Dimapur: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow and strong condemnation over the killing of four cadres of the Myanmar-based Eastern Flank, an estranged formation of the Naga Army under NSCN (IM), at Hongbei village under Kasom Khullen police station in Manipur’s Kamjong district on the night of March 28, describing the incident as “tragic” and “deeply disturbing”.Reports suggest the killing occurred after cadres of the same group laid an ambush on the victims.
In a release, the federation said such incidents of fratricidal violence are not only unfortunate but profoundly detrimental to the collective aspirations of the Naga people — especially at a time when they await an honourable and inclusive political solution to the protracted Naga issue.The NSF viewed the incident as a disturbing trend of internal discord driven by vested interests, undermining the unity and integrity of the Naga cause. It expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, who have refused to accept the mortal remains of their loved ones, and demanded truth, accountability, and justice.“This incident has raised serious and legitimate questions: how can individuals committed to the Naga national cause fall victim to violence within their own ranks, and why, at such a critical phase in the Naga political journey, do incidents stemming from narrow and vested interests continue to surface?” the federation asked.While acknowledging the NSCN (IM) for instituting an investigation, the NSF urged that the inquiry be conducted in a time-bound, impartial, and transparent manner.It demanded that those found responsible be held accountable in accordance with established rules and principles of justice. The federation also called upon all concerned to exercise restraint, uphold unity, and remain steadfast in the shared vision of peace, dignity, and justice for the Naga people. “The sanctity of the Naga cause must not be compromised by internal strife and acts of violence,” it added.
