Naga People’s Front (NPF) secretary general and legislator Achumbemo Kikon appealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to work with Naga people, rather than against their wishes.
Addressing a mass rally against fencing of Indo-Myanmar border and scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) jointly organised by the Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC) and NPF at ITC Dan, Pangsha on Thursday, Kikon acknowledged that past Indian leaders might have caused significant problems for the Nagas, but he urged the current leadership to take them along in national policies.
He urged the central government to listen to the voices of Naga people and understand their opposition to border fencing, emphasising that the purpose of the gathering was to protect the land and people on both sides of the border. He declared that such policies would not be allowed to proceed.
He questioned the central government on the rationale behind implementing a divisive policy that sought to separate the Naga people. He said the Nagas were simple, honest, frank, and innocent, and alleged that both India and Burma had in the past taken advantage of these noble traits to suppress them.
While past ignorance might have allowed such exploitation, he asserted that the Nagas were now fully aware of their rights, and capable of defending and protecting their land and people.
He remarked that while their ancestors were headhunters, times had since changed, reiterating that the Nagas would continue to uphold their culture, traditions, and rights without compromise.
Referring to the central government’s order of December 18, 2024, which reduced the free movement zone from 16 km to 10 km and mandated a permit for border crossing with a seven-day pass, Kikon declared that the Nagas could not accept such restrictions.
He also shared details of the House Resolution against the scrapping of the FMR, emphasising that all elected members were united on the issue. He affirmed that the NPF as the people’s party would stand firmly against policies that threatened the protection and rights of the Naga people.
Calling upon the people to be prepared to face the challenges posed by the FMR and border fencing policies, he warned that the success of New Delhi’s Act East Policy would be unattainable without the full involvement and consideration of Naga people.
He stressed that Naga homeland was crucial for India’s connectivity with Southeast Asian countries, and should not be overlooked in policymaking. Dismissing the central government’s claim that border fencing was necessary to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, Kikon claimed that such issues did not exist in the border areas.
He reiterated the opposition to FMR restrictions and border fencing, emphasising the importance of respecting people’s rights to ensure peace and development.
Referring to the British colonial approach towards the Nagas, he said the British recognised their distinct identity and allowed them to live in excluded areas. He narrated the visit of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Burma’s premier U Nu, highlighting the humiliation faced from Naga general public during that time.
He mentioned that Nehru’s failure to allow the Naga leaders to speak contributed to the longstanding political issues faced by the Nagas. Although the present dispensation at the Centre opposed Nehru’s policies, he noted that, consciously or unconsciously, it was still following similar lines concerning the Nagas.
He expressed gratitude to the KTC for organising the rally and ensuring its success. Other speakers at the rally included NPC legislator P Longon, KTC president L Ngon, NPF president Apong Pongener, and student leaders from Myanmar. The event was attended by various leaders and members of the public from different walks of life. This was stated in an NPF press release.