The Naga Students’ Organization (NSO) expresses its deep concern over the ongoing construction of border fencing across Naga ancestral lands, particularly in the Pangsaung Pass–Nanyung Township and adjoining areas, which continues to pose serious threats to the unity, cultural continuity, and inherent rights of the Naga people.
The NSO strongly appreciates and commends the United Tangshang Naga Council (UTNC) for its principled and collective decision to abstain from attending the recently concluded Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) which was held from 20–22 January 2026 in Nampong Town, India. The decision to abstain was a correct, timely, and responsible step, clearly conveying to the world that the Naga people do not accept the imposition of border fencing across their ancestral lands. This act was not one of hostility, but a peaceful, conscious, and dignified assertion of indigenous rights and collective conscience.
By choosing not to participate, the Tangshang Naga people sent a clear and powerful international message—that cultural festivals cannot be celebrated meaningfully while indigenous lands are divided and indigenous voices ignored.
The continued construction and expansion of border fencing divides families, villages, history, and identity, and disrupts long-standing social, cultural, and economic relations among the Naga people. Such actions raise serious concerns under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), particularly Article 36 on cross-border relations, and Articles 26 and 32 on indigenous land rights and free, prior, and informed consent.
Development, security, or international cooperation cannot be pursued at the cost of indigenous dignity, unity, and rights. Meaningful consultation, good-faith dialogue, and respect for international human rights standards remain essential.
The NSO calls upon all Naga communities across the Indo–Myanmar boundary to uphold unity through peaceful, responsible, and rights-based engagement, reaffirming that imposed political boundaries cannot erase shared history, identity, and destiny. This moment calls for collective clarity and moral courage from Naga political and representative bodies to safeguard the future of the Naga people through peaceful and lawful means.
‘The Naga Students’ Organization reiterates its unwavering commitment to peace, justice, indigenous dignity, and Naga unity. Respect Indigenous Rights. No to Border Fencing. Preserve Naga Unity” stated the release by Naga Students’ Organization (NSO)
Meanwhile on 18 January 2026, the United Tangshang Naga Council, Nanyun Town has issued a press release stating that:
1. The Naga public in Myanmar has collectively decided not to attend or participate in the Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) to be held in Nampong Town, India, from 2022 January, 2026, despite the long-standing tradition of joint participation by people from both countries.
2. This decision is taken in response to the continued construction and expansion of border fencing that divides indigenous Naga communities, despite repeated requests from local residents for its withdrawal. The lack of consideration by the GOI has caused deep emotional distress among the people, carries the risk of unnecessary conflict and thus is a peaceful expression of the peoples’ will to seek respect for the rights and dignity of indigenous communities.
3. Accordingly, all Naga people and the public are requested to observe the following during the festival period:
(a) Refrain from travelling to or attending the PPIF in Nampong town, whether prior to or during the festival, and remain peacefully within their local areas.
(b) Refrain entirely from crossing the border through any route during the period.
(c) Conduct trade and meetings with relatives or visitors from India strictly within one’s own territory.
(d) As this decision reflects the collective will of the people, all are required to respect and comply with it. Any violation shall be the sole responsibility of the individual concerned.
(e) These restrictions shall apply only for the duration of the PPIF.
