Naga Students Organisation and Shanry Range Students’ Association condemn factional violence.
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DIMAPUR — The Naga Students Organisation (NSO) and Shanry Range Students’ Association (SRSA) under Naga Self-Administered Zone, Myanmar, have condemned the continued clashes and retaliatory violence between the NSCN (YA) and NSCN (AM).
In a press release, the NSO stated that it is both painful and unacceptable to witness Naga blood being shed by Naga hands, as such acts are not only tragic but a direct betrayal of the collective sacrifices and political aspirations of the Naga people.
The organisation pointed out that at a time when the Naga people are surrounded by serious political, social, and territorial threats from all directions, internal armed conflict is nothing short of self-destructive.
“Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity: internal violence weakens the Naga cause and strengthens those who wish to see the Naga people fragmented and defeated.
“No political principle, factional interest, or leadership ego can justify the killing of our own people. History will not forgive those who choose fratricide over responsibility,” it stated.
Affirming that dialogue remains the only honourable and sustainable path forward, the NSO challenged and appealed to both the NSCN (YA) and NSCN (AM) to immediately cease all retaliatory actions and constitute peace members or committees within their respective groups.
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“Differences must be confronted across the table, not across gun barrels. Give dialogue a genuine chance to resolve all issues in the larger defence of Naga political rights and principles,” it stated.
The organisation stated that it is fully prepared and willing to coordinate, facilitate, and initiate the peace process.
It also called upon both sides to exercise restraint in words as well as actions, stating that provocative language, hostile press statements, and inflammatory rhetoric must stop immediately, as they only fuel hatred and escalate an already fragile situation.
“This is a firm message from the voice of the Naga people: Stop the bloodshed. Stop the retaliation. Choose unity over division and responsibility over revenge. The future of the Naga nation depends on wisdom, courage, and restraint at this critical hour,” the organisation added.
In a separate statement, the SRSA stated that the armed confrontation between the two factions at Toke village on January 24 marks a grave escalation of factional violence, placing innocent civilians at the epicentre of armed conflict.
According to the SRSA, “credible reports indicate that the AM faction initiated a direct assault on the YA party camp and subsequently extended hostilities into civilian areas.”
“Residential houses were attacked while occupants were inside, resulting in extensive destruction of private property and inflicting deep psychological trauma upon the local population. Such actions constitute a blatant violation of civilian safety and fundamental human norms.”
During the same episode of violence, the AM faction allegedly confiscated traditional muzzle-loading firearms from civilian households.
“These arms, deeply embedded in Naga heritage and retained for customary practices and are symbols of cultural identity rather than instruments of aggression.
Their forcible seizure represents a grave violation of civilian security, cultural rights, and ancestral traditions,” it maintained.
“For decades, the civilian population of the Shanry Range has been trapped in a pincer of oppression enduring the authoritarian governance of the Myanmar regime on one side and the persistent destabilisation caused by armed Naga factions on the other. This latest ‘clash between brothers’ is a stark reminder that political ambition has repeatedly been placed above the sanctity of human life,” the association added.
The SRSA issued a “serious and final appeal” to all armed groups operating within its jurisdiction for immediate cessation of hostilities.
It also asked all armed groups to completely withdraw from the Shanry Range, stating that they refuse to be used as human shields or strategic staging grounds.
The association further called for restoration of human dignity and added that armed confrontation must give way to meaningful dialogue, restraint, and a genuine pursuit of peaceful resolution.
“Let this statement serve as a definitive warning. Should such senseless violence persist, the Shanry Range Students’ Association, in solidarity with the local community will formally withdraw all cooperation from both armed groups operating within our territory; and mobilize collective civil action to isolate and resist those responsible for perpetuating violence,” the SRSA cautioned.