Naga student bodies lock down government offices in protest against border fencing, scrapping of FMR

The Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), along with its federating units, launched a complete lockdown of government offices and banking services across the district on Monday, June 2 in solidarity with the All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM). The protest, a part of a coordinated two-day office picketing campaign in the Naga hill districts, was organized in response to the unilateral scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the imposition of border fencing by the Government of India.

The SDSA, together with the Mao Students Union (MSU), Maram Students Union (MKS), Poumai Naga Students Union (PNTM), Thangal Students Union (TAJ), and Zeliangrong Students Union - Senapati Zone (ZSU-SZ), enforced the picketing by locking major administrative buildings, including the Deputy Commissioner’s office, DRDA, ADC, and branches of major banks such as State Bank of India, UCO Bank, Punjab National Bank, IDBI, Central Bank of India, and Bank of India.

In its official statement, the SDSA emphasized that the protest was a peaceful democratic agitation aimed at safeguarding the rights and identity of the indigenous Naga people. The student body condemned the border fencing initiative, asserting that it infringes upon the birthrights and unity of the Nagas, whose settlements straddle the Indo-Myanmar border.

The protest banner carried strong slogans such as “Nagas are One — No Fencing In Between,” “Respect Our Rights & History,” and “Reinstate FMR.” The SDSA urged all government departments within its jurisdiction to abstain from regular duties except in cases involving flood relief or emergencies.

Meanwhile, ANSAM President addressed the media from Tamenglong district headquarters, accusing the Indian government of employing divisive policies that undermine the Naga identity, land rights, and historical recognition. He called on the United Nations, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), and other global entities to take note of the situation.

“We cannot accept the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime or the construction of border fencing that divides our ancestral land,” said the ANSAM President. “The Government of India must honor its commitments under the Framework Agreement and respect the aspirations of the Naga people.”

The protest received backing from the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women’s Union, and various tribal organizations under ANSAM. Leaders reiterated that the Naga community would continue its peaceful resistance until their rights and territorial integrity are respected.