UKHRUL: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has strongly condemned the brutal killing of four Naga Army personnel at Hongbei, under Kasom Block, Kamjong District, on March 28, 2026. The forum has called for a fair, free, and impartial investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable. Additionally, it urges all to exercise the utmost restraint during this critical juncture.
In a press statement, the Global Naga Forum stated that it deeply mourns the tragic loss of Major Sochipem Phungshok, Sergeant Maior Zairay Vasah, Sergeant Bahnle Ahlapya, and Sergeant Thansomi Vashi. It also extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief and prays that they find strength and solace. “The loss of these precious lives is not only a personal tragedy for the families but a collective loss for the entire Naga nation,” it said.
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“Our considered view of the inexcusable killings and the grave situation they have created in Ukhrul suggests two things: one, that it was probably the culmination of a combination of long-standing unresolved internal issues within the community in particular and the organization in general; two, that prolonged mistrust among some Naga groups leading to animosity to the extent of fratricidal killings, like this one in Hongbei, happen within a political space willfully engineered by adversaries of the Naga people’s movement for self-determination and their consistent and urgent demand for a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue. The lack of political will on the part of the Government of India to bring about a political solution, even after 29 years of negotiations, has created a climate for deepening mistrust and fostering divisions among the Nagas, which, the facts show, is the cherished desire of the Indian government and its negotiators, “ the GNF press statement read.
Further, it urges the Nagas to be aware that the Indo-Naga political imbroglio and history are not confined to the Naga homeland and India alone: they have reached international forums and drawn global attention. “It is therefore deeply unfortunate to expose to the world our internal weaknesses, divisions, and, most tragically, Nagas killing each other. Self-inflicted violence such as this weakens the Naga cause and destroys the dignity and moral standing of the Naga people at home and around the world,“ GNF said.
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The GNF also expresses deep concern over the grave situation in Ukhrul following the killings, including incidents involving damage to personal property, terming such actions as reprehensible. They only serve to aggravate tensions, weaken our collective cause, and erode the foundation of unity that binds us as a people, it said.
“At this critical juncture, we call upon leaders and followers alike, Civil Society Organizations, and individuals to exercise utmost restraint. The tendency to issue unpalatable statements against our own leaders on social media must be avoided, as it diminishes us in the eyes of others. We urge all sections to act with reason, responsibility, and in the larger interest of the Naga people. No individual or group should take the law into their own hands at such a sensitive moment,” it appeals.
Furthermore, the GNF stated that as an Enquiry Commission has been constituted by the concerned authority to investigate the incident, wisdom demands patience, adding, “The GNF firmly calls for a free, fair, and impartial inquiry, and for appropriate action against the perpetrators.”
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The forum urges all concerned to refrain from speculation and let the inquiry process proceed without interference, guided by facts, truth, integrity, and justice. It also calls upon leaders to listen to the voice of the people, who seek justice, accountability, and a path towards lasting peace.
“At this decisive moment, we urge all Nagas to tone down our anger and rise above our divisions. Let us reflect more than react: and choose unity over discord, peace over provocation, because the future of the Naga people depends on our collective wisdom and our ability to stand together in times of adversity. May we all do our part to make peace, so that peace can prevail in our villages and towns across the Naga homeland, the GNF concluded.