The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Sümi Hoho, the apex body of the Sümi Nagas, have on Wednesday expressed strong opposition to the proposed “Gau Dwaj Yatra.” Incidentally, the government of Nagaland through a cabinet decision on Wednesday has denied permission for the proposed event in the state.
NSF rejects ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’
Registering opposition to the proposed ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra,’ the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) denounced the event calling it a direct affront to the social and cultural fabric of the Naga people and a potential disruptor of communal harmony in the state.
“The NSF will not allow such an event to take place in the Naga homeland,” the organization stated, emphasizing that the event undermines the unique constitutional rights guaranteed to the Naga people under Article 371A. The Article specifically safeguards Naga customs, culture, and religious practices, and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and the Government of Nagaland have affirmed that the “Ban on Cow Slaughter Act 2019” will not be enforced in the state.
According to the NSF, “Any attempt to impose laws or ideologies contrary to these provisions is unacceptable to the Naga people.” The federation highlighted that the ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’ disregards the will of the people and the decisions of their elected representatives. The NSF stressed the importance of recognizing that the Naga people have distinct cultural and religious practices, including dietary customs that differ from other regions.
The NSF further pointed out, “Organizing an event that seeks to promote the ban on cow slaughter in the Naga homeland is not only insensitive but also risks inflaming communal tensions and undermining the longstanding harmony that exists in the Naga’s land.” The federation is concerned that such an event would hurt the sentiments of the Naga people, who view the imposition of external laws as a threat to their identity and way of life.
The organization also reminded that “Article 371A grants the Naga people the right to make decisions on matters related to religion, culture, and land ownership, including issues like cow slaughter.” Any attempt to violate these rights will be met with strong resistance from the Naga people, the NSF warned.
The NSF asserted with a firm stance, stating, “We will not allow any event that threatens to disturb the socio-religious harmony of the state or undermine the constitutional rights conferred upon us.” The federation, supported by the Naga people, is prepared to take all necessary measures to prevent the ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’ from proceeding in the Naga homeland, it added.
Sümi Hoho opposes ‘Gau Dhwaj Yatra’
The Sümi Hoho has voiced its strong opposition to the proposed “Gau Dwaj Yatra,” an event planned in Nagaland’s capital, Kohima, aimed at promoting a ban on cow slaughter. The organization expressed its concern that such an initiative not only infringes on the dietary customs of the Naga people but also violates the constitutional safeguards provided under Article 371A of the Indian Constitution.
“Article 371A safeguards the religious, social, and customary practices of the Nagas,” the Sümi Hoho emphasized, adding that the central legislation banning cow slaughter “cannot be imposed on Nagaland unless explicitly adopted by the state assembly.” In line with this provision, the Nagaland state legislature passed a resolution in 2019 not to implement the nationwide ban, recognizing that beef consumption is a significant aspect of Naga culture, particularly during communal and family gatherings.
The Sümi Hoho warned that the “Gau Dwaj Yatra,” with its ideological agenda, threatens to disrupt the existing socio-religious harmony in the region by advocating values that are alien to the traditions of Nagaland. “The Naga way of life, deeply anchored in respect for individual rights and community freedoms, has long valued the freedom to choose one’s food and lifestyle,” the organization stated, stressing that imposing external dietary preferences “constitutes not only a violation of individual rights but also a grave affront to the cultural identity of the Nagas.”
The organization called on the state government and authorities to intervene, urging them to prevent any event that undermines the provisions of Article 371A. The Sümi Hoho also appealed to the organizers of the Yatra, asking them to “show respect for the values and traditions of the Naga people, just as we respect the practices of other communities across India.”
In solidarity with other tribal and political leaders, the Sümi Hoho reaffirmed its commitment to defending Naga heritage and opposed any efforts to impose socio-cultural practices incompatible with the rights guaranteed to the Naga people. The organization concluded by extending an appeal to Indian society for a deeper understanding and respect for Nagaland’s unique cultural identity and constitutional protections, stating, “Only through mutual respect and understanding can we foster harmonious coexistence in a diverse nation like India”.
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