The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Friday clarified its position regarding the June 30 incident that has attracted widespread public attention, stating that it neither endorsed nor condoned any act of vandalism, intimidation or violence. The Federation also maintained that allegations linking it to extortion had already been addressed through clarifications issued by the concerned stakeholders.
Addressing the media at the NSF office on Friday, NSF president, Mteisuding Nraang described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and said the Federation was “immensely disturbed” by the developments of the past few days. He added that the narratives circulating on both mainstream and social media had further complicated the issue.
Nraang reiterated that while the NSF did not support or justify the actions seen during the incident, it was equally concerned about what he described as the deliberate spread of false narratives by certain vested interests. He said the Federation wanted the public to clearly understand its position.
He pointed out that both the restaurant owner and the president of the Dimapur Restaurant Owners’ Union had already issued public clarifications regarding the matter. Despite this, he said, some media reports continued to suggest NSF’s involvement, which he termed unfair and unacceptable. He urged the media and the public to refrain from drawing conclusions until all facts had been properly established.
Nraang further informed that the Federation had relieved its finance secretary of all responsibilities and assignments pending the outcome of an internal inquiry. He said the decision was an interim measure taken until a detailed report on the official’s conduct was received. He appealed to the public not to turn the issue into propaganda or fuel false narratives, but to allow the inquiry to take its course.
Responding to questions on whether the Federation would have reacted differently if the incident had involved an ordinary citizen, Nraang said the NSF would not speculate on hypothetical situations. He maintained that regardless of whether the incident occurred inside the lodge or elsewhere, the facts had to be thoroughly established before any conclusion could be reached.
When asked whether the NSF was aware that financial assistance had allegedly been sought from members of the Dimapur Restaurant Owners’ Union, Nraang reiterated that the restaurant owners themselves had already clarified the matter. He said the Federation did not consider any further clarification necessary, as the union president had adequately explained the circumstances.
NSF vice-president Vimeyiekho Vitso, who also addressed the media, said the clarification issued by the Dimapur Restaurant Owners’ Union clearly established that the request for financial assistance had not originated from the NSF. Therefore, he said, the question of whether the Federation had prior knowledge did not arise.
Vitso acknowledged that confusion had arisen due to an earlier communication referring to financial assistance for the NSF. However, he said the subsequent clarification by the restaurant owners’ body had resolved the misunderstanding and urged the public to rely on the latest clarification rather than the earlier letter, which he said had been misconstrued.
On possible disciplinary action against the finance secretary, Vitso said the Federation had already relieved him of his responsibilities pending completion of the inquiry. He stressed that the NSF was not applying different standards simply because one of its office-bearers was involved, adding that the Federation would uphold the same principles whether the individual concerned was an NSF member or an ordinary citizen. “We will always stand by what is right,” he said.
Responding to concerns that the incident reflected a broader culture of misuse of influence within the organisation, Vitso said the NSF functioned according to its established principles. While acknowledging that isolated incidents could occur in any organisation, he said such cases should not overshadow the Federation’s broader responsibilities towards students and society. He assured that the NSF would continue to monitor the matter closely.
Addressing concerns that some students felt the Federation had failed to uphold the standards it expected of others, Nraang said the NSF had never hesitated to address issues affecting students and the youth. He assured the student community that the Federation would continue to represent their interests and discharge its responsibilities with sincerity.
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NSF denies extortion allegations, calls for fair probe and focus on NLTP enforcement
Meanwhile, the NSF, in statement issued separately, strongly refuted allegations linking the organisation to an alleged extortion case and called for an impartial investigation into the recent incident that has generated widespread public attention, while urging authorities to focus on the enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
The Federation said it had taken serious note of the incident and the narratives circulating across various media and social media platforms. It clarified that it neither endorses nor condones any act of vandalism, intimidation, violence or conduct inconsistent with the principles and values for which the NSF stands.
Addressing allegations of extortion, the NSF maintained that the matter had already been clarified by the concerned stakeholders. It expressed concern that certain individuals and groups continue to portray the Federation as having demanded money despite public statements to the contrary.
According to the NSF, both the President of the Dimapur Restaurant Union and the proprietor of Prysm had publicly clarified that the Federation neither demanded nor solicited any financial assistance and that any proposed contribution was discussed voluntarily among restaurant owners.
The Federation questioned why the issue continues to be portrayed as one of extortion despite these clarifications, alleging that personal opinions, selective commentary and predetermined narratives have sought to place the NSF in a negative spotlight.
“When commentary is allowed to overshadow established facts, it not only misleads the public but also unfairly tarnishes the reputation of institutions and prejudices ongoing processes,” it cautioned.
The NSF stated that the focus of the ongoing inquiry should be on objectively establishing the sequence of events that culminated in the confrontation captured in CCTV footage. It said every relevant aspect—including the conduct of all parties involved, the events preceding the incident and the veracity of the allegations—would be fairly examined before any action is taken.
“The Federation reiterates that any appropriate action shall be taken only after the truth has been established through due process and not through trial by media or public conjecture,” it stated.
The Federation further asserted that the central issue deserving public attention is the continued operation of establishments allegedly functioning in violation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act. It argued that instead of diverting public discourse towards allegations that have already been clarified, the effective enforcement of existing laws and the accountability of the authorities responsible for the implementation of NLTP should be questioned.
The NSF said this remains the larger issue of public interest and should not be overshadowed by attempts to sensationalize or mischaracterize unrelated matters.
The Federation called upon the competent civil and law enforcement authorities to explain what measures have been taken to ensure effective implementation of the NLTP Act and to address any reported violations.
The Federation stressed that public attention should not lose sight of this fundamental issue while investigations into the recent incident proceed independently and fairly.
The Federation also reaffirmed that throughout its history, its office has been sustained through the goodwill and voluntary contributions of well-wishers, former leaders, concerned individuals and organisations. It asserted that it has never adopted a policy of extorting, coercing or forcibly demanding financial contributions from any individual, institution or business establishment.
“Should any person possess credible evidence indicating that anyone has misused the name of the NSF for extortion, coercion or any unlawful financial demand, the Federation invites such evidences to be formally submitted before the NSF Office. Upon receipt of such evidence, the Federation shall invoke appropriate action without fear or favour,” the NSF stated.
Expressing concern over what it described as attempts by certain elements to weaken the credibility of the Federation by associating it with every controversy without due regard to facts, the NSF said it remains committed to transparency, institutional responsibility and adherence to due process rather than speculation or emotional reactions.
The NSF also appealed to media organisations, civil society groups and the public to refrain from disseminating unverified or selective narratives and to allow the investigation to proceed fairly without prejudicing the process or unfairly tarnishing the reputation of any institution or individual.
The Federation appeal to all sections of society, including media organizations, civil society and the general public, to allow for the verification of complete facts and to refrain from disseminating unverified or selective narratives that may prejudice investigations or unfairly tarnish the reputation of any institution or individual.
