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DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Monday expressed concern and condemnation over the recent gunfight in Noney district in the state of Manipur, involving cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and the NSCN (IM), and called on the Naga political groups to prioritise dialogue instead.
The incident, which occurred on December 17, resulted in the loss of three lives, marks the second clash within a fortnight between these groups in the same district, it pointed out in a press release.
The NSF, amidst the Naga people’s hopeful anticipation for a just resolution to the prolonged Indo-Naga political issue, underscored that such instances of recurrent violence jeopardise the fabric of Naga brotherhood and threaten the hard-earned “peace and stability” in the Naga homeland.
Sunday’s gunfight “has once again escalated fears and created a sense of insecurity among the innocent public. As the festive season approaches, the NSF is deeply troubled by the persistence of such incidents, urging all stakeholders to consider the broader impact on the community,” the release stated.
Condemning actions that defy the rule of law and disrupt the peaceful co-existence within the Naga family, the student body emphasised that “the Naga homeland’s prosperity should not be held hostage by individuals with vested interests and extremist ideologies.”
Appealing for peace and unity across the Naga homeland, the NSF further emphasised the need for stakeholders to be cognisant of the unfolding situation. It called for better sense to prevail, while advocating for respect for each other’s history and basic human rights.
In this critical period, the NSF urges a collective effort to thrive in harmony and peaceful co-existence, the press release stated.
“As the younger generation set to inherit the outcomes of ongoing political negotiations, the NSF reiterates that the path forward involves not only political discussions but also building bridges of trust and understanding among all stakeholders,” it went on to state, while emphasising the importance of fostering an environment where the Naga homeland and the entire region can coexist in harmony.
Expressing its commitment to fostering peace, unity, and a prosperous future for the Naga people, the student body called upon all the Naga political groups to respect the existence of each entity, prioritise dialogue, understanding, and the well-being of the community during these crucial times.
Also read: 3 killed in gunfight between 2 Naga outfits in Manipur