Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 27 (NPN): The Agri-Expo ground in Chümoukedima district witnessed a turnout of over 1,000 people, predominantly Naga youths, for the “Naga Youth Movement” organised by Fed Up Nagas (FUN), a nascent public pressure group demanding an early Naga political solution.
The rally came amid growing frustration over the prolonged delay in resolving the Naga political issue and the non-implementation of the common agreements under the Framework Agreement (FA) signed in 2015 and the Agreed Position (AP) signed in 2017.
However, expectations were dampened as representatives of two Naga Political Groups (NPGs)– NSCN (I-M) and GPRN/NSCN (U) under Neokpao– did not attend. WC, NNPGs convener N. Kitovi Zhimomi was the only NPG representative present. Organisers said both groups had agreed to attend but withdrew at the eleventh hour for unknown reasons, drawing sharp criticism over their commitment and leadership in the Naga cause.
In his keynote address, FUN member Kuhoto Naga traced the history of the Naga peace process, recalling the signing of the FA and AP.
While thanking Naga leaders for achieving these milestones, he said the youth could no longer wait indefinitely for their implementation.
He maintained that the prolonged delay had disproportionately affected the younger generation, who had united across tribal and religious lines—not out of political allegiance, but through a shared understanding of history and a collective demand for justice and a defined future.
Speaking on behalf of FUN, Hiketo Naga said the movement was born out of urgency and conviction to ensure implementation of the agreements signed with the Government of India. He stressed that the initiative sought neither recognition nor political gain, but reflected widespread public sentiment.
Calling on NPG leaders to provide clear direction, Hiketo said the youth were prepared to move forward even if it meant “taking up arms, going to jail, or retreating to the jungles,” and questioned whether the leaders had the will to lead them.
He also alleged that government agencies, civil society organisations and even Churches had attempted to discourage the rally, insisting the movement was legitimate and representative of public aspirations. “Who did not turn up today, and who did not support us today, the Naga people know very well,” he said.
Solution essential for growth, jobs: Kitovi
In his address, convener of WC NNPGs, N Kitovi Zhimomi, highlighted the growing unemployment crisis in Nagaland and warned that failure to address it could lead to serious unrest. He reminded that negotiations had been completed in 2019, yet six years later, thousands of youths remain jobless. In a lighter vein, he remarked, “Amur Falcons have left Nagaland. But unemployment has not.”
Zhimomi stressed that only a “Political Solution” could resolve the unemployment issue. He pointed out that Nagaland’s economy is stagnant, with investors reluctant to enter due to “underground” activities. According to him, ending these activities through a political settlement would pave the way for development, job creation, and infrastructure growth.
He also elaborated on demands in the Agreed Position, including institutional reforms, better education, healthcare, and skill training, while reiterating strong opposition to oil exploration before a political solution is achieved.
Zhimomi clarified that while many Nagas believe the Framework Agreement lies outside the Indian Constitution and the Agreed Position within; the fact was that FA actually specifies that all competency clauses agreed upon will form the Yezahbo of the Nagas and be included as a separate chapter in the Constitution of India.
He criticised certain Naga Political Groups without naming any, for delaying the solution. He stressed that the issue belongs to the Naga people as a whole and not to any single faction. Referring to the youth-led rally by Fed Up Nagas (FUN), Zhimomi said the event would be remembered in Naga history and urged young people not to lose hope.
Slogans such as “The GoI needs to act! Walk the talk”, “Nagas are now clowns! We will not dance in your circus”, and “Enough delays! Too many generations lost already” were chanted loudly. Others read “Reveal the Joker! End the Game”, “The Nagas are watching! Our silence ends today”, and “People first, Politics later! We want accountability.”
The rally concluded with Hiketo reading out a memorandum and a 10-point charter of demands to be submitted to the Centre, underscoring the determination of Naga youths to push for accountability and action.