Thousands of Nagas from Nagaland and Manipur gathered on Friday at Liwa Sarei village ground in Chandel district for the 2nd edition of the Naga Morung. The gathering pledged to rise as one to protect the ancestral lands of the Nagas and resist forces that seek to divide them, Ukhrul Times reported.
Organized by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and hosted by the Naga Students’ Union Chandel (NSUC) along with its constituent units, the event brought together prominent Naga leaders, including Dr Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of NPMHR, and Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu, a senior social activist, who served as resource persons for the sessions.
Speaking on the topic “Nagas Yesterday – The Odyssey; Nagas Today – The Crossroad,” Dr Neingulo Krome highlighted the struggles of Naga elders in the past. He recalled that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly had passed multiple resolutions for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas, reinforcing the longstanding aspiration to live under one administrative umbrella.
“The desire of the Nagas to live together under one administrative umbrella should neither be undermined nor compromised,” he asserted.
Dr Krome also noted that, in recent years, Manipur has experienced demographic upheaval, resulting in violence, loss of lives, and the displacement of thousands. He stressed that it is no longer possible to continue living under such circumstances and that the people must find a way to restore peace.
In the second session, “Nagas Tomorrow – The Vision,” Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu stressed that the real hope for the Nagas lies in young leaders. She observed that while Naga society respects its elders, this often results in overlooking the wisdom and potential of the youth.
“If the Nagas are to move toward the future with a clear vision, it must come from young leaders,” she said, urging the younger generation to take charge of the movement.
Earlier, NSUC president Ruwnglar Elly Anal welcomed the delegates and expressed gratitude to the NSF for organizing the event in Chandel. He emphasized the district’s historical significance, stating that Naga elders had fought and laid down their lives to protect it.
“Chandel is once again facing challenges, such as border fencing, but it is time to rise and resist. We would rather die standing than live on our knees,” Elly declared.
NSF president Medovi Rhi and other student leaders addressed the gathering, urging unity in the face of division. Under the leadership of NSF, participants took a pledge declaring:
“The Naga ancestral lands and peoplehood recognize no artificial boundaries or divisions. Together, we vow to protect our God-given rights against all forces that seek to divide our land and people.”
They further affirmed their commitment “to uphold our right to self-determination for a unified land and the glory of the Nagas.”
With this declaration, the Nagas at the gathering pledged to stand united— “rising together as one Naga, rooted in our history, steadfast in our present, and indomitable in our pursuit of justice and dignity.”
The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including the General Secretary of UNC, leaders from the Naga Women’s Union Manipur, ANSAM President, CNPO and NSUC Presidents, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation President, Naga Mothers Association representatives, tribe leaders, and several others.
(With inputs from Ukhrul Times)