NSCN-K (Niki) warns against ‘proxy war’

DIMAPUR: NSCN-K (Niki) has expressed concern over the recent loss of innocent lives in southern Nagaland under UNC jurisdiction, noting that mere condemnations were not enough and called for concerted efforts to defend Naga people and lands from inimical forces allegedly backed by foreign occupiers.
In a condemnation note, the NSCN-K alleged that foreign occupiers, having lost their stronghold against the Nagas on moral and political grounds, have now resorted to “proxy war” by attempting to relegate the political issue into a communal or law and order problem.
The group claimed it was an “open secret” that Kukis had traditionally been used by foreign forces to water down and undermine sovereign Naga rights. It cautioned that Nagas must not be swayed by such diversionary tactics and distractions, but instead stand firm in their commitment towards the ultimate goal of sovereignty.
NSCN/GPRN said that the “white man’s burden” mindset has now transformed into the “brown man’s burden,” stressing that history has shown such attitudes to be misguided. It urged both conflicting communities to critically examine whether they were inadvertently playing into the hands of neo colonial forces occupying Naga lands.
The group reminded Kukis that their relationship with colonial masters was temporary, lasting only until they were needed to further external agendas, and recalled how such alliances were abandoned in the past by British colonisers.
Reiterating that Naga identity and culture were inseparably tied to land, NSCN-K said it was destined by God that Nagas inhabit their lands, making it a sacred duty to defend people and territory by all means available. It called upon Nagas to seriously reflect on the future of their nation without land, and to remain steadfast in safeguarding their God given inheritance.
The group cautioned that patience and silence of the Nagas must not be misconstrued as weakness or submission, warning that any misadventure against the people would have “devastating consequences” for foes, whether foreign or neighbouring.
Reiterating its desire for good neighbourly relations in the spirit of Christianity, the group stressed that such relations could not come at the expense of Naga identity and nationhood. It urged Nagas across southern (UNC), central, northern and eastern regions to set aside differences and collectively strategise to defend their people and lands.
NSCN/GPRN further reaffirmed to stand for God given sovereign rights and pledged to defend Naga people and territory in accordance with divine will.