They demanded a written explanation from the force. The unions asserted that security concerns cannot serve as a blanket justification for such arbitrary restrictions.
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