The FMR is the lifeline of the Nagas for their socio-cultural and ancestral ties across the arbitrary Indo-Myanmar border, the NSUC said. Its termination disregards our historical rights and we demand its immediate restoration. Any further restriction on our movement will be strongly resisted, the apex body of the Naga students of Chandel resolved during the assembly.

(PHOTO: IFP)

The assembly also rejected the "arbitrary border fencing within our ancestral homeland", calling it a blatant attempt to fragment and undermine our territorial integrity, echoing the painful legacy of artificial boundaries. The union condemned the initiative of the government of India to fence the border on Naga ancestral land without consent, stating that it violates the historical rights of the Naga people.

The NSUC also refuted the false claims on ancestral lands, the spurious ownership claims by the Kuki community in Naga's ancestral lands, i.e., Chandel and Tengnoupal districts. They said it provokes discord and threatens the fragile, the NSUC said, adding that historical evidence and oral traditions confirm these territories as Naga's ancestral lands, they said.

In these regards, the NSUC demanded the immediate restoration of the FMR, restoring the Naga's right to free movement; cessation of border fencing construction preserving our territorial integrity; recognition of Naga ancestral land rights, acknowledging our territorial ownership and recognize our rights and support peaceful coexistence

The legislative assembly of the NSUC also resolved for the implementation of a cultural dress code for school students of every tribe from the next academic session in the entire jurisdiction of the Naga Students' Union Chandel.