On the eve of the proposed Common Platform Rally at Agri Expo, Chümoukedima, major tribal bodies have issued sharply conflicting directives, deepening an already ongoing divide over how Naga civil society should approach the political issue. Over the past few days, several organisations have also issued their own advisories not to attend, as reported earlier in this newspaper.
In a fresh circular, the Western Sümi Hoho (WSH) and the Western Sümi Kükami Hoho (WSKH) called upon “all its frontal organisations, Kükamis (GBs), Civil Society Leaders and the General Public to attend the Common Platform Rally on the 18th November 2025 at 10 AM at Agri Expo… for an early solution of the Naga Political Issue in the interest of all Nagas.” The circular urged all concerned to “express their solidarity by being present there.”
In direct contrast, the Rengma Hoho issued a directive in strict compliance with the Nagaland Tribal Hoho Coordination Committee (NTHCC), instructing all constituent units, frontal organisations, CSOs – particularly the RGBA – and individuals associated with NTC/NH not to attend the rally.
The circular stated that forming “another platform on the Naga political issue” runs contrary to the FNR Ungma Statement (23 August 2025) and the Zunheboto Resolution (27 September 2025), both collectively endorsed by NPGs and apex tribal bodies.
“All bonafide Rengma citizens are requested to cooperate and remain united with one accord,” it said.
The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur and Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation has also advised its members not to attend the rally.
These new directives arrive amid an ongoing standoff between the NTHCC and the Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF), which is co-organising the Common Platform. Over the past week, the NTHCC has repeatedly expressed concern that the public meeting could create a parallel platform that undermines the convergence and reconciliation process initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). The NTHCC comprises the apex tribal organisations of: Angami Public Organisation, Ao Senden, Chakhesang Public Organisation, Lotha Hoho, Pochury Hoho, Rengma Hoho, Sümi Hoho and Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organisation (NZPO).
The NTHCC has maintained that the Ungma Statement and Zunheboto Resolution signed by 15–16 NPGs and 33–34 Tribal Hohos represent a historic commitment to unity, reconciliation, and a collective political future. The committee insists that maintaining one unified approach is essential and that any separate initiative risks “diluting the ongoing reconciliation process under FNR leadership.”
Meanwhile, the organising committee of the Nagaland Common Platform issued a clarification on Sunday, stating that the 18 November public gathering “is not intended to undermine or run parallel to the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).”
It said the FNR’s “religious and healing approach” remains respected, but argued that prolonged stagnation in negotiations and an “indefinite peace process” have burdened the people.
The committee added that the two negotiating groups “have already completed their positions for a final agreement,” and that “the authority lies with the Government of India to deliver an inclusive and comprehensive solution.”
“We have reached the stage – ‘If not now, then when,’” the organisers stated, urging all stakeholders to participate in what they described as a “people’s movement.”
The public gathering is scheduled for 18 November at 10 AM at Agri Expo, Chümoukedima.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) extended their support to the initiative of NGBF but recognizing the “recent differences of opinion emerging between the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), Tribal Apex Bodies, and NGBF,” the CNCCI held an emergency meeting and left it to the district chambers’ wisdom regarding their earlier call for “Voluntary Solidarity Closure.”
“The earlier call for mandatory attendance of District CCIs is hereby relaxed to voluntary participation,” CNCCI added. However, the CNCCI requested that transportation arrangements for GBs be ensured from the respective districts to attend the Nagaland Common Platform.
The Phek District Chamber of Commerce & Industry has directed all the units to have “half day closure of all business establishments” in solidarity with the NGBF while MCCI will hoist “solidarity flags” in the shops but will not close down.