DIMAPUR, JANUARY 30 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed concern over what it described as frequent statements in the press by various personalities, cautioning that unguarded public comments at this stage could further complicate the Naga political situation. In a press release issued on January 30, the NSF said that while it acknowledged the genuine concerns of individuals and groups yearning for an early and honorable solution, “at this critical juncture, unguarded statements, mutual accusations and public finger-pointing can only further complicate and escalate the situation.”
The NSF stressed that the need of the hour was unity. It warned that continued finger-pointing instead of standing together risked deepening divisions and undermining the collective struggle carried forward by generations of Nagas with immense sacrifice. It stated that the Naga political issue was not confined to the State of Nagaland alone, but was a historical and political question encompassing all Nagas living beyond what it termed “artificial and imposed territorial boundaries.”
The NSF asserted that any attempt to revive fragmented approaches would never find acceptance among Nagas. It described as deeply concerning that the younger generation had inherited the remnants of past political blunders, and stated that those who commanded respect and moral authority must exercise restraint and wisdom, and refrain from sowing “seeds of discord, confusion or division through their actions, statements or ideologies.”
While acknowledging and welcoming diverse schools of thought at a time when Nagas across regions were striving to undo past mistakes, the Federation cautioned that regionalism, factionalism and divisive narratives must not be allowed to further disintegrate the Naga political movement. “Since there is only one Naga political issue, there must be only one solution for all Nagas,” it stated.
The NSF further maintained that any political agreement must be transparent, inclusive and accountable to the Naga people whose future it sought to define. Recalling a consultative meeting convened by the Government of Nagaland on September 12, 2024, the Federation said that all stakeholders, including the joint signatories endorsed by both Members of Parliament from the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, had collectively resolved to appeal to the Government of India to elevate the ongoing dialogue and peace process to the highest political level with the confidence, authority and mandate of the Government of India. The NSF questioned the Government of Nagaland on the steps taken to pursue this resolution and urged it to uphold the decision.
The Federation urged sincerity and political will on the part of the Government of India, and appealed to all Naga political groups to come together.
The NSF reiterated that even if any agreement were to come about with any group or groups, without addressing the core issues of territorial integration and the political identity of the Naga homeland, it would continue to carry forward the movement until the collective aspiration of the Nagas to live under one political umbrella was realized.
