NSF condemns organizers for proceeding with ‘cow protection yatra’ despite denial of permission; Issues final warning

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly condemned the proposed ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra,’ scheduled for 28 September 2024, asserting that the event seeks to promote a nationwide ban on cow slaughter and represents “a blatant assault on the cultural, religious, and social values of the Naga people.” The NSF emphasized that this initiative is “nothing less than an attempt to impose external religious beliefs and practices upon the Naga homeland,” and that they “will not tolerate such actions.”

The federation appreciated the State Government of Nagaland for denying permission for the event to be held in Kohima, stating that “this decision reflects an understanding of and respect for the distinct customs, traditions, and dietary practices of the Naga people,” which are protected under the special provisions of Article 371A of the Constitution of India.

However, the NSF expressed concern that, “despite the clear denial of permission and in utter disregard of the NSF’s firm stand, the organizers have brazenly chosen to go ahead with the event.” They characterized this move as “an act of provocation and disrespect, not only to the NSF but to the entire Naga community,” issuing a stern warning to the organizers and participants, declaring that “the NSF will not allow such divisive activities to take place anywhere in the Naga homeland.”

The NSF reiterated that the Government of Nagaland and the Naga Legislative Assembly (NLA) have made it clear that “the Ban on Cow Slaughter Act 2019 will not be enforced in the state,” given the protections under Article 371A. This provision safeguards Naga customs, culture, and religious practices, including “our traditional dietary habits, which may differ from those of other regions.” They NSF asserted that Article 371A empowers the Naga people “to make their own decisions on matters related to religion, culture, and land ownership, including the right to slaughter cattle according to our customs.”

In a resolute stance, the NSF pledged to defend the socio-religious harmony of the Naga homeland, stating, “We will not allow any event that threatens to disrupt this harmony or undermine the rights conferred upon us by Article 371A.” It warned that should the organizers of the ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’ continue with their plans, “the NSF, with the support of the Naga people, will take all necessary measures to ensure the event does not take place on Naga soil.”

The federation concluded with a final warning: “Let this serve as a final warning to the organizers and their supporters: any attempts to hold this event will be met with swift and resolute opposition from the NSF and the Naga people. We will not allow our land to be used as a platform for divisive and inflammatory activities that are foreign to our traditions.”

MT