GNF expresses concern over proposed IAF radar in Pfutsero

The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed serious concern over the proposed installation of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Mountain Radar system in Pfutsero under the jurisdiction of the Chakhesang area.
In a statement, GNF acknowledged that the radar was not a weapon system but a surveillance installation intended to monitor airspace and strengthen India’s defence preparedness. However, it cautioned that reducing the issue to a technical deployment would be a mistake, stating that the implications were far-reaching in political, social and historical contexts.
GNF said such installations could lead to restricted land use, increased military presence, infrastructure expansion and integration of the area into India’s strategic defence grid. It stated that once integrated, the land would become part of a larger military framework. The forum said the move was part of India’s broader strategy to strengthen its defence posture in response to China and Pakistan, but stressed that the issue also involved the rights, future and consent of the Naga people.
Referring to Article 371A, GNF said land and its resources belong to the Nagas and that no authority, including the Ministry of Defence, had the right to use land without the knowledge and consent of the rightful owners and community.
It cautioned that decisions driven by financial gain without considering long-term implications could have irreversible consequences, and urged landowners in the Chakhesang area to exercise restraint and responsibility.
GNF stressed that the issue should not be treated as a private transaction but as one concerning the collective future, calling for involvement of tribal apex bodies, village councils and civil society organisations to ensure open discussion and a united position.
GNF also reiterated that it has consistently appealed to the state government, student bodies and tribal hohos to pursue relocation of Assam Rifles camps from the heart of towns across Naga areas, maintaining that civilian spaces and urbanisation must not be overtaken by expanding military presence. It stated that the present issue must be viewed in the same spirit.
The forum said the issue was larger than a single project and concerned safeguarding land, rights and collective future, calling for foresight and unity.