Amid ongoing armed clashes between Naga political groups in Eastern Nagaland, a group of senior Naga leaders and representatives have issued a joint appeal to the NSCN Yung Aung and NSCN Angmai groups, urging them to desist from further violence and to recommit to unity and reconciliation.
In a strongly worded statement, the signatories said the Nagas, having “fully experienced the futility of violence”, must make a sincere effort to correct what they described as a “dark chapter of fratricidal bloodshed” that has undermined the Naga national struggle. They warned that continued internal conflict was posing a greater threat to the future of the Naga people than external forces.
“The greatest challenge the Nagas are being confronted today while in the course of determining our destiny is not only external forces but the deep internal chasm,” the statement said, adding that failure to exercise restraint and forbearance would imperil Naga history, culture, and identity.
Condemning attempts by Naga groups to assert supremacy over one another, the appeal noted that such actions had already proved “too costly in terms of blood, lives and resources” and cautioned that the cycle would continue unless humility and prudence prevailed.
The leaders stressed that no positive outcome could be achieved by continuing infighting among the Nagas. “Let us therefore rise above narcissism but inculcate empathy,” they added.
Referring specifically to the situation in Eastern Nagaland, the signatories said the ongoing clashes between NSCN groups were “refreshing the sad and unfortunate chapter in our National struggle”. They stated that forgiveness and acceptance were the only viable path forward to secure a just place for the Nagas among the community of nations.
“Regardless of the size or strength of our opponents our salvation lies solely in our ability to see, hear and work together,” the statement said, asserting that despite differing opinions, striving together in one voice as “the Naga” was the only path to redemption. It further stated that the Naga identity should not be defined by politics but by shared blood ties, calling for unity in determining the destiny of the people.
The appeal concluded with an earnest call to the NSCN Yung Aung and NSCN Angmai groups to refrain from further fratricide and to reflect on the larger cause of Naganess.
The appeal was signed by N Kitovi Zhimomi, Convenor of the Working Committee of the NNPGs; Col (Retd) Isak Sumi, Working Convenor of the Working Committee of the NNPGs; Alezo Venuh, Co Convenor of the Working Committee of the NNPGs; and P Tikhak Naga, Working Convenor of the Working Committee of the NNPGs. It was also endorsed by Rev Puni Mao and Kraibo Chawang, both members of the Collective Leadership, NSCN-IM.
