Nagaland: NSF cautions against divisive statements amidst Naga talks

Expressing serious concern over frequent public statements and remarks by various personalities on the Naga political issue, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has cautioned that unguarded comments, mutual accusations, and finger-pointing at this critical juncture could further complicate and escalate the situation.
NSF through its media cell acknowledged the genuine concerns and enthusiasm for an early, honourable solution. However, it emphasised that the need of the hour was unity of purpose, vision, and Naga people.
The federation stated that continued division risked deepening fissures and undermining the collective struggle sustained by generations of sacrifices.
NSF reiterated that Naga political issue transcended Nagaland state boundaries and encompassed all Nagas. The student body recalled past agreements failing due to ignored core issues, causing mistrust, damage, and suffering.
Rejecting piecemeal solutions, NSF said they would never find acceptance among Nagas.
Stating that younger generation inherited remnants of past political blunders, the federation maintained that those with moral authority must exercise restraint and wisdom, avoiding discord, confusion, or division through statements or ideologies.
Welcoming diverse thoughts, NSF has, however, cautioned against regionalism, factionalism, and divisive narratives further disintegrating the movement.
NSF asserted that since there was only one Naga political issue, there must be only one solution for all Nagas. It stated that any agreement must be transparent, inclusive, and accountable to the Naga people. The federation affirmed that secrecy, ambiguity, and exclusion had no place in a settlement of historical magnitude.
NSF said protracted Naga political settlement must address contemporary realities while safeguarding political, cultural, land, resource, identity, and future generational aspirations.
NSF recalled the September 12, 2024 consultative meeting convened by the Government of Nagaland, where stakeholders including joint signatories endorsed by MPs resolved to appeal to the Government of India to elevate the dialogue to the highest political level with full mandate and confidence.
The federation has, however, questioned the state government on the steps taken to pursue the resolution. It urged the government to strongly uphold the collective decision.
NSF said those ‘4-key resolutions’ reflected the collective will and shared responsibility of all stakeholders and participants toward advancing the Naga political settlement.
Calling for sincerity and political will from the Government of India, NSF appealed to all Naga political groups to unite in maturity and mutual respect for a lasting, honourable settlement.
NSF reaffirmed that to continue the movement until the collective aspiration of Nagas to live under one political umbrella was realised even if an agreement emerged with any group(s) without addressing core issues of territorial integration and political identity of the Naga homeland.
“Anything less would betray the Naga people and long-cherished political aspirations,” NSF asserted.