Nagaland Gaon Burahs Federation (NGBF) has taken strong exception to the remarks made by NPF member Achumbemo Kikon in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 26, 2026, calling them “immature and thoughtless”.
The federation’s media cell, pointed out that in an “Opposition-less House,” since there was no one to correct “such irresponsible and incorrect statements”, the NGBF, as elders and seniors in the Naga society, was constrained to respond.
NGBF strongly criticised Achumbemo Kikon for allegedly making dismissive remarks about Gaon Burahs during the recent Assembly session when he referred to Gaon Burahs as mere appointees of the Home Department, with only passing mention of wards, sectors and village councils, which was misleading and baseless. It said the remarks reflected a poor understanding of the realities of Nagaland and the traditional institution’s role in society.
Further, NGBF stated that Gaon Burahs have long served as guardians of social order and cultural identity in villages, often working under difficult and dangerous conditions.
During the height of the Naga political movement and periods of violence, they reportedly acted as intermediaries between villagers, underground groups, security forces and the government. According to NGBF, Gaon Burahs made significant sacrifices, with many facing life-threatening situations while trying to maintain peace and stability in their communities.
It said any discussion on peace, honourable settlement and the Naga political issue should recognise their contributions.
The federation noted that for decades it has worked alongside the Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) in mediation efforts involving various Naga groups and the Government of India.
NGBF also criticised Achumbemo over remarks it said appeared to reject the idea of Nagaland statehood and which tended to “encourage advocacy beyond the state framework”. The federation termed such views were unbecoming of an elected legislator which it said, could amount to a breach of trust, while also affecting the rights and privileges of neighbouring states. It said if Achumbemo opposed statehood, he should consider resigning from the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and pursue his views through the broader Naga national movement.
It further urged the MLA to address the concerns and proposals raised by the Concerned Naga Forum of Nagaland (CNFN) instead of making comments about individuals or personal preferences.
It also sought clarity on the stand of Achumbemo and his party regarding the ongoing Naga peace process, including whether they support existing agreements signed between the Government of India and Naga negotiators or favour fresh talks under a new interlocutor.
The federation said facilitators should promote dialogue rather than create preconditions for renewed negotiations.
NGBF also criticised what it described as a double-standard approach by the Nagaland government on the Naga political issue.
NGBF said while the state publicly claims to support a peaceful resolution, it also urged the Government of India to begin fresh talks with a new interlocutor despite formal negotiations having concluded on October 31, 2019, after 29 years of dialogue resulting in the signing of two agreements- the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position signed between the Centre and Naga negotiators.
The federation said Nagaland exists as a state within the Union of India and remains a proud partner in the federal structure. It added that public discourse or activism that goes against constitutional responsibility, especially from elected representatives such as Achumbemo Kikon, was inappropriate.
It further objected to alleged attempts to belittle the roles of Gaon Burahs and chieftains, saying such remarks reflected a lack of understanding and disrespect for Naga customs and traditional institutions. The federation asserted that these bodies remain important stakeholders in the search for a political solution.
Saturday, April 18, 2026