Naga civil society organizations (CSOs)— Global Naga Forum (GNF), Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Naga Mothers Association (NMA), and Naga Students’ Federation (NSF)—have demanded removal of travel restrictions imposed on Neingulo Krome, secretary general of NPMHR.
In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, GNF convenor Chuba Ozukum, Dr. Atso of NPMHR, NMA president Angela Vilanuo Yhome and NSF president Medovi Rhi expressed deep concern over what they called “systematic repression of Indigenous Naga civil society leaders by the Indian State.”
The CSOs stated that on April 7, 2025, Neingulo Krome was “arbitrarily prevented” from boarding an international flight from Delhi to Kathmandu. They said that no legal basis was cited, no documentation provided—only the vague assertion: “You cannot travel.”
Nagas CSOs asserted that such kind of extrajudicial restriction was deeply disturbing and was “reminiscent of authoritarian practices” aimed at silencing dissent and suppressing Indigenous leadership.
They reminded the Government of India of its obligations under international law, particularly the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), to which India is a signatory.
By restricting the mobility of Indigenous leaders without due process or explanation, the CSOs said the Indian state was violating this internationally recognized right and damaging its credibility on the global stage.
Therefore, CSOs demanded immediate and unconditional removal of travel restrictions imposed on Neingulo Krome and any other Naga civil society members.
They also demanded a moratorium on all forms of arbitrary surveillance and intimidation of Indigenous civil society leaders, and the establishment of clear procedural safeguards against such actions.
CSOs further demanded respect for Indigenous peoples’ rights as per the UNDRIP, including their right to freedom of movement and cross-border relations.
Besides, they demanded adherence to democratic principles, ensuring that civil society members could carry out their duties without fear of harassment, censorship, or reprisals.