KOHIMA, March 4: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has urged all Naga political groups and civil society organisations to unite in support of the proposed Pan Naga Hoho (PNH), describing it as a crucial pathway toward an inclusive Indo-Naga political settlement.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Forum said that Naga political groups and Naga communities across regions share a sincere desire to arrive at a lasting political settlement with the Government of India and usher in a new era of peace and development. However, it expressed regret that despite 29 years of negotiations, the Government of India has yet to secure an amicable and final resolution.
The GNF stated that a breakthrough once appeared within reach until former Interlocutor R. N. Ravi was allegedly “influenced by elements opposed to a Naga peace settlement,” leading to divisions among the Nagas. Emphasising unity as the key to progress, the Forum asserted, “The Indo-Naga political solution is not beyond reach; it becomes attainable the moment the Nagas stand united, and impossible the moment we stand divided.”
The Forum noted that throughout nearly three decades of dialogue, no Naga individual or organisation had opposed unity and reconciliation in principle, and stakeholders consistently endorsed an inclusive solution. It observed, however, that “regional and state-centric interests” emerged after the Government of India proposed competencies to address the Naga political issue through a Pan Naga Hoho framework.
According to the GNF, the Government of India proposed the Pan Naga Hoho in recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas. The proposed statutory body, envisioned as an alternative to physical integration, was meant to provide an institutional mechanism for addressing Naga aspirations across administrative boundaries.
While acknowledging that the Pan Naga Hoho has since become contentious in certain sections, the Forum called for serious and objective consideration of the concept. It stressed that the PNH should function as a well-defined institutional mechanism for the development of Naga areas and the advancement of long-term aspirations of integration, rather than being limited to a cultural body.
The GNF maintained that such a structure would directly benefit Naga communities across regions and serve as a precursor to broader aspirations. It cautioned against rejecting the Pan Naga Hoho without understanding its operational framework and urged Nagas across states to give unity and peace a genuine opportunity by rallying behind the platform.
Warning against partial settlements, the Forum said that without an inclusive solution, any agreement risks further division among the Nagas. “Any settlement confined to a particular state or area may only mark the beginning of another cycle of conflict within Naga society,” it cautioned.
Reaffirming that Naga historical and political rights encompass Nagas everywhere, the GNF called for safeguarding the shared heritage defended by earlier generations against repressive forces. It described past collective expressions for a united Nagaland as “irrevocable, irreversible, and indelible,” and stressed that such heritage cannot be reduced to piecemeal solutions limited to sectional interests.
The Forum expressed confidence that collective wisdom emerging from the Pan Naga Hoho would serve the broader and stronger interests of the Naga people. It added that fears stemming from one-sided perceptions must be addressed through dialogue and understanding.
Appealing to the younger generation, the GNF urged them to move beyond emotional reactions and embrace thoughtful reflection rooted in shared Naga heritage. It called on young Nagas across regions to come together to build a strong and enduring alliance, seizing the present opportunity for unity and progress.
Referring to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s speech at the Lui Ngai Ni Festival 2026 in Ukhrul on February 15, the Forum welcomed his call for a “Pan Naga” entity that would establish a unified platform across traditional boundaries. It emphasised that any lasting solution must promote unity across man-made borders and serve as a global example of resolving complex political issues through dialogue, dignity, and statesmanship rather than prolonged conflict.
The GNF concluded by appealing to the Political Affairs Committee, Naga Political Groups, civil society organisations and Tribal Hohos to take a decisive step toward unity and peace in pursuit of an inclusive Indo-Naga political settlement. Expressing hope for the year ahead, the Forum said it aspires for 2026 to become a year of unity, solution and lasting peace for the Naga people.
