Kohima: In a startling revelation, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) has accused Assam Rifles personnel of unlawful surveillance and unauthorised infiltration into their private WhatsApp group.
The forum has specifically named Major Narendra, stationed at Avangkhu, Nagaland, claiming he monitored their discussions for over five months before being discovered.
“Major Narendra clandestinely embedded himself into the GNF forum and surreptitiously monitored our conversations and gathered internal information for over five months, until we recently discovered his presence and deleted him from the group,” the GNF said.
In an open letter addressed to Major General Manish Kumar, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (N), the GNF expressed deep concern over what they described as a serious offense against their constitutional rights, including the freedom of speech and the right to privacy.
The GNF, composed of Nagas from various states and borders, said it is dedicated to advocating for peace and human rights within their community.
“We are a group dedicated to promoting peace and unity amongst our people and opposing human rights violations against all people, without exception, starting with those committed against the Nagas in the region and elsewhere,” it said.
They criticised the actions of Major Narendra, questioning the implications of such surveillance on the Naga people’s dignity and rights.
The letter highlights a disturbing incident from April 24, 2024, where one Thongtsumiu, a GNF member, was reportedly stopped and interrogated by Major Narendra at a border check post. According to the GNF, the Major confiscated Thongtsumiu’s mobile phone and coercively demanded to be added to their group, subsequently denying him entry into Nagaland when he refused.
“There’s no legal justification for this in a democratic and civilized society. We take grave offence at his brazen infringement on our basic rights, as we said above. Further, Major Narendra’s arrogant behaviour and utter disregard for Mr. Thongtsumiu’s dignity and feelings was most unbecoming of an officer of his rank. It is intolerable. What kind of man goes to other people’s land with an assault weapon in hand and threatens and terrorizes innocent civilians who are going about their daily business in their homeland?” the GNF questioned.
The forum emphasized that such actions not only violate the Indian Constitution—specifically Articles 19(1)(a) and 21—but also contravene international commitments, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
In their letter, the GNF posed critical questions to General Kumar, seeking clarity on the legal justifications for the Assam Rifles’ actions and demanding accountability for Major Narendra’s conduct. They also questioned what immediate punitive measures against the Major are to be taken by the AR.
“What legal rationale allowed him and Assam Rifles to violate the constitutional
rights of Naga citizens for over five months without any legal sanction or due
process?” GNF questioned.
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