Newly appointed Longvibu (Commander-in-Chief) of the Naga Army, Lieut Gen A Raman (MM, MC)  reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to Naga sovereignty, sharply criticizing the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process and called for unity among Nagas

In his first public address on occasion of the felicitation programme at Mt Horeb Camp on July 29, Raman accepted the responsibility of leading the Naga Army with what he described as “great honour and humility.”

Raman thanked God for guiding him through 45 years of service and paid tribute to the pioneers of the Naga national movement, those who made the supreme sacrifice, and soldiers who continue to serve the organisation.

Reflecting on the history of the Naga political movement, Raman said, “Whenever we go against the will of God, and when unrighteousness and injustice become the norm of the day, the nation stumbles, divisions multiply, and fratricide follows.”

He noted that despite internal conflicts, betrayals by adversaries and even by fellow Nagas, the movement had survived because of what he described as God’s grace. Stressing that internal divisions had caused more pain than external enemies, Raman said that while he had fought many battles against opponents without fear, he was deeply saddened by fraternal conflict among Nagas. He urged Nagas to repent and recommit themselves to God’s will to prevent further damage to the nation.

Reiterating the organisation’s ideological position, Raman asserted that the sovereign existence of the Naga nation was “a sacred gift from God” and said it could not be compromised. “The sovereign existence of the Naga nation is unquestionable; It is a sacred gift from God,” he said.

He called upon Nagas to decide whether they would uphold that sovereignty or remain under what he described as bondage.

Turning to the political situation, Raman launched a strong attack on the Government of India, alleging that it had betrayed the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015. He claimed that the spirit of the Ceasefire Agreement effectively ceased to exist after the Government allegedly issued a three-month ultimatum in 2019 stating that there would be no further discussions on a separate Naga flag and constitution.

Questioning the outcome of more than 28 years of Indo-Naga peace talks, Raman said an entire generation had passed during the negotiations. He asked whether the dialogue had delivered justice to the Nagas or instead weakened the spirit of Naga nationalism.

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He further alleged that since the signing of the ceasefire agreement in 1997, Indian security forces had killed hundreds of Naga Army personnel in violation of the ceasefire while denying responsibility.

“Such an act of killing the Naga Army personnel during the peace talks between two entities is not justifiable under any circumstance,” he said.

Raman maintained that when political dialogue is replaced by force rather than trust and justice, revolutionary patriots must rise up to continue the political as well as violent armed resistance to safeguard the sovereign existence of the Naga nation.

He also criticised what he described as compromises by the leadership at Hebron, saying revolutionary patriots must remain vigilant to protect what he called the sovereign existence of the Naga nation.

Raman also spoke about the assassination of former Arunachal Pradesh MLA, Tirong Aboh. He alleged that the operation had been ordered directly by the then Longvibu, Gen Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, but claimed that after the incident, responsibility was shifted onto compliant soldiers instead of being owned by the leadership.

He said this had raised serious questions about the integrity of the command structure within the Naga Army.

The new Longvibu further alleged that the Government of India, along with certain Naga groups, was attempting to conclude the Naga political issue within the framework of the Indian Constitution, which he said amounted to compromising the Naga national cause. He questioned those whom he accused of collaborating with the adversaries, asking whether they genuinely believed the organisation had deviated from Naga national principles or whether they were knowingly working to suppress those who are firmly standing for the national cause which is on the brink of annihilation.

“ The time is now to decide,” he said.

Calling upon soldiers and the Naga people to remain steadfast, Raman urged them not to fear the strength of their adversaries but to place their trust in God. He said that victory ultimately belongs to God and encouraged members of the organisation to remain united and faithful in pursuing what he described as the destiny of the Naga nation.