Kohima, March 3 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has urged the Political Affairs Committee of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Naga Political Groups (NPGs), Naga Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Tribal Hohos to come together and take a decisive step towards unity and peace in pursuit of an Indo-Naga political settlement.
To this end, the Forum also advocated for serious and objective consideration of the Pan Naga Hoho (PNH) viewing it as a collective institutional mechanism to advance an inclusive Indo-Naga political settlement.
The GNF stated that various Naga political groups and the wider public undeniably have earnest desire for lasting settlement with India and an era of peace and development.
Unfortunately, it noted that an amicable solution has remained elusive despite 29 years of negotiations with the Government of India.
During the intervening period, no Naga individual or organisation has opposed unity and reconciliation in principle all stakeholders have consistently supported an inclusive political solution, it pointed out.
However, the GNF stated that differences have emerged over approaches rooted in regional and state-centric considerations, particularly after the Government of India, through its interlocutor, proposed addressing the issue through a Pan Naga Hoho (PNH) platform.
The proposed PNH was conceived as a statutory body in recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas by GoI, and envisioned as an alternative to physical integration, it added.
According to the Forum, there was a period when a political agreement appeared imminent, but alleged that developments during the tenure of former Interlocutor RN Ravi led to divisions among Naga groups, affecting the momentum of the peace process.
Nevertheless, it acknowledged that the PNH has since become a “contentious issue for certain sections of society and therefore requires serious and objective consideration.”
However, the GNF held that the PNH should function as a well-defined institutional mechanism for the development of Naga areas and the advancement of long-term integration aspirations, rather than being reduced merely to a cultural body.
Such a structure would directly benefit Naga people across regions and administrative boundaries and serve as a precursor to the broader aspirations, it added.
Accordingly, instead of rejecting the PNH platform without fully understanding its concept and operational framework, the Forum urged the Nagas from all regions and states to give peace and unity a genuine opportunity by coming together under the platform.
It stated that Naga historical and political rights extend across regions and cautioned against piecemeal solutions, emphasising the need to safeguard shared heritage and collective responsibilities.
This, the GNF conveyed its “considered view” that the collective wisdom emerging from the PNH will serve the interests and aspirations of the Nagas in broader and stronger ways.
The collective expressions made by past Naga leaders and the public for a united Nagaland remain irrevocable, irreversible, and indelible, it held.
An inclusive and robust institutional structure in the form of the PNH will provide the Nagas with the strength needed to address common challenges in the larger interest of the entire Naga family, it added.
The GNF asserted that without an inclusive solution, any agreement risks further dividing the Nagas, and any settlement confined to a particular state or area may only mark the beginning of another cycle of conflict within Naga society.
The GNF urged the younger generation to approach the issue with reflection and responsibility rather than emotion, uphold shared heritage, and come together across regions to strengthen unity at this juncture.
It also referred to remarks made by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio during the Lui-Ngai-Ni Festival 2026 in Ukhrul on February 15, where he emphasised the need for a “Pan Naga” entity to establish a unified platform across traditional boundaries
“Any lasting solution must promote unity among Nagas across man-made boundaries,” it supplemented, noting that settlement which fragments the Naga people cannot be considered a genuine solution, as it risks renewed tensions and further conflict.
After nearly three decades of peaceful negotiations, achieving an honourable and mutually acceptable settlement must stand as a shining example to the world, demonstrating that even the most complex political issues can be resolved through dialogue, dignity, and statesmanship rather than prolonged conflict, the GNF said.
Let the year 2026 become a year of unity, solution, and lasting peace, it urged all stakeholders.
