The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has extended its full support to the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) over its recent statement on the protection of Naga ancestral lands, asserting that the Naga homeland and its customary land rights are inseparable from the identity, history and collective rights of the indigenous Naga people.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the DNSU said it fully endorsed the NSF’s August 1 statement on safeguarding ancestral lands and customary land tenure.

The Union maintained that the Naga ancestral homeland is “neither a commodity for negotiation nor a territory open to unilateral alteration,” adding that its traditional boundaries and customary institutions remain central to the identity and heritage of the Naga people.

Expressing concern over what it described as the actions of certain Kuki settler groups and individuals, the DNSU alleged that they had disregarded customary understandings, challenged traditional authority and advanced claims that were inconsistent with long-standing agreements governing settlement and land use.

The Union further stated that residence within Naga ancestral lands has historically been permitted through the goodwill of traditional landowners and should not be construed as a transfer of ownership or used to undermine indigenous customary rights.

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Referring to the recent Maova village land dispute, the DNSU said the incident highlighted the consequences of the breakdown of customary land arrangements and established understandings. It added that the reported violence and property damage underscored the need for strict adherence to customary laws and respect for traditional institutions.

Calling for the protection of indigenous land rights, the union urged the State Government and the competent authorities to uphold customary laws, traditional institutions and historical agreements while safeguarding customary land tenure in both letter and spirit.

Reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights and heritage of the Naga people, the DNSU described the protection of ancestral lands as a sacred responsibility and said it would continue to stand alongside the NSF in preserving the dignity, identity and customary rights of the indigenous Nagas.

The Union also cautioned that the patience and hospitality of the Naga people should not be misconstrued as weakness.