NSF rejects Kuki-Zo Council statement, demands justice for six Naga civilians

Kohima, June 28: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Sunday strongly rejected a recent statement by the Kuki-Zo Council on the killing of six Naga civilians, accusing it of attempting to divert attention from what it described as the “cold-blooded abduction, torture and murder” of the victims.

In a statement issued from Oking and signed by NSF president Mteisuding and general secretary Kenilo Kent, the federation said the families of the six slain Nagas were still waiting for justice and that no “carefully worded statement” could replace accountability.

The NSF also condemned the use of terms such as “Kacha Naga” by organisations representing the Kuki-Zo community, asserting that no group has the authority to “classify or redefine the identity of the indigenous Naga populace in their own ancestral homeland.”

The student body reiterated its demand for the identification, arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the abduction and killing of the six civilians, including members of armed Kuki groups and any civilians who allegedly participated in or facilitated the crimes.

In a sharp escalation of its demands, the NSF called on the Government of India to immediately scrap the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, alleging that “countless atrocities and gross human rights violations have been committed with impunity” under the arrangement.

“The Naga people desire neither conflict nor hostility with the Government of India and have consistently aspired to coexist peacefully with all neighbouring communities based on mutual respect and recognition of ancestral rights,” the statement said.

However, it added that lasting peace cannot be achieved through “denial, distortion or selective narratives” and called for truth, accountability and an honourable resolution to the long-pending Naga political issue.

Meanwhile, the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) extended its support to the NSF’s stand and reiterated the demand for justice for the six slain Nagas.

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