Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president, Mteisuding Heraang called for greater unity among the Naga people, including communities living across international borders, while raising concerns over restrictions on movement along the India-Myanmar border.

Speaking at the cultural fiesta organised by the Angami Students’ Union in collaboration with the Tribal Subordinate Students’ Bodies of Kohima at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima, Heraang said the NSF had envisioned a cultural exchange programme with Naga student organisations in Myanmar.

He said the proposed visit to Myanmar was intended to strengthen ties with Naga students there, but could not proceed due to the prevailing government policy and restrictions.

Referring to criticism that the NSF delegation had been “ignorant” of procedures, Heraang said the Federation’s position was that Naga communities extend beyond present political boundaries.

“Naga people are not only living in Nagaland. We are living across the borders, beyond,” he said, describing this as a distinctive aspect of Naga society.

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Heraang also raised concerns over the reduction of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) from 40 km to 10 km, saying such restrictions posed challenges for Naga communities living along the border.

He cited the situation of people in Avangkhu, saying residents had faced difficulties in accessing their own agricultural fields and were required to produce passes and identity documents.

He said the NSF had staged a democratic protest outside an Assam Rifles checkpoint over the issue and maintained that the federation would continue to raise concerns affecting Naga communities.

Heraang said such initiatives should help bridge divisions among Naga communities and strengthen ties across tribal and geographical boundaries.

He described Naga society as fragmented and urged the younger generation to remain transparent and united in pursuing common aspirations.

“We are Nagas, the people know us as Nagas and we will remain as Naga people even in the days to come,” he said.

Calling for renewed efforts towards unity, Heraang urged participants to use the cultural fiesta to “rekindle” and “reignite” the spirit of unity among the Naga people.