ANSAM’s 2024–26 assembly in Chandel reaffirmed its Naga political stand and opposed ADC amendments, AFSPA and tribal rights violations.
Imphal, August 11: The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) held its third Legislative Assembly session for the 2024–26 tenure at Chamdil Christian Village in Chandel district on August 10, adopting resolutions on the Naga political dialogue, autonomous district councils, tribal constitutional rights, education, AFSPA and protection of Naga ancestral land.
The session was hosted by the Anal Lenruwl Tangpi and brought together the association’s deliberations on policy programmes as well as issues it said were affecting the Naga community in Manipur.
On the Naga political dialogue, the assembly reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as an “acceptable, inclusive and honourable” political solution based on the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN.
ANSAM maintained that the agreement recognises the flag and constitution as inalienable rights of the Nagas and urged the Centre to honour the agreement and demonstrate political will to implement it in its “true letter and spirit”.
The assembly also expressed discontent over what it described as continued attempts by the Centre to move away from the core principles of the Framework Agreement.
As part of its resolution, the association decided to direct Naga students and the Naga populace to abstain from the August 15 celebration of Indian Independence Day.
The assembly further resolved that August 14, observed by the association as Naga Independence Day, would be commemorated by its constituent units and subordinate bodies.
According to the resolutions, the Naga national flag would be hoisted at the respective offices of the association. ANSAM also called for educational institutions and government and non-government offices in Naga areas to remain closed on the occasion.
The assembly reaffirmed its opposition to the Sixth Amendment Act and Seventh Amendment Bill concerning the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils, introduced by the Manipur government in the state Legislative Assembly.
ANSAM resolved to oppose any activities undertaken under the two measures.
It also reiterated its opposition to what it described as any “unconstitutional attempt” by the State or Central governments to formulate or enact policies and legislation that, in its view, are contrary to the spirit of Article 371C of the Constitution and the interests of the Naga people.
The association also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the constitutional rights and privileges of Scheduled Tribes in Manipur.
The assembly endorsed the ANSAM Executive Council to pursue implementation of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act, 2012, in all central institutions in the State.
It further called for strict adherence to the Scheduled Tribe reservation quota for direct recruitment to Group C and Group D posts in state and central institutions, as prescribed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India.
ANSAM also called for backlog vacancies reserved for Scheduled Tribes in government departments, ministries and institutions to be filled through special recruitment drives.
The shortage of teachers in schools and higher education institutions in Naga-inhabited districts was another issue discussed by the assembly.
ANSAM said the shortage was putting the careers of thousands of students at risk and called for vacant teaching posts in primary schools and higher classes to be filled without further delay.
The association demanded immediate recruitment of teachers to address the shortage.
The assembly also reaffirmed its demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from what it described as the Naga homeland.
ANSAM alleged that the Act had contributed to the “terrorisation” of Naga civilians by security forces and called upon the Naga populace to remain vigilant and united.
On the protection of Naga homeland, the assembly said emerging geopolitical developments in the region had created uncertainty and maintained that protecting ancestral land from what it described as all forms of aggressors remained a priority.
The resolution reaffirmed ANSAM’s position on defending Naga ancestral territory.
Addressing the prevailing situation in Manipur, ANSAM said the lives and property of Naga people were facing continuing threats.
The assembly stressed the need for unity among Nagas and reiterated its position of supporting movements led by the United Naga Council (UNC) and respective district-level apex Naga organisations in relation to prevailing issues.
The resolutions adopted at the session cover political, constitutional, educational and security-related concerns that ANSAM said affect the Naga community across Manipur.
