‘Our Identity Is Not Criminal’: Naga Civil Society Protests Travel Ban, Seeks Immediate Redress from PM Modi

Ukhrul, April 26: In a strongly worded memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading Naga civil society organisations have condemned what they describe as systematic repression of Indigenous Naga leadership by the Indian State.

The memorandum, signed by the Global Naga Forum (GNF), the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), and the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), called attention to recent incidents of arbitrary restrictions and harassment faced by Naga civil society leaders.

The immediate trigger for the protest was the incident on April 7, 2025, when Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of the NPMHR, was reportedly prevented from boarding an international flight from Delhi to Kathmandu. According to the memorandum, no legal documentation or formal explanation was provided, other than the vague assertion: “You cannot travel.”

Related | Travel Ban Imposed on NPMHR Secretary General Neingulo Krome, Serious Infringement on Fundamental Rights: UNPO, GNF

The Naga civil bodies termed the action “deeply disturbing” and likened it to “authoritarian practices” aimed at silencing Indigenous voices and suppressing democratic leadership. They stated that this was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of surveillance, intimidation, and denial of basic civil rights to Naga leaders.

Citing Article 36 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), to which India is a signatory, the groups accused the government of violating international law by restricting Indigenous peoples’ right to maintain cross-border relations. They warned that such actions not only contravene India’s democratic ideals but also damage its credibility on the global stage.

“Indigenous peoples, in particular those divided by international borders, have the right to maintain and develop contacts, relations and cooperation, including activities for spiritual, cultural, political, economic and social purposes, with their own members as well as other peoples across borders.”

The memorandum laid out four key demands:

1. Immediate and unconditional removal of travel restrictions imposed on Shri Neingulo Krome and any other Naga civil society members.
   
2. A moratorium on all forms of arbitrary surveillance and intimidation of Indigenous civil society leaders, and the establishment of clear procedural safeguards against such actions.
   
3. Respect for Indigenous peoples’ rights as per the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including their right to freedom of movement and cross-border relations.
   
4. Adherence to democratic principles, ensuring that civil society members can carry out their duties without fear of harassment, censorship, or reprisals.

Related | AIPP Condemns Repeated Arbitrary Travel Restrictions and Harassment imposed on Neingulo Krome

“The Naga people are not a threat to India’s unity,” the memorandum asserted. “What truly threatens unity is the State’s failure to respect Indigenous dignity, autonomy, and fundamental freedoms. Our identity is not criminal. Our collective memory is not seditious.”

Framing their demands for accountability, the Naga Civil bodies reaffirmed its commitment to peace grounded in justice, and said, “This is not a plea for benevolence—it is a rightful call for accountability.