NSO slams NSCN factional clashes, calls for dialogue
Guwahati: The Naga Students Organisation, Myanmar (NSO) has strongly condemned the continued clashes and retaliatory violence between NSCN-YA (Yung Aung) and NSCN-AM (Angmai-Mulatonu), describing the situation as painful, unacceptable, and a betrayal of the collective sacrifices and political aspirations of the Naga people.
In a statement issued on January 26, the NSO said the shedding of Naga blood by Naga hands is tragic and warned that internal armed conflict at a time of serious political, social, and territorial challenges is self-destructive.
“This is a defining moment in Naga history. If we fail to stand united today, there will be no Naga political future tomorrow,” the organisation said, cautioning that the erosion of Naga rights, land, and identity would occur while the people remain divided.
The NSO stated that internal violence weakens the Naga cause and strengthens forces seeking to fragment the community, asserting that no political principle or factional interest can justify fratricide. “History will not forgive those who choose violence over responsibility,” the statement added.
Emphasising that dialogue remains the only honourable and sustainable path forward, the NSO appealed to both NSCN-YA and NSCN-AM to immediately cease retaliatory actions and constitute peace committees within their respective groups. It urged the factions to resolve differences through dialogue rather than armed confrontation.
The organisation said it is fully prepared to coordinate, facilitate, and initiate a peace process if both sides come forward with duly constituted peace representatives. The NSO reiterated its willingness to play a constructive role in restoring peace and unity in the larger interest of the Naga people.
The statement noted that the ongoing violence and loss of lives have deeply wounded public sentiment, with students, youth, and the general public watching with growing pain, anger, and disappointment. Continued violence, it warned, would only alienate the people and erode public trust.
The NSO further called on both factions to exercise restraint in both words and actions, urging an immediate halt to provocative language, hostile press statements, and inflammatory rhetoric that could escalate the fragile situation.
“This is a firm message from the voice of the Naga people: stop the bloodshed, stop the retaliation, and choose unity over division,” the statement said, stressing that the future of the Naga nation depends on wisdom, courage, and restraint at this critical juncture.