The Global Naga Forum (GNF), a unified voice of Nagas across the world, expresses its profound shock and utter condemnation over the heinous and criminal act of vandalism and destruction that took place in the heart of Kohima town, Nagaland. In the early hours on 27th May, miscreants, driven by despicable motives, razed the historic office building housing the Naga Students Federation (NSF) since 1983, defiling not only a symbol of the Naga struggle for self-determination but also targeting the welfare of Naga students.
It is deeply disheartening to witness the insidious and systematic attempts to dismantle Naga civil society organizations. Beginning with the fragmentation and delegitimization of the Apex Naga civil society’s organizations, it is evident that vested interests with hideous minds are seeking to destroy the fragile fabric of pan-Naga unity that remains.
The destruction of the NSF office, an institution representing Naga students across tribal boundaries, is a criminal attack on the very essence of Naga identity and aspirations. The fact that this act transpired with such precision in the heart of our capital city raises suspicions that the miscreants acted with tacit support from powerful entities orchestrating this malicious act.
Attempts to intimidate and silence the unity and voice of the Naga nation will not succeed. In this, we reiterate that no human being or entity, no matter how powerful, can destroy the heart and soul of what it means to be Naga. All Nagas, including individuals and their collective institutions, have a voice and agency of their own. Naga democratic socialism cherishes and upholds this sacred fact embedded in Naga civilizational ethos.
We firmly declare that this shameful act must be addressed forthrightly, condemned by all, and the persons or group involved should be arrested without delay. Rather than resorting to such destructive and criminal measures, we urge the Naga elders responsible for this act to hang their heads in shame and engage in dialogue to resolve any conflicts of interest.
Furthermore, we condemn the cynical motive of resource politics, disguised as claims of original land ownership by the Naga Club, as a pretext for grabbing prime land in the heart of Kohima. Such claims do not withstand scrutiny of modern law or customary Naga practices. The building and land in question do not possess hereditary ownership, rendering customary law inapplicable.
The Global Naga Forum urges the authorities to act swiftly, restore justice, and ensure the perpetrators of this shameful and criminal act face the full force of the law. We emphasize that the preservation of peace, unity, and the voice of the Naga nation is of utmost importance. It is only through dialogue and reconciliation that we can overcome the challenges that threaten our collective aspirations.
Rich or poor, powerful or powerless, the only stable state is the one in which all men are equal before the law and therefore the Global Naga Forum demands swift justice and the immediate arrest of the masterminds behind this reprehensible and criminal act. It is of paramount importance that the state takes prompt action to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. The Global Naga Forum stands united with the Naga Students Federation and the entire Naga community, resolute in our pursuit of justice.
Media Cell
28th May 2023
