Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 26 (NPN): “Fed-Up Nagas” (FUN) has shifted the venue and timing of its public rally scheduled for Saturday to Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima, from 1 p.m., citing security concerns.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, committee member Kuhoto Naga said the rally, which was earlier scheduled to be held at Super Market area from 11 a.m., had to be relocated due to “many security reasons”.
He apologised for the inconvenience caused and urged the public to take note of the revised arrangements.
Kuhoto said the youth-led movement had been raising its voice for the past several months on the long-pending implementation of agreements between the Naga people and the Government of India. He said the rally aimed to create awareness and enable the public to better understand the status of the agreements.
He informed that leaders from NSCN (I-M) and the Working Committee, NNPGs, including N. Kitovi Zhimomi and Alezo Venuh, were expected to attend and address the gathering.
Appealing to people from all sections, Kuhoto urged citizens to “sacrifice at least two hours” for the sake of their future. He maintained that the movement was non-political and not affiliated with any political party or organisation, but a collective voice of Naga youth concerned about their future.
“We are not representing any political party. We are here as individuals, as Nagas, raising our voice for our survival and future,” he said, while calling for unity to demonstrate public strength to the Centre.
He reiterated that the rally was open to all and appealed to citizens not to stay away due to the absence of personal invitations, but to attend in the interest of the common cause.
Also addressing the press conference, FUN member Hiketo Naga said the rally was not intended to create division or disunity among Nagas, but to foster collective understanding and solidarity. He added that there would be no VIP culture at the event and that all participants would be treated equally.
Describing the initiative as a grassroots youth movement, Hiketo said the rally was not funded or sponsored by any organisation. He requested participants to bring their own water and umbrellas due to limited resources, adding that support for the programme was being mobilised through small public contributions.
He also expressed concern over what he termed a lack of adequate support from certain sections, including church leaders, but maintained that the movement remained committed and guided by faith.
Stating that unemployment, uncertainty and the absence of a political solution were affecting the younger generation, Hiketo warned that without peace and a political settlement, the future of Naga youth would remain at risk.
“This is not about tribe, religion or organisation. It is about our collective future,” he said.