Dimapur, July 26 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation today strongly denied that its president referred to call the Muslim community in Nagaland as “Naga Muslims” and they are “one of the Naga tribes.” The NSF general secretary claimed that the president was “misquoted.”
The NSF mentioned a statement carried in one of the Nagaland newspapers on July 19, 2010 where the speech of the NSF president at a felicitation programme organized by the Muslim Council of Dimapur was “misquoted.” The NSF claimed that the students’ president was “misquoted” as saying “Muslim community are the Naga Muslims and is one of the Naga tribe”.
“As stated by the president his statement should have been read as ‘Nagas as a tribal people are a peace loving people and that Muslims or other communities residing in Nagaland should follow their example to facilitate peaceful atmosphere and encourage one another to compete with the rest of the world, and to this end we (Nagas) look forth from you all to play a major role in facilitating peace, harmony and healthy competition’, and not as published,” the NSF note stated.
The NSF also claimed that it has ‘always worked’ for the cause of the younger generation and is “still steadfastly committed to this effort, safeguarding the rights of our people and promoting the well-being of the Naga society.” Any criticism or suggestion that will “prompt the NSF” to be committed to this cause will always be appreciated and welcomed, the note added.
