KOHIMA, MAR 3: Recognising that “Pan Naga Hoho” is a collective path towards unity, peace, and political solution, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) “fervently appeals to the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), “Naga political groups” (NPGs), Naga civil society organizations and “tribal hohos” to come together and take one more decisive step toward unity and peace in pursuit of an Indo-Naga political settlement. “Let the year 2026 become a year of unity, solution, and lasting peace”, it stated.
In a statement issued today, the GNF said it is an “undeniable fact” that the various “Naga political groups” or factions, as well as the Naga people as a whole wherever they reside, possess an earnest desire to arrive at a lasting political settlement with India and usher in a new era of peace and development at par with the rest of the world. “Very sadly, the Government of India has been unable to bring about an amicable solution even after 29 years of political negotiations. In fact, there was once a ray of hope that a political agreement would be signed, until Mr R. N. Ravi, the former interlocutor, was influenced by elements opposed to a Naga peace settlement, thereby sowing seeds of division among the Nagas”, alleged the GNF. “The Indo-Naga political solution is not beyond reach; it becomes attainable the moment the Nagas stand united, and impossible the moment we stand divided”, it added.
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During the past 29 years of political dialogue with India, no Naga individual or organization has opposed unity and reconciliation in principle, said the GNF. Likewise, all stakeholders have consistently supported an inclusive political solution, it also said. Unfortunately, approaches grounded in regional and state-centric interests have emerged after the Government of India, through its interlocutor, proposed competencies aimed at resolving the Naga political issue through the framework of a “Pan Naga Hoho” platform, it stated. “We believe that the Government of India proposed this in recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas, a statutory body, to be known as the Pan Naga Hoho (PNH), envisioned as an alternative to physical integration”, it further stated.
The Pan Naga Hoho has since become a contentious issue for certain sections of society and therefore requires serious and objective consideration, said the Naga body. The Pan Naga Hoho should be a well-defined institutional mechanism for the development of Naga areas and for advancing the long-term aspiration of Naga integration, rather than being reduced merely to a cultural body, it further said. Such a structure would directly benefit Naga people across regions and administrative boundaries and serve as a precursor to the broader aspirations of the Nagas, the GNF added. “Instead of rejecting the Pan Naga platform without fully understanding its concept and operational framework, we urge Nagas from all regions and states to give peace and unity a genuine opportunity by coming together under this platform. Without an inclusive solution, any agreement risks further dividing the Nagas, and any settlement confined to a particular state or area may only mark the beginning of another cycle of conflict within Naga society”, it further added.
The GNF then said Nagas must recognize that the narrative of Naga historical and political rights encompasses Nagas everywhere. “At this critical juncture, Nagas must acknowledge the importance of safeguarding the rich common heritage for which our founding fathers and mothers stood firm against repressive and oppressive forces,” said the GNF. This shared heritage, defended with blood and tears, cannot be reduced to piecemeal solutions limited to specific regions or sectional interests, it also said. The Naga people have borne responsibilities together as a struggling nation across the length and breadth of their homeland, the GNF further stated.
“It is our considered view that the collective wisdom emerging from the Pan Naga Hoho will serve the interests and aspirations of the Nagas in broader and stronger ways”. The collective expressions made by past Naga leaders and the public for a united Nagaland remain irrevocable, irreversible, and indelible, the statement also said. An inclusive and robust institutional structure in the form of the Pan Naga Hoho will provide the Nagas with the strength needed to address common challenges in the larger interest of the entire “Naga family”, the GNF further said, adding, “The fears generated through self-created or externally driven one-sided perceptions must be broadened through dialogue and understanding”.
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The GNF then said the younger generation of Nagas must not be swayed solely by emotion but should apply thoughtful reflection and introspection to embrace the shared Naga heritage that can guide the people toward freedom, progress, and prosperity. “It is time for young Nagas across all regions to urgently come together to build a strong and enduring Naga alliance, harnessing the opportunity presently before us”, it added.
The GNF then said Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio, has given a clarion call to all Naga people to support an Indo-Naga political settlement grounded in Naga unity. Speaking as chief guest at the Lui-Ngai-Ni Festival 2026 held at Ukhrul on February 15, 2026, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for a “Pan Naga” entity that would establish a unified Naga platform across traditional boundaries, a vision that is laudable and deserving of wholehearted appreciation, pointed out the GNF. Any lasting solution must promote unity among Nagas across man-made boundaries, it said. A solution that fragments the Naga people cannot be considered a true solution, as it risks sowing seeds for renewed tension and another cycle of conflict, the GNF further said. After nearly three decades of peaceful negotiations, achieving an honourable and mutually acceptable settlement must stand as a shining example to the world, demonstrating that even the most complex political issues can be resolved through dialogue, dignity, and statesmanship rather than prolonged conflict, the GNF added.