Wokha, May 14 (MExN): The Lotha Students' Union (LSU) on Tuesday issued directive to its each constituent unit to ensure that their members refrain from “any collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces" within educational institutions and during student-related events 'effective immediately.'
This includes, but is not limited to participation in events organised or sponsored by the armed forces, and any form of endorsement or support for military activities within academic settings, stated a press release issued by LSU President Lirhonthung E ithan and General Secretary Chanpenthung Ovung.
The directive was in alignment with the reaffirmed position of the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) regarding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Naga homeland, it noted.
The union also directed all its constituent units to actively advocate for the repeal of AFSPA from the Naga homeland through awareness campaigns, collaborating with other civil society organisations, and engaging with local and national authorities and so on to amplify their “unified voice against this draconian law.”
Each constituent unit was tasked to monitor and ensure compliance with the directive and further directed to submit actions taken and compliance status to the LSU office.
“The LSU count on your steadfast dedication to uphold these directives, thereby contributing to the larger cause of justice and freedom for our people,” it added.
The union further stated that the ‘unflinching support and cooperation’ of each unit had been and will continue to be vital in the collective struggle against the injustices inflicted by AFSPA.
As per the LSU, during the 1st NSF Federal Assembly held on November 25, 2023, for the tenure 2023-2025, the house resolved that all federating units must restrict their members from engaging in any form of collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces within educational institutions and during student-related events.
The resolution reaffirmed the stance adopted in the 2nd NSF Federal Assembly tenure 2021-2022.
The AFSPA has been a longstanding source of hardship and injustice for innocent citizens in our homeland, the LSU noted.
The Act grants excessive powers to the armed forces, often resulting in severe human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and unwarranted harassment of civilian, it added.
“The presence of AFSPA in our region continues to foster an environment of fear and oppression, obstructing the path to peace and development,” it added.
On May 13, the Chakhesang Students’ Union also made similar announcements.
