The Naga Students Organisation (NSO) has strongly condemned the continued clashes and retaliatory violence between NSCN-YA and NSCN-AM, stating that it is “both painful and unacceptable to witness Naga blood being shed by Naga hands.”
In a statement titled “Statement on the Urgent Need for Unity and Peace,” the NSO said it “strongly condemns and expresses its deep anguish over the continued clashes and retaliatory violence” between the two groups, adding that such acts are “not only tragic but a direct betrayal of the collective sacrifices and political aspirations of the Naga people.”
Calling the situation a critical juncture, the student body said, “This is a defining moment in Naga history,” and warned that at a time when the Naga people are “surrounded by serious political, social, and territorial threats from all directions,” internal armed conflict is “nothing short of self-destructive.”
It cautioned that “if we fail to stand united today, there will be no Naga political future tomorrow,” adding that the erosion of Naga rights, land, and identity “will not happen suddenly—it will happen while we are divided, distracted, and destroying ourselves.”
The NSO stated “clearly and without ambiguity” that “internal violence weakens the Naga cause and strengthens those who wish to see the Naga people fragmented and defeated.” It further asserted that “no political principle, factional interest, or leadership ego can justify the killing of our own people,” warning that “history will not forgive those who choose fratricide over responsibility.”
Emphasising dialogue as the only way forward, the organisation said it “firmly believes that dialogue remains the only honorable and sustainable path forward.” It therefore “urgently challenge[d] and appeal[ed] to both NSCN-YA and NSCN-AM to immediately cease all retaliatory actions and constitute peace members or committees within their respective groups.”
“Differences must be confronted across the table, not across gun barrels,” the statement said, urging both sides to “give dialogue a genuine chance to resolve all issues in the larger defense of Naga political rights and principles.”
The NSO also expressed its readiness to facilitate peace, stating that it is “fully prepared and willing to coordinate, facilitate, and initiate the peace process, should both parties come forward with duly constituted peace members from within their respective groups.” It added that the organisation “stands ready to play a constructive and responsible role in bringing both sides together in the interest of peace, unity, and the collective future of the Naga people.”
Referring to public sentiment, the NSO said that the “ongoing clashes and loss of lives have deeply wounded the sentiments of the Naga people,” and noted that “the students, youth, and general public are watching with growing pain, anger, and disappointment.” It warned that “continued violence will only alienate the people and erode public trust.”
The organisation further called upon both sides to “exercise restraint in words as well as actions,” stressing that “provocative language, hostile press statements, and inflammatory rhetoric must stop immediately, as they only fuel hatred and escalate an already fragile situation.” It cautioned that “the Naga people will not tolerate further violence carried out in their name.”
Describing its appeal as a collective call, the NSO said, “This is a firm message from the voice of the Naga people: Stop the bloodshed. Stop the retaliation. Choose unity over division and responsibility over revenge.” It added that “the future of the Naga nation depends on wisdom, courage, and restraint at this critical hour.”
Reaffirming its stand, the NSO stated that it “stands resolutely for peace with dignity, unity with purpose, and a shared political future for all Nagas,” and called upon all concerned “to rise above factionalism for the survival and honor of the Naga nation.”
