Nagaland: news in brief

Scrapping of FMR ‘nefarious policy: TUD and ENPUD

Dimapur, February 27 (MExN):  The Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) and Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) have expressed deep concern and alarm over what was termed as the “nefarious policy of creating another division amongst our kith and kin” by doing away with the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the proposed border fencing. 
In a joint statement, the two unions stated that since time immemorial, Nagas have been living in their ancestral lands, “arbitrarily divided amongst the two countries (Myanmar and India) in 1953.” “Nagas have borne the brunt of various violations of human rights perpetrated by both the Myanmar Government and the Indian Union yet, we are still resilient,” they asserted, expressing hope that both countries will “respect our rights and wishes to remain together.”
It is incomprehensible that “we have to carry Passports/Visas to toil in our fields beyond the border or to visit our kith and kin,” they added. Accordingly, the TUD and ENPUD implored the “world's largest democracy to be sensitive towards the emotions of the Naga people.” Any attempts to abrogate the FMR and build fences on our ancestral homeland would be opposed “tooth and nail,” the duo asserted. They further appealed to the State legislators to “stand firm and speak in one accord” on the issue

Tourists and scholars visiting Mon 
get clearance certificate from KU

MON, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): Tourists and visitors to Nagaland’s Mon district will now be required to obtain mandatory “clearance certificate” from the Konyak Union (KU). The KU made the announcement in a press release on February 27. “With effect from this date (February 27, 2024) of notice, all tourists and outside visitors to the Mon district are required to report to the KU Office, Mon and obtain a clearance certificate before venturing into the district,” the KU informed in the release. In addition to the clearance certificate, visitors have been asked to obtain a guide from the KU office, especially when travelling to the interiors of the district, including border villages. It justified the move as a measure for the security and safety of visitors and avoiding “misgivings or wrong reports about the region.” It added that any tourist or “outside visitor” found without the mandatory clearance certificate and guide will be questioned by the KU.
Included in the scope of the directive are also scholars. “We urge scholars, writers, and individuals engaged in research activities to obtain a clearance certificate from the KU Office before undertaking any thesis, journal writing, videography, documentary production, or report related to the Mon district,” it said. While stating that defaulters should be immediately reported to the KU, it asked the village councils to do their part, within their respective jurisdiction, to ensure that the tourists or outside visitors possess the clearance. “This initiative is a proactive step in response to past incidents involving tourists and visitors, and it is aimed at fostering a safer and more secure environment for everyone,” the KU said.

USSC demands for blacktopping road leading to ZPC Kiphire

Kiphire, February 27 (MExN): The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has placed an urgent demand for blacktopping road leading to Zisaji Presidency College (ZPC), Kiphire to the Advisor Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Government of Nagaland.
In a letter submitted through Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, USSC Executive Chairman, Aketo V Sangtam and President Sethrongba Y Sangtam said that the current condition of the access road leading to ZPC College is sub optimal, posing significant challenges for the students who commute daily to pursue their education. The deteriorating condition of the road poses a threat to the safety and well-being of the students who travel daily to attend their College, it stated. Considering the grievances encountered by the student community, the USSC urgently demanded the concerned departments to prioritize the blacktopping at the earliest possible time. “This appeal is driven by the following considerations: 1. Student Safety: Blacktopping Road will enhance safety for students, ensuring a secure and reliable commute to and from the college. 2. Academic Pursuits: Improved road conditions will facilitate uninterrupted access to education for students, promoting academic excellence and overall development,” it cited. “Your immediate intervention in this critical issue is indispensable, and we anticipate a positive response that will positively impact the lives and educational pursuits of the student community,” USSC added.