KOHIMA: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed deep sorrow and grave concern over the recent factional violence involving NSCN (AM) and NSCN (YA) in the “eastern part of Myanmar (Burma) occupied Naga homeland, which has resulted in the unfortunate loss of Naga lives”.
According to available information, an armed incident occurred on January 9, followed by retaliatory action on January 12, said the GNF in a statement. “This chain of violence has further aggravated an already fragile situation. The killing of Nagas by Nagas is a tragedy that cannot be justified under any circumstance, regardless of claims of provocation or retaliation”, it added.
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The GNF then said that, at a time when Naga villages remain fragile, borders are tense, and ordinary families continue to carry the burden of uncertainty, internal armed clashes only deepen fear, division, and irreversible loss. It further said every bullet fired at another Naga tears the moral fabric of our people and such actions undermine the moral strength of our society and erode the collective spirit of the Naga people.
In view of the deteriorating situation, the Global Naga Forum said it “has decided to cancel its planned visit to attend the Naga New Year celebration at Layshi town scheduled from January 14 to 16, despite having received an invitation. This decision was taken in consideration of the prevailing security concerns and the seriousness of the situation on the ground, it further said.
The GNF then said it “firmly believes” that violence among Naga groups must cease immediately. Differences, however serious, should be addressed through dialogue and understanding, not through the use of arms against our own people, it also said. The cost of such violence is borne not by leaders or camps, but by mothers, youth, and villages living in the shadow of guns, the GNF added.
The Global Naga Forum then called upon all Naga groups operating in the “eastern part of the Naga homeland” to exercise restraint and act with a sense of responsibility. This region is bordering on diverse ethnic communities with varied aspirations and challenges. In such a sensitive context, unity, coexistence, and mutual respect among the Nagas are essential for peace and achieving our destiny, the GNF stated.
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The GNF then urged all concerned to de-escalate tensions without delay and to uphold the sanctity of human life above all internal differences. History will judge us by how we respond in moments such as this, it said.
The Global Naga Forum then extended its “heartfelt condolences” to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this senseless violence and shares in their pain and grief. The GNF also wished a speedy and complete recovery to all those injured in the incidents. “We stand with the people in their desire for peace – not with the violence”, it stated.
The statement finally said, “Let this moment serve as a test of our moral responsibility as a people. If we fail to protect Naga lives from our own hands, we betray not only our history but also the future we claim to defend”.
