The Federal Government of Nagaland has issued a strongly worded statement alleging continued “criminal activities” by Kuki armed groups in the southern sector of Nagaland and adjoining areas, while calling upon Nagas across regions and communities to unite in defence of their land and people.
In a press statement issued through its Ministry of Rali Wali (Information and Publicity), the organisation claimed it had been “tolerantly watching” the situation for a prolonged period but alleged that the activities of Kuki armed groups had now crossed “beyond the range of human nature.”
The statement asserted that ancestral Naga land permanently belongs to the Nagas and described Nagaland as the homeland of the Naga people. Referring to Article 10 of the Yehzabo, described as the constitution of Nagaland, the organisation stated that every person born of “Naga blood” is considered a bona fide citizen of Nagaland.
The FGN further stated that members of the Kuki Tribal Union and other non-Naga communities living peacefully in Naga territories in accordance with the Yehzabo are regarded as “brothers and sisters” and citizens of Nagaland.
However, the organisation stated that the Naga National Council and the Federal Government of Nagaland do not recognise any other groups beyond those mentioned in the statement.
The statement also alleged that “illegal immigrants, refugees and armed terrorists” were disturbing normal life and attacking Nagas and neighbouring indigenous communities. It termed such groups as “anti-people and anti-national” and called for collective action against them.
The FGN appealed to Nagas “irrespective of areas, communities and regions” to remain united and defend their land and people “as a Nation.”
The statement comes amid continuing ethnic tensions and security concerns in parts of Manipur and adjoining Naga-inhabited areas.