A 48-hour protest by the All-Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), ended violently on Tuesday in Senapati, with an SP’s vehicle overturned. This occurred even as Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan was reviewing Manipur’s law and order, highlighting the escalating tensions over border fencing and the Free Movement Regime.
BY PC Bureau
June 4, 2025 – On Tuesday when visiting Home Secretary Govind Mohan was reviewing Manipur’s law and order situation with Governor AK Bhalla, the All-Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) concluded its 48-hour office picketing protest in Senapati district. The demonstration culminated in violence and the overturning of the Superintendent of Police’s official vehicle, starkly showcasing the apparent disregard for law enforcement authorities among the protesters.
This dramatic incident underscores the deep-seated grievances surrounding the India-Myanmar border fencing and the proposed scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), even as high-level discussions on state security were underway in the capital.
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Senapati SP Vehicle roll and toppled by Senapati Naga and Tangkhul ….
Any action coming up for this unruly mobs ??? pic.twitter.com/xFjdb1limW— Astor (KUKI KA PARIVAR) (@Khulkonns_3382) June 3, 2025
ANSAM’s two-day protest, which ran for 48 hours and ended on Tuesday, marked the final phase of a broader, sustained agitation across all Naga-inhabited hill districts in Manipur. The core of ANSAM’s opposition lies in the Indian government’s plans for extensive border fencing along the India-Myanmar border. Nagas, whose ancestral lands straddle both sides of the international boundary, view this fencing as a direct infringement upon their traditional territories. They believe it would physically sever familial and cultural ties that have existed for generations.
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The Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows people residing within 16 km of the border on either side to cross freely without a visa, is central to these concerns. The Indian government’s consideration of scrapping the FMR is seen by ANSAM and other Naga organizations as a further attempt to isolate and disrupt the Naga community.
The movement’s central slogan encapsulates their resolve: “This movement is a united demonstration expressing our resentment and also is in defense of the Naga people’s ancestral land and familial unity.”
Escalation and Vehicle Damage
According to reports, the office picketing, initially intended as a peaceful demonstration to shut down government operations, took a violent turn when protesters allegedly overturned the SP’s official vehicle. This occurred after demonstrators reportedly faced strong resistance from senior government officials who refused to engage with their demands.
Further escalating the volatile situation, the SP is accused of ordering a CRPF jawan to load his service weapon and allegedly threatening the gathered crowd. This alleged action is believed to have ignited the anger that led to the attack on the vehicle.
Intense scuffles broke out between SP Team and Supporters of All Naga Students Association, Manipur who called bandh and picketed Govt Offices in Senapati against the Govt’s FMR and Border Fencing today. @rashtrapatibhvn @INCIndia @RajBhavManipur @INCManipur @power_corridors pic.twitter.com/5o6vL4Ule1
— Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip (@DrLamtinthangHk) June 3, 2025
Widespread Participation and Administrative Disruption
Supporting ANSAM’s call, several federating student bodies under the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) actively joined the protest, showcasing widespread solidarity within the Naga community. These included prominent organizations such as the Mao Students’ Union (MSU), Maram Students’ Union (MKS), Poumai Naga Students’ Union (PNTM), Thangal Students’ Union (TAJ), Zeliangrong Students’ Union, and Senapati Zone (ZSU-SZ).
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The collective protest successfully led to the closure of various government offices in the district, causing major disruptions in administrative operations throughout its 48-hour duration. While no injuries to individuals were reported during the incident, the damage to government property and the confrontational nature of the protest have raised significant concerns. The event highlights increasing unrest in the region and puts a spotlight on the government’s approach to sensitive ethnic and territorial issues that deeply impact the lives and traditions of indigenous communities.
