Amid rising public frustration over the unrestrained activities of underground factions and the perceived inaction by the Government of India, National Highway Village Council’s Forum (NHVCF), comprising of 13 villages abutting the 4-lane National Highway 29 is all set to launch its symbolic protest in the form of shutter down from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on June 11.

Addressing media persons at Sovima Village Council Hall, Convenor of the Forum, Sebastian Zumvu said that the protest will involve a shutdown of shops and business establishments from 6:00 a.m. to 12 noon, alongside the display of black flags across the state.

According to Zumvu, this is intended as a non-violent expression of discontent, anger, and disappointment with both underground factions and government apathy.

“We initially planned protest rallies and even a highway blockade, but we decided against it to avoid public inconvenience. Our objective is not to trouble the people but to awaken the conscience of the Naga public and those in power,” Zumvu stated.

Stating that the response is quite encouraging, Zumvu reiterated that they don’t want to inconvenience or harass the traders or the consumers or the customers.

He said the Forum has requested other Chambers of Commerce to show solidarity by way of displaying black flags in front of all business establishments or shops.

Zumvu lamented that despite decades of ceasefire agreements, the Naga people continue to suffer due to extortion, illegal taxation, threats, and intimidation by multiple underground groups.

He pointed out that while hostilities between armed groups have largely ceased, the everyday Naga citizen, particularly traders and consumers, remain victims of indirect violence and economic coercion.

“Traders are coerced into paying hefty sums for the transportation of goods at interstate gates, and these costs are inevitably passed on to the consumers. In the end, it’s the ordinary citizens—like you and me—who end up paying the price,” he said.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

Zumvu criticized the proliferation of underground factions and questioned how such growth continues under the watch of the central government.

“How many factions are there today? I’ve lost count. If they haven’t signed ceasefire agreements, they should be treated as criminals—not political groups,” he asserted.

One of the core criticisms raised was against the Ceasefire Ground Rules, which Zumvu described as “outdated, flawed, and tilted” in favour of the underground groups.

He explained that the Nagaland state government is not a party to the ceasefire agreements, resulting in “grey areas” that make enforcement of law and order difficult.

“What we see as a law-and-order problem is interpreted by the factions as a political issue. This paralyzes the state machinery. Our police, despite being competent, are helpless because their hands are tied,” he emphasized.

He highlighted how designated ceasefire camps and monitoring offices have become safe havens for criminal elements, with security forces unable to take action due to protocol restrictions.

The immediate trigger for the renewed civil unrest traces back to the incident on May 23, 2025, in which underground cadres allegedly harassed and assaulted civilians. Despite the availability of CCTV footage and the identification of perpetrators, Zumvu said that no significant action has been taken due to the protections these individuals enjoy under ceasefire terms.

“We initially believed this was a one-off incident involving the NSCN (Khango), but we’ve come to realize it reflects deeper systemic issues embedded in the ceasefire framework itself,” he stated.

Responding to a question on underground cadre presence in villages under the National Highway Councils Forum, Zumvu said that the 13 village councils involved are committed to maintaining peace and may even ostracize or expel individuals involved in illegal activities.

“If any cadre engages in criminal activity, they will be treated like any other lawbreaker. Our customary laws empower village councils to take such action,” he said, adding, “As per our earlier statement, we are ready to ostracize anyone, even underground cadres, if they engage in criminal activities. According to Naga customary law, village councils can take action, and we have done so with drug peddlers before.”

He noted that underground members residing peacefully in villages would not be targeted, but added that those breaking the law—regardless of their affiliation—would face consequences under Naga customary justice systems.

In a powerful appeal, Zumvu questioned the moral and ideological foundation of the underground movement: “They claim to be fighting for the Naga cause. But if so, why are they tormenting their own people? Why are we forced to live in fear?”

He also urged the Government of India to review the current ceasefire agreements, particularly the outdated templates used for newly emerging factions. He warned that continued inaction would only deepen public disillusionment and embolden those who operate with impunity.

“We want this issue to be resolved in our lifetime. We want our children to grow up in a peaceful, normal society. This cannot be passed on to the next generation,” Zumvu said.

Zumvu stressed that the June 11 protest is not a bandh and that vehicular movement will not be obstructed.

“We are only requesting shop owners and traders to close their shutters voluntarily and express solidarity by hoisting black flags. The response from chambers of commerce across the state has been very encouraging,” he added.