Naga Students Organization (NSO) has expressed pain over the current state of affairs within the community in Myanmar, particularly the ongoing internal conflicts, violence, and disregard for well-being of the people by NSCN/GPRN K.
In a statement, NSO said that the Naga public, which has endured the brunt of multiple challenges, cannot withstand the continued infighting and killings within NSCN/GPRN K. NSO said that “our own defenders” have been involved in kidnapping of village leaders, ransom, harassment to public and loss of innocent lives.
NSO said that the violation of the five-point resolution adopted on June 13, 2023, only compounded the shame that befalls those who claim to fight for Naga freedom.
Though the ancestors had initiated a genuine struggle for Naga national movement and laid the foundation for the Naga Army, NSO, however, said that the current actions of both the conflicting NSCN/GPRN K were a stark departure from the principles that guided the predecessors.
NSO said it had, through various meetings, made it unequivocally clear that Eastern Nagaland Myanmar cannot sustain more than one organization due to the prevailing poverty and food crises and above all it discourages division and mushrooming of factions in Eastern Nagaland Myanmar.
“The curse of the poor innocent public is upon NSCN/GPRN K, and the consequences manifest in the high death rates, broken families, and a life of misery in Eastern Nagas. Levying taxes on families already grappling with poverty exacerbates their suffering,” NSO stated.
NSO said that NSCN/GPRN K must realize that Nagaland is for Christ, and the wrath of God awaits those who perpetuate barbarism and terrorism against their own people.
Further, NSO appealed to NSCN/GPRN K Angmai to immediately release Chopkhiu Gangsa and Chingsan Wangham of Chop village Londing district, without harm respecting the principles of peaceful dialogue. Arbitrary arrests and kidnapping of village leadership contradict the resolutions adopted on June 13, 2023, it added.
NSO said that the arrest of village leadership has created fear and tension among villagers. It also said that the security beef-up by Assam Rifles has also disturbed the student community planning to return home for Christmas holidays. As Christmas approaches, NSO appealed to the security forces, particularly Assam Rifles, to refrain from harassing innocent students traveling home.
Further, NSO, along with the Naga people, urged NSCN/GPRN K to overcome differences, reconcile, and unite for the defense of Naga rights and the nation. Unity is our strength, and the Naga people must stand united in Myanmar, seizing the golden chance to make our collective stand clear for the future.
“In the face of internal discord within the Naga community, it is imperative to recognize the nefarious machinations of neo-colonial forces attempting to exploit and divide us,” NSO stated. Alleging that the covert support to certain Naga factions, coupled with extortion and exploitation, sought to undermine the unity of civil society organizations as the new frontier of war.
“The Naga quest for self-determination only grows stronger, as we remain steadfast in our awareness of those orchestrating these divisive strategies,” NSO stated.