Newmai News Network
Senapati | May 2
The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) on Thursday strongly condemned what it termed as the “cold-blooded murder” of three NSCN (IM) members, allegedly by a combined team of Indian security forces and Assam Police, on April 29 in the forested areas near New Kubin and Herakilua villages.
In a statement issued today, ANSAM said the incident was a “heinous act” and accused the security forces of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN, originally signed in Bangkok on June 14, 2001. The group noted that the agreement, which recognises both parties as entities without territorial limits, was intended to foster peace and prevent offensive operations.
“The repeated atrocities of the Indian armed forces towards the NSCN have openly violated the official agreements,” the association said. ANSAM further pointed out that the agreement includes revised ground rules, finalised on January 13, 2001, that both parties are expected to adhere to in letter and spirit.
ANSAM criticised the Government of India for its alleged failure to uphold the terms of the ceasefire and for delaying the Indo-Naga peace talks despite multiple rounds of negotiations. “India, known to be one of the world’s largest democratic countries, has contradicted itself by not respecting the signed agreements and committing belligerent atrocities,” the statement said.
Referring to the arrest and imprisonment of Naga political leaders, ANSAM called it “disgraceful, self-contradictory, and a sinister policy,” asserting that such actions undermined the ethical standards of a democratic government.
The association also paid tribute to the deceased NSCN (IM) members, referring to them as “valiant soldiers” who “laid down their precious lives for the right cause in defending our God-given ancestral land.” “We extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved family members, well-wishers, and dear ones,” it added.
