Dimapur: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Sunday described the recent statement by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) as an attempt to divert attention from what it called the abduction, torture and killing of six Naga civilians, insisting that the focus should remain on securing justice for the victims.
In a statement, the federation also objected to the use of the term “Kacha Naga” by the KZC, calling it divisive and derogatory.
“It is outrageous that organisations representing the Kuki-Zo community should seek to classify or redefine the identity of the indigenous Naga populace,” the NSF said.
The federation further alleged that the use of the term “Kacha Naga” is particularly ironic, arguing that communities whose historical presence in the Naga homeland dates to the British colonial period are now attempting to redefine the identity of the indigenous Naga people. It questioned the authority of such groups to do so.
The NSF said the central issue was not one of political narratives but the killing of six Naga civilians.
“No carefully worded statement, however crafted, can substitute for justice. No expression of regret can erase the horrifying reality of abduction, torture, murder and the inhuman desecration of the victims’ bodies,” it said.
The federation reiterated its demand that all those responsible for the abduction and killing of the six Naga civilians, including members of armed Kuki groups and any civilians found, through due process, to have participated in or facilitated the crimes, be identified, arrested, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law.
It also urged the Centre to immediately abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement with Kuki militant groups, alleging that armed groups operating under the agreement had committed repeated atrocities and human rights violations.
The NSF said it would continue to pursue justice until those responsible were held accountable.