NHAVCF 6-hr shutters down today; demands review of CFGR

National Highway Area Village Councils’ Forum (NHAVCF) has raised serious concerns over alleged lapses and grey areas in the implementation of the Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR).
Addressing press conference at Sovima Village Council, NHAVCF convenor, Sebastian Zumvü on Tuesday informed that the proposed six-hour business shutdown (June 11) was not a random act of disruption, but a symbolic expression of public resentment.
He stated that the collective response was against the disturbing incident that took place at Unity Village and the continued inactiveness of ceasefire supervisory board (CFSB).
He criticized the CFSB and the government of India for their silence and inaction despite clear violations of the ceasefire ground rules.
Zumvü also maintained that the public continue to suffer despite ceasefire agreement, in the form or taxations, kidnappings, etc. He questioned why Government of India was silent on the mushrooming of factions, some of who have not signed ceasefire?. In the light of anti-social acts, he said NPGs involved should be treated like “armed gangs”.
“We want to prick the conscience of Naga public and the cadres to realize that Naga public has had enough of their activities. Why should they torture the Naga people while claiming to be working for the nation?,” he asked, and added that this was the paradox taking place in the state.
Zumvü revealed that after the May 23 incident, the Unity Village Council had requested the administration to apprehend those culprits involved in the incident as their names were mentioned in the FIR as per CCTV footage.
He, however, said that police could not take any action in entering the Cease Fire Supervisory Board(CFSB) office as per the Cease Fire Ground Rule(CFGR). He said there were dedicated police officers, but their hands were tied as they are restricted from entering the CFSB office even though the “criminals” were taking refuge there.
Zumvü reminded that the issue extended far beyond the 13 villages affecting the entire Naga population.
He therefore, urged upon the Centre for rectification of Cease Fire Ground Rules (CFGR).
Zumvü also disclosed that the forum contemplated on closing the entire National Highway on June 11 but decided against it as it would harass the public and commercial activities.
He also called upon all District Chambers of Commerce and Industries (DCCIs) to lend their voices to the cause and show solidarity towards the protest by putting up black flags in shops and business establishments.
Meanwhile, asked whether the forum took any decision regarding NPG cadres residing within the village jurisdictions, Zumvü replied that so long as they live peacefully and did not indulge in anti-social activities, no such action will be taken.
He however, warned that if any NPG member(s) were found involved in any illegal activity, the forum or designated village council would even go to the extent of expelling them from the villages. “They will be treated as criminals and law breakers and dealt with Naga customary laws,” Zumvü warned.
Earlier, NHVACF has also expressed serious concern with existence of Cease Fire offices or camps within civilian-populated areas in the state.
Earlier, NHAVCF, Vika H Chishi read out a memorandum to be submitted to Government of India representative for Naga political talks, AK Mishra.
Memorandum to AK Mishra:

1. That a crime be considered as a crime and the culprits punished according to the provisions of the laws of the land irrespective of whether the perpetrators are affiliated to any political outfit or not; and that the perpetrators of the dastardly act at Unity village on May 23, 2025 be apprehended and brought to book without any further delay.
2. Provisions of the Ceasefire Ground Rules be strictly implemented in letter and spirit so that cadres do not roam around in uniform and with arms, or indulge in extortion/ illegal taxation, kidnapping or abduction for ransom.
3. We iterate that Ceasefire Monitoring offices of the factions should be done away with because these places have been converted into safe havens for criminals, and all cadres of the factions be concentrated in their designated camps.
4. And as and when identified criminals are found to be taking refuge in any place including designated Offices or camps, the security forces should be empowered to enter and apprehend law breakers, for which the Cease Fire Ground Rules need to be amended.
5. Since the Naga peace talks have been concluded on October 31, 2019, as had been stated by your predecessor Mr. RN Ravi on the floor of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, we demand that a logical conclusion be brought about without any delay so that the people of Nagaland can live normal lives like any of their fellow citizens in the rest of the country.