DIMAPUR, APRIL 2 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has condemned the killing of four Naga Army personnel at Hongbei, Kasom Block of Kamjong District on March 29 and urged all sections to act with “reason, responsibility, and in the larger interest of the Naga people. A press release from the GNF mourned the demise of Major Sochipem Phungshok, Sergeant Major Zairay Vasah, Sergeant Bahnle Ahlapya, and Sergeant Thansomi Washi.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief and pray that they find strength and solace. The loss of these precious lives is not only a personal tragedy for the families but a collective loss for the entire Naga nation,” it stated.
The GNF stated that this incident and the “grave situation” in Ukhrul suggests two things: “one, that it was probably the culmination of a combination of long-standing unresolved internal issues within the community in particular and the organization in general; two, that prolonged mistrust among some Naga groups leading to animosity to the extent of fratricidal killings, like this one in Hongbei, happen within a political space willfully engineered by adversaries of the Naga people’s movement for self-determination and their consistent and urgent demand for a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue.”
It said that the “lack of political will on the part of the Government of India to bring about a political solution, even after 29 years of negotiations, has created a climate for deepening mistrust and fostering divisions among the Nagas.”
The GNF stated that Nagas have to be aware that the Indo-Naga political imbroglio and history “are not confined to the Naga homeland and India alone; they have reached international forums and drawn global attention.” The forum therefore termed it “deeply unfortunate to expose to the world our internal weaknesses, divisions, and, most tragically, Nagas killing each other.” Self-inflicted violence such as these weaken the Naga cause and destroy the dignity and moral standing of the Naga people at home and around the world, it said.
It expressed deep concern also over the grave situation in Ukhrul following the killings, including incidents involving damage to personal property. “Such actions are reprehensible. They only serve to aggravate tensions, weaken our collective cause, and erode the foundation of unity that binds us as a people,” it stated.
The GNF called upon leaders and followers alike from Hebron and Eastern Flank, Civil Society Organizations, and individuals to exercise utmost restraint. “The tendency to issue unpalatable statements against our own leaders on social media must be avoided as it diminishes us in the eyes of others. No individual or group should take the law into their own hands at such a sensitive moment,” it said.
It called for patience as an Enquiry Commission has been constituted by the concerned authority to investigate the incident. The GNF meanwhile called for a free, fair, and impartial inquiry, and for appropriate action to be taken against the perpetrators. “We urge all concerned to refrain from speculation and allow the inquiry process to proceed without interference, guided by facts and truth, and integrity and justice. We also call upon leaders to listen to the voice of the people, who seek justice, accountability, and a path towards lasting peace,” it appealed.
The GNF urged all Nagas to tone down their anger and rise above divisions. “Let us reflect more than react; and choose unity over discord, peace over provocation, because the future of the Naga people depends on our collective wisdom and our ability to stand together in times of adversity,” it stated.
