The Naga Student’s Organisation in a press communique has given a clear message to the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Kachin people expressing a grave concern over KIA’s escalating aggression against the Naga people.
The press communique issued by Yapho Konyak, Secretary (Ministry of Information and Publicity) stated that “the Naga Students’ Organization (NSO), on behalf of the Naga people, issues this urgent and uncompromising statement in response to the continued pattern of hostility and provocation by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) towards the Nagas
“For decades, the Naga and Kachin peoples have shared a deep bond of brotherhood, grounded in mutual respect, shared struggle, and common aspirations for freedom and dignity. This relationship has long stood as a symbol of ethnic solidarity in the face of oppression. However, in recent years- particularly following the military coup in 2021, this bond has come under serious threat due to repeated and unprovoked acts of aggression from the KIA.
“We have witnessed a troubling rise in harassment, illegal detention, and even abduction of Naga civilians- youths, men, women, and minors traveling to Kachin State for education, work, healthcare or trade. Naga youths are forcibly taken from gold and jade mines, from their homes, and from border Naga villages under Kachin State.
“Hundreds of Naga youths are reportedly conscripted against their will, some disappearing without trace, others feared to have been used as human shields in armed conflict. These are not acts of comradeship. These are acts of direct insult and provoking war against the peace loving Nagas.
“Despite these grave provocations, the Naga people have shown restraint. We have not retaliated. Instead, we have continuously extended a hand of peace-hoping the Kachin leadership would come to its senses and remember the strength that once came from our alliance. Yet that hope is wearing thin.”
NSO also recalled that on 7th June 2024, a delegation of the NSO departed from Lahe to initiate a peaceful dialogue with the KIA leadership to address this growing crisis. Upon reaching Takhet Naga village under Shin Bwi Yan Township, however, our team was blocked from proceeding further and denied access to the KIA headquarters on baseless grounds. A discussion did take place on 12th and 13th June with lower-ranking KIA officers, but yielded no constructive resolution. Still, we returned in good faith believing the KIA might choose the path of peace. However, the aggression has only intensified.
“The most alarming incident occurred on 18th July 2025, when KIA forces, in a heavily armed and calculated operation, out numbered the Naga Armies and captured 16 Naga Army personnel along with their weapons at Chanra Gate, in the Naga ancestral region west of the Danai River, near Talu and Lungyone village. This blatant act of hostility has shocked the entire Naga nation.
Let us be clear:
Is this a new declaration of war by the Kachins on the Naga people?
Are the Kachins now testing the patience and restraint of the Nagas?
The Naga Students’ Organization condemns in the strongest possible terms this provocative act of aggression by the KIA. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all the Naga personnel and all confiscated arms. Any further delay or harm inflicted will be viewed as a direct escalation of conflict.
This message must ring loud and clear to all the Kachins and to all Nagas within and beyond imposed borders of the East West North and South – that should the current Kachin aggression continue, the Kachins alone will be held fully responsible for any future unrest or breakdown of peace between the Nagas and the Kachins
The Nagas, bound by ancestral duty and national pride, will no longer tolerate repeated assaults on our dignity, freedom, or sovereignty. The Nagas are not at fault. Ilt will be the Kachins, through the actions of the KIA, who have chosen a path of confrontation.
Let it be known that the unity and strength of the Naga people rise in proportion to the injustice inflicted upon us. If pushed beyond our limit, we will respond-not in weakness, but in righteous defense.
“We still hope the Kachin leadership will correct its course. But peace will not come at the cost of our people’s blood or betrayal of our cause” stated the communique.
