The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has expressed “serious concern over frequent statements and remarks made in the press by various personalities,” emphasizing that while it acknowledges “the enthusiasm and genuine concerns of individuals and groups yearning for an early and honorable solution,” unguarded statements, mutual accusations, and public finger-pointing “can only further complicate and escalate the situation.”
“At this crucial moment in our history, the need of the hour is unity. Unity of purpose, unity of vision and unity of the Naga people,” the Federation stated, warning that “if we continue to point fingers at one another instead of standing together, we risk deepening divisions and undermining the collective struggle that generations of Nagas have carried forward with immense sacrifice.”
The NSF underscored that “the Naga political issue is not confined to the State of Nagaland alone, but is a historical and political question that encompasses all Nagas living beyond the artificial and imposed territorial boundaries.” Highlighting lessons from the past, the Federation noted that “history bears testimony that past agreements have failed miserably precisely because the core issues were deliberately ignored or left unaddressed,” causing “irreversible damage, deep mistrust and suffering among the Naga people.”
The Federation also emphasized that “the Naga people have consistently rejected piecemeal solutions” and warned that “any attempt to resurrect such fragmented approaches will never find acceptance among the Nagas.” In particular, the NSF urged those “who command respect and moral authority” to exercise restraint and wisdom, and to “refrain from sowing seeds of discord, confusion or division through their actions, statements or ideologies.”
Acknowledging the presence of diverse opinions, the NSF stated that “regionalism, factionalism and divisive narratives must not be allowed to further disintegrate the Naga political movement,” asserting that “since there is only one Naga political issue, there must be only one solution for all Nagas.”
The Federation further stressed that “any political agreement that comes about must be transparent, inclusive and accountable to the Naga people, whose future it seeks to define,” adding that “secrecy, ambiguity and exclusion have no place in a settlement of such historical magnitude.” It emphasized that the settlement must address “all contemporary realities, while remaining conscious of the challenges that lie ahead for our people and the Naga homeland in the future, be it political safeguards, cultural preservation, land and resources, identity, or the aspirations of the coming generations.”
Recalling a consultative meeting convened by the Government of Nagaland on September 12, 2024, the NSF noted that “all stakeholders, including the joint signatories endorsed by both the Hon’ble Members of Parliament from the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, collectively resolved to appeal to the Government of India to elevate the ongoing dialogue and peace process to the highest political level, vested with the confidence, authority and mandate of the Government of India.” In this context, the Federation questioned “the Government of Nagaland on the steps taken to pursue this resolution” while urging it “to strongly uphold the decision.” The NSF highlighted that this comprised the “4-key resolutions” reflecting “the collective will and shared responsibility of all stakeholders and participants toward advancing the Naga political settlement.”
Concluding its statement, the Federation appealed for “sincerity and political will on the part of the Government of India,” while urging “all Naga political groups to come together in unity, maturity and mutual respect to hammer out a lasting and honorable settlement.” It reiterated that “even if any agreement were to come about with any group(s), without addressing the core issues of territorial integration and the political identity of the Naga homeland, the NSF shall continue to carry forth the movement until the collective aspiration of the Nagas to live under one political umbrella is realized.” The Federation warned that “anything less would be a betrayal of the Naga people and our long-cherished political aspiration.”
