Reiterates 3-month ultimatum to resolve Naga issue
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL 9 (NPN): The group formerly known as Fed-Up Nagas (FUN) has officially changed its name to Naga Youth Movement (NYM), with leaders stating that the new identity reflects a broader, inclusive, and democratic youth-led initiative.
The movement is pressing for the immediate implementation of two Naga political agreements– Framework Agreement (2015) and Agreed Position (2017) already signed between two major Naga political groups- NSCN (I-M) and WC, NNPGs with Government of India.
On July 8, NYM submitted its charter of demands addressed to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister through the Nagaland Governor, setting a three-month deadline to resolve the Naga political issue.
Addressing a press conference at Aiko Green in Dimapur, one of the leaders Kuhoto Naga explained the necessity of the name change, clarifying that the movement was not rewriting history but demanding execution of agreements. “Questions should be directed to those who signed the agreements. If anyone opposes NYM, they are indirectly opposing the agreements,” he said. Kuhoto also claimed that NYM is a mass-based, youth-driven movement representing the aspirations of all Nagas.
He warned that legal action would be taken against civil society organizations or individuals making baseless allegations. He added that the movement, which began as FUN, would continue to evolve, with further steps to be decided after the three-month ultimatum. He invited all supporters of the agreements to join NYM and challenged opposing groups to present alternative visions openly.
Stressing that the movement is democratic and peaceful, he expressed hope that the Government of India would respond positively within the given timeframe.
Hiketo Naga, another leader, reiterated that the memorandum sought implementation within three months, stating that Nagas no longer want statements but concrete action. He clarified that NYM is neutral, inclusive, and not against any signatories. He cautioned the public against any individual seeking donations in the name of the movement, stressing that NYM does not encourage such activities.
Dismissing allegations that NYM was created by the Government of India or any individual, Hiketo challenged critics to an open debate before the media while reiterating that the sole objective of the movement is peace and implementation of the agreements. Responding to queries about remarks made during the July 27 rally, he explained that references to taking up arms were made in the context of prolonged non-implementation of the agreements.
Ideizung Naga explained that the change of nomenclature was not due to peer pressure but to better reflect the intent of the movement.
He noted that while FUN was perceived as aggressive, NYM was chosen after consultations with stakeholders.
He dismissed claims linking the movement to individuals as baseless, reiterating that NYM remains focused solely on the implementation of the Agreed Position and Framework Agreement.
Other leaders, including Elithung Naga and Wekupe Naga, stressed that NYM transcends tribal lines and is not directed against any organization. They questioned why it should be wrong for the youth to demand the implementation of agreements already signed, insisting that the movement’s focus remains unchanged.