Responding to the recent statement of the Working Committee of the NNPGs regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on oil exploration and the party’s role in the Naga political process, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Monday asserted that the Indo-Naga issue belongs to the entire Naga people and should not be reduced to blame games and political criticism.
In a statement issued through its Press Bureau, the NPF said the Indo-Naga political issue is a issued built on the sacrifices and aspirations of generations of Nagas and stressed that all stakeholders must work with wisdom, maturity, and unity to secure an honourable, acceptable, and inclusive political solution.
The party expressed concern that such criticism has come at a time when Naga people need to focus on bigger challenges. “Unity and collective effort bring progress, not highlighting differences. Public arguments that distract from the larger interests of our people serve no purpose when we need unity and understanding most,” it stated.
Terming the claim that NPF stopped members of the Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation from meeting the Prime Minister as “false”, the party maintained that Gaon Buras have specific duties related to village governance and customary administration and that they should focus on these responsibilities within their given role.
The NPF also dismissed as “baseless” allegations that it played a role in the exit of former interlocutor RN Ravi from the Naga peace process. It pointed out that the appointment, continuation, or transfer of representatives is decided only by the Government of India.
Clarifying its stand on the peace talks, the party reiterated that the Indo-Naga issue requires engagement at the highest political level due to its unique historical and political nature. It stated that the issue cannot be resolved through routine administrative processes and now requires sincere political leadership and decisive action.
The NPF highlighted the Consultative Meeting on the Naga Political Issue convened by the Government of Nagaland on September 12, 2024, where tribal hohos, church organisations, civil society groups, student bodies, political parties, Members of Parliament, legislators and other stakeholders unanimously resolved to urge the Government of India to appoint an interlocutor of political or ministerial rank with full authority.
According to the party, the demand for political-level engagement was not the position of the NPF alone or one leaders’ view but reflected the united voice of Naga through an official consultative process. It added that the same meeting had also appealed for greater unity among Nagas and discouraged factionalism and divisions within the Naga political movement.
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On the recent MoU relating to oil exploration, the NPF acknowledged concerns raised by various sections of society regarding ownership and management of natural resources. However, it argued that the issue must be handled with a historical view, clear facts and collective responsibility, noting that the Assam-Nagaland boundary dispute and competing claims over mineral and petroleum resources have existed for decades.
The party stated that oil exploration activities in some disputed areas had commenced long before the signing of the present MoU and therefore it would be inaccurate to suggest that the issue arose solely because of the recent agreement.
The NPF further observed that both the Governments of Nagaland and Assam have shown willingness in recent years to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute through dialogue and mutual understanding. It urged responsible groups to support constructive engagement and constitutional processes rather than use sensitive issues for short-term political gains.
Calling upon the younger generation to engage seriously and constructively with the Naga political issue, the NPF said differences of opinion are natural but should be guided by informed understanding rather than anger.
The party also drew attention to the continuing security challenges faced by Naga villages in Manipur, including the recent killing of six innocent Naga civilians. It said Nagas expect Naga political groups and freedom fighters to prioritise the protection of Naga lives and villages while pursuing political dialogue.
“Political dialogue must go hand in hand with real security on the ground for Nagas under attack. The Naga political solution and Naga lives cannot be separated. Without security for villages, political agreements mean little to ordinary Nagas,” it stated.
The party appealed to all stakeholders, including Naga Political Groups, tribal hohos, church organisations, civil society bodies and political parties, to uphold unity, mutual respect and collective responsibility. Reaffirming its commitment to the peace process, the NPF said it would continue working towards an honourable, acceptable and inclusive political solution that “brings dignity to the past, stability to the present, and a secure future.”
