Naga civil society submits memorandum to PM Modi over “systematic repression”

A group of Naga civil society organizations has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing “deep concern over the systematic repression of Indigenous Naga civil society leaders by the Indian State.”

The memorandum, jointly signed by the Global Naga Forum (GNF), the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), and the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), particularly cited the case of Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of the NPMHR, who was “arbitrarily prevented from boarding an international flight from Delhi to Kathmandu” on April 7, 2025.

“No legal basis was cited, no documentation provided—only the vague assertion: ‘You cannot travel,’” the memorandum stated, calling the action “deeply disturbing” and likening it to “authoritarian practices aimed at silencing dissent and suppressing Indigenous leadership.”

The organizations asserted that the incident was “not isolated,” but part of a “broader pattern of state surveillance, harassment, and curtailment of the basic rights of Naga civil society leaders.” They argued that such measures “contradict the principles of democracy and international human rights norms.”

Drawing attention to international law, the memorandum reminded the Government of India of its obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), particularly Article 36, which affirms that:

“Indigenous peoples, in particular those divided by international borders, have the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations and cooperation, including activities for spiritual, cultural, political, economic and social purposes, with their own members as well as other peoples across borders.”

The organizations accused the Indian State of violating this internationally recognized right by “restricting the mobility of Indigenous leaders without due process or explanation,” and warned that such actions were “damaging its credibility on the global stage.”

In their memorandum, the civil society groups put forward four key demands:
1. “Immediate and unconditional removal of travel restrictions imposed on Shri Neingulo Krome and any other Naga civil society members.”
2. “A moratorium on all forms of arbitrary surveillance and intimidation of Indigenous civil society leaders, and the establishment of clear procedural safeguards against such actions.”
3. “Respect for Indigenous peoples’ rights as per the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including their right to freedom of movement and cross-border relations.”
4. “Adherence to democratic principles, ensuring that civil society members can carry out their duties without fear of harassment, censorship, or reprisals.”

The memorandum strongly asserted that “the Naga people are not a threat to India’s unity,” adding that “what truly threatens unity is the State’s failure to respect Indigenous dignity, autonomy, and fundamental freedoms.”

“Our identity is not criminal. Our collective memory is not seditious. We demand an end to the treatment of our leaders as enemies of the state and reaffirm our commitment to peace rooted in justice,” the groups emphasized.

“This is not a plea for benevolence—it is a rightful call for accountability,” the memorandum added.

MT