The Naga Youth Movement (NYM) on Thursday asserted that it is a non-partisan, youth-led platform seeking the implementation of the 2015 Framework Agreement and the 2017 Agreed Position, while rejecting allegations of being affiliated with any Naga political group or political party.
Addressing a press conference in Dimapur, the movement’s leaders said the recent change in name from “Fed Up Nagas” to “Naga Youth Movement” reflected their commitment to pursuing their objectives through peaceful and democratic means.
Wekupe Naga said the movement was formed because young people could no longer remain silent over the prolonged delay in implementing the political agreements signed between the Government of India and Naga negotiating groups.
“Our objective is very clear. It has been nearly a decade since our leaders signed the agreements. We are only asking why they have not been implemented and what exactly is causing the delay,” he said.
He said the youth wanted all sections of Naga society—including civil society organisations, tribal bodies and Naga political groups—to unite on the issue of implementing the agreements rather than remaining divided.
According to him, many organisations had remained silent for years while unemployment and uncertainty among Naga youths continued to increase.
“The youths are speaking today because they are concerned about the future generation. We need to identify who is blocking the path to peace and solution,” he said.
Appealing to all Naga political groups, Wekupe urged them to come together in the larger interest of the Naga people to bring peace and progress.
Name changed to reflect peaceful approach
Explaining the change of name from “Fed Up Nagas” to “Naga Youth Movement,” Kuhuto Naga said the earlier name had created misunderstandings among the public.
He said the movement wanted to broaden its appeal and become a platform representing all Naga youths irrespective of geographical boundaries or affiliations.
“We started as ‘Fed Up Nagas,’ but today we are moving forward as the Naga Youth Movement because this is intended to be a mass movement representing the voice of Naga youths everywhere,” he said.
Kuhuto clarified that the movement was not attempting to rewrite history or negotiate a fresh agreement.
“We are not asking for anything new. We are simply asking the Government of India to implement the agreements that our leaders have already signed,” he said.
He maintained that the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017 were negotiated by recognised Naga leaders and therefore deserved implementation.
“Those who oppose the implementation of these agreements should clearly explain why they are against them. If there is a better alternative, we are willing to listen. But merely criticising the movement without reason serves no purpose,” he stated.
Deny funding and extortion allegations
Hikato Naga said the organisation had submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Nagaland and thanked him for granting them an audience.
Clarifying the movement’s stand, Hikato said the movement is not against any Naga political group and is not a negotiating party, but is only demanding that the Government of India honour the two agreements already signed.
Appealing to civil society, church leaders and the public, he urged them to understand the movement before drawing conclusions, asserting that it seeks only peace and a political solution for Nagaland.
He also called on Naga youths to actively engage in addressing the issues affecting the state, saying, “We Nagas are not hopeless. We are hopeful. We simply need opportunities and platforms.”
Rejecting allegations that the movement is funded by vested interests, Hikato said the movement is self-organised and continues to face financial difficulties, including pending dues for media publicity and travel expenses.
“If we were sponsored, we would not be facing these difficulties,” he said.
He further cautioned the public against anyone collecting donations in the name of the movement, describing such attempts as fraudulent.
“If anyone wants to support us, they should approach us directly. We will not entertain donations collected in our name,” he said.
Reiterating the organisation’s stand, Hikato said the movement was not created for extortion or personal gain.
“We are not goons, we are not thugs, and we are not a mafia group. We are only asking the Government of India to implement what has already been agreed upon,” he added.
Elithung Naga and Ideizung Naga also address the media.
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Memorandum submitted to PM through Governor, clarifies name change and future course
Responding to queries from the media, the Naga Youth Movement clarified that its memorandum seeking an early resolution of the Naga political issue was addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submitted through the Governor of Nagaland, with copies also forwarded to the Union Home Minister, the Chief Minister’s Office, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
NYM representatives said the memorandum was initially intended for the Union Home Minister but was ultimately addressed to the Prime Minister through the Governor. They added that copies had been distributed to all concerned stakeholders.
Explaining the decision to rename the organisation from “Fed Up Nagas” to “Naga Youth Movement,” the representatives said the change was not made under public pressure but after extensive discussions, prayers and consultations with stakeholders. They said the earlier name was perceived as aggressive and the movement wanted to project a more peaceful, inclusive and mature approach while remaining committed to its original objective of securing an early political solution.
“The determination has not changed; only the name has changed. We want this movement to remain peaceful and democratic,” they said.
Responding to criticism over the June 27 public rally, the NYM said it had initially expected only 100 to 200 participants but claimed that between 4,000 and 5,000 people attended, with some leaving early due to the heat. The organisation maintained that the rally had exceeded its expectations and successfully conveyed its message.
The representatives also explained that the memorandum was submitted after the rally because they had to wait for an opportunity to meet the Governor. They described the delay as procedural and said the memorandum had now been officially delivered.
On reports that the earlier draft contained a 10-point charter of demands, NYM clarified that the final memorandum consolidated several points into a smaller number of key demands without altering their substance.
Looking ahead, the movement said it had given the Government of India a three-month ultimatum from the date of submission of the memorandum and would continue pursuing its objectives through democratic means.
“We are not a one-day movement. We will move forward peacefully and democratically with the support of the Naga people,” the representatives said, adding that future programmes would depend on the government’s response.
The NYM also reiterated that it is an independent rights-based movement and not affiliated with any Naga political group, political party or the state government, dismissing allegations on social media that it was acting as a front for any negotiating group.
Asked why the NSCN (IM) did not attend the rally, the representatives said invitations had been extended but the group could not participate due to other engagements. They expressed hope that all Naga stakeholders would work together in the future.
Clarifying remarks made by one speaker during the rally about being “compelled to take up arms,” the movement said the statement had been taken out of context. It stressed that NYM remains committed to peaceful and democratic means and has no intention of advocating violence.
The representatives said frustration among the youth should not be misconstrued as a call for armed action, adding that any future course of action after the expiry of the three-month deadline would remain within democratic and legal frameworks.
