Assam Rifles Clarifies Stoppage of NSF Delegation at Myanmar Border

Kohima: The Assam Rifles has clarified that a Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) delegation was stopped at the Avangkhu crossing in Nagaland’s Meluri district on September 19 because it did not have the required Border Pass or official permission to cross into Myanmar. The force said the decision was based on border-movement regulations and not the delegation’s identity or proposed cultural programme.

The delegation, comprising eight people in three vehicles, reportedly intended to travel to Tsera in Myanmar. Assam Rifles said the regulated movement framework applies to eligible residents living within 10 km of the India-Myanmar border and requires prescribed documentation. It said 16,428 Border Passes have been issued so far, while a reference letter from a civil organisation does not constitute permission to cross an international border.