Naga students' body threatens to block Gau Dhwaj Yatra in Nagaland

Dimapur: Vehemently opposing the proposed Gau Dhwaj Yatra scheduled for September 28 in Kohima, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday cautioned that any attempts to hold this event will be met with swift and resolute opposition from it and the Naga people.

Issuing a stern warning to the organizers and all individuals planning to participate in this event, the NSF asserted that it would not allow such divisive activities to occur anywhere in the Naga homeland.

“We will not allow our land to be used as a platform for divisive and inflammatory activities that are foreign to our traditions,” NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung said in a release.

The NSF said this event, which seeks to promote a nationwide ban on cow slaughter, is a blatant assault on the cultural, religious, and social values of the Naga people.

“It is nothing less than an attempt to impose external religious beliefs and practices upon the Naga homeland. The NSF will not tolerate such actions,” the release added.

Appreciating the Nagaland government for denying permission for the event in Kohima, the federation said this decision reflects an understanding of and respect for the distinct customs, traditions, and dietary practices of the Naga people. These are protected under the special provisions of Article 371A of the Constitution of India.

The NSF expressed shock that the organizers have brazenly chosen to go ahead with the event despite the clear denial of permission and utter disregard for its firm stand.

“This is an act of provocation and disrespect, not only to the NSF but to the entire Naga community,” it said.

It also noted that the Nagaland government, along with the Naga Legislative Assembly, had already made it clear that the Ban on Cow Slaughter Act 2019 would not be enforced in the state, given the protections under Article 371A which safeguards the Naga customs, culture, and religious practices, including our traditional dietary habits, that may differ from those of other regions.

The NSF said it is through Article 371A that the Naga people are empowered to make their own decisions on matters related to religion, culture, and land ownership, including the right to slaughter cattle according to “our customs”.

Saying that it stands firm in its commitment to defending the socio-religious harmony of the Naga homeland, the NSF said: “We will not allow any event that threatens to disrupt this harmony or undermine the rights conferred upon us by Article 371A.”

Should the organizers of the yatra continue with their plans, the NSF said it, with the support of the Naga people, would take all necessary measures to ensure the event does not take place on Naga soil.

The federation further warned that it would not hesitate to pursue strong, decisive actions to protect “our identity, our land, and our rights”.