The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday submitted a 9-point memorandum to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, highlighting critical issues that it said require his immediate and positive intervention. The Federation conveyed appreciation for the government’s initiatives but stressed the need for sincerity and action in addressing matters it described as “existential, political and developmental concerns” directly affecting the future of the Naga people.
Indo-Naga Political Issue
The NSF described the Indo-Naga political issue as not merely a political discourse but ”the very foundation of our existence as a people,” adding that the NSF has, since its inception, stood firmly for the just cause of the Naga political struggle and continues to do so without fear or wavering.
While appreciating the formation of the Core Committee on Naga Political Issue, the NSF said it is imperative that the government rise above symbolic gestures and works with utmost sincerity and courage to ensure inclusivity of all Nagas across “artificial boundaries created by external powers,” advocate for integration of all Naga territories in line with the historical and political aspirations of Naga people, and facilitate dialogue at the highest level “without preconditions” so that a lasting and honorable solution may be realized.
It called on the Chief Minister to be “proactive and decisive in this matter of historic significance.”
Influx of Illegal Immigrants
The Federation expressed concern over the “unabated inflow of illegal immigrants,” terming it an existential threat to the Naga people. “The Inner Line Pass (ILP), though in existence for over 150 years, has been poorly implemented, leaving loopholes for outsiders to infiltrate, settle and slowly displace indigenous communities,” it said.
The NSF also said that it has taken a historic step by constituting the Inner Line Regulation Commission (ILRC) in December 2024 to monitor this threat.
The NSF urged the government to set up a special commission for Inner Line Regulation, create a centralized ILP database, establish ILP offices at Dimapur Railway Station and Airport, form ILP enforcement wings in all districts, conduct sensitization programs, and coordinate with village councils, student bodies and civil organizations to prevent illegal settlement.
Rampant Illegal Appointments
The NSF said backdoor appointments continue despite the creation of the NPSC and NSSB. It demanded that the government halt all illegal appointments immediately, ensure recruitment strictly through NPSC or NSSB, and fix accountability on officials involved in such practices.
Upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu
Calling attention to the lack of a full-fledged government engineering college in Nagaland, the Federation appealed for the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a Government Engineering College from the 2026–2027 academic year to promote technical education and self-reliance.
Indigenous Representation in Higher Institutions
The NSF expressed concern over the lack of indigenous representation in Nagaland University and the National Institute of Technology, Chümoukedima. It demanded that at least 80 percent of teaching and non-teaching posts be reserved for indigenous Nagas, citing Article 371(A), the need for long-term commitment, and rising unemployment among educated youth.
E-Governance and Transparency
Maintaining that transparency and accountability are the pillars of good governance, the NSF said that the absence of these has led to rampant corruption and inefficiency in the State.
“The NSF strongly believes that robust e-Governance mechanisms will empower citizens with access to accurate information, reduce corrupt practices and bridge the gap between government and the people,” it said.
The NSF urged the government to ensure all departments comply with the Government of India’s Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW), making information regarding schemes, beneficiaries, post creations, vacancies and departmental progress reports publicly available. It also called for expansion of digital platforms to enhance government-citizen interaction, especially for those in rural and remote areas and to use internet and mobile technologies to make government services accessible, thereby curbing middlemen and reducing delays.
Students and Youth Empowerment
The NSF said rising unemployment among Naga youth requires urgent government attention. It proposed that each of the 60 MLAs sponsor aspirants for UPSC coaching, strengthen vocational training, establish multidisciplinary colleges under NEP 2020, and implement the CM Micro Finance initiative on a wider scale.
Repeal of AFSPA
The NSF said that the continued enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Naga areas remains a stark reminder of systemic injustice and described it as a “draconian law” responsible for inflicting untold suffering, human rights violations, and trauma upon generations of Nagas.
It urged the state government to raise the demand for repeal at every possible forum and reaffirmed its non-cooperation movement with the armed forces until AFSPA is revoked.
Scrapping of FMR and Border Fencing
The NSF condemned the Central Government’s unilateral decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime and construct border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border. It said the move “disregards the unique history of the Nagas” whose ancestral lands stretch across the arbitrary boundary and would sever traditional kinship and cultural ties. It said the fencing will not only sever social and cultural relations but also worsen conflicts in the region.
“We call upon your government to vehemently oppose these regressive moves that undermine Naga history and identity, advocate for policies that respect traditional cross-border relations and work towards solutions that foster peace and unity rather than division,” the NSF said.
Concluding the memorandum, the NSF stated that the issues raised are “not merely student-related grievances but existential, political and developmental concerns.” It assured the Chief Minister of its continued cooperation in working toward justice, transparency, and progress for the Naga people.