SENAPATI: The United Naga Council (UNC), the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), and the Naga Womens’ Union, Manipur (NWUM), “representing the collective conscience and voice of the Nagas in the present state of Manipur”, expressed their utmost concern and profound anguish over the factional violence between the Naga political groups—NSCN-YA and NSCN-AM—in Eastern Nagalim.
In a joint appeal for peace issued on Monday, the three Naga organisations said this unfolding situation represents a serious moral, political, and historical crisis for the Naga people.
They also said the Nagas’ political struggle was conceived as a people-centered movement, sustained by unity, collective sacrifice, and moral legitimacy. “It drew strength from the shared suffering and unwavering resolve of generations who endured immense hardship in defense of our land, identity, historical and political rights”, the three Naga bodies also said.
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“This collective conscience and struggle for Naga self-determination should not be tumbled down into internal warfare, fratricidal bloodshed, and rivalry among Naga brethren that eventually imperil our cherished dream and its sacred cause that is so dear to us”, they added.
The UNC, the ANSAM and the NWU joint statement then said history has repeatedly demonstrated that factionalism is the most destructive adversary of the Naga political movement. They further stated that internal divisions have weakened the collective resolve, diluted political focus, and rendered the shared movement vulnerable and prey to the continued sinister design and repressive policies of our adversary.
They added that the present cycle of violence reminded the dark historical phase in the journey of Nagas struggles for her sovereignty and it also accelerates the erosion of unity, credibility, and moral authority.
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The three apex bodies then unequivocally called for cessation of all violence and hostilities amongst the Naga brethren, especially NSCN-YA and NSCN-AM, and give peace a chance to navigate the way forward with forgiveness and empathy. “We also urge both groups to prioritize shared identity and a secure future over internal rivalries and the assertion of one’s supremacy. Despite all differences, collective effort and embracing essential unity remains the only path forward to achieve our common dream”, they added.
The joint statement then said, “Let sanity and peace prevail across the Naga homeland! We pray for shunning of fratricide forthwith and vouch to forge ahead in a collective strive with resilience and commitment to secure the historical and political rights of the Nagas, transcending all rifts and differences”.