Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly opposed the proposed Gau Dhwaj Yatra, scheduled to take place in Kohima on September 28 and served a final warning to the organisers/supporters, that any attempt to hold the event would be met with swift and resolute opposition from the NSF and Naga people.
In a statement, NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung NSF termed the proposed event, which reportedly sought to promote a nationwide ban on cow slaughter, as a blatant assault on the cultural, religious, and social values of Naga people.
Maintaining that it was nothing less than an attempt to impose external religious beliefs and practices on Naga homeland, the federation declared that it would not tolerate such actions.
NSF also issued a stern warning to the event organisers and all individuals planning to participate, making it clear that the student body would not permit any divisive activities to occur within Naga homeland. NSF reiterated its firm stance, stating that such events would not be tolerated, as they threatened the socio-cultural fabric and unity of the Naga people.
Appreciating the state government for denying permission to the event, NSF said the decision reflected an understanding of and respect for the distinct customs, traditions, and dietary practices of Nagas, protected under Article 371A of the Constitution of India.
However, NSF noted that despite the clear denial of permission and in utter disregard of the NSF’s firm stand, the organisers had brazenly chosen to go ahead with the event. They said this was an act of provocation and disrespect, not only to the NSF but to the entire Naga community.
They pointed out that the state government and Naga Legislative Assembly (NLA) had already made it clear that the Ban on Cow Slaughter Act, 2019 would not be enforced in the state, given the protections under Article 371A. They mentioned that this provision safeguarded Naga customs, culture, and religious practices, including traditional dietary habits that might differ from those of other regions.
NSF said it was through Article 371A that Naga people were empowered to make their own decisions on matters related to religion, culture, and land ownership, including the right to slaughter cattle according to local custom.
Reiterating that the NSF stood firm in its commitment to defending the socio-religious harmony of Naga homeland, the duo declared that they would not allow any event that threatened to disrupt this harmony or undermined the rights conferred by Article 371A.
Should the organisers of the Gau Dhwaj Yatra continue with their plans, NSF asserted that the federation, with the support of Naga people, would take all necessary measures to ensure the event did not take place on Naga soil. They warned that they would not hesitate to pursue strong, decisive actions to protect Naga identity, land, and rights.
NSF reiterated of not allowing the land to be used as a platform for divisive and inflammatory activities that were foreign to local traditions.