Kohima, October 10 : The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday submitted a nine-point memorandum to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, urging decisive government action on a range of critical issues that the Federation described as “existential, political, and developmental concerns” affecting the future of the Naga people.

Expressing appreciation for the state government’s initiatives, the NSF nonetheless emphasised the need for sincerity, commitment, and tangible outcomes in addressing the challenges facing Naga society. The memorandum was submitted in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang and other officials in Kohima.

Indo-Naga Political Issue

The NSF reiterated that the Indo-Naga political issue is “not merely a political discourse but the very foundation of our existence as a people.” It commended the formation of the Core Committee on the Naga Political Issue but urged the government to move beyond symbolic gestures and work sincerely toward an inclusive solution encompassing all Nagas across “artificial boundaries created by external powers.”

Calling for proactive engagement, the Federation urged the Chief Minister to facilitate unconditional dialogue at the highest level to achieve a “lasting and honourable” political solution that fulfils the historical and political aspirations of the Naga people.

Influx of Illegal Immigrants

Raising alarm over the “unabated inflow of illegal immigrants,” the NSF termed it an existential threat. While acknowledging the century-old Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, the Federation criticised its poor implementation, which has allegedly allowed outsiders to infiltrate and settle in indigenous lands.

The NSF called for the creation of a special commission for Inner Line Regulation, a centralised ILP database, and dedicated enforcement wings in all districts. It also sought the establishment of ILP offices at Dimapur Railway Station and Airport, along with awareness drives in collaboration with village councils and civil bodies.

Rampant Illegal Appointments

Condemning continued backdoor appointments despite the establishment of the NPSC and NSSB, the NSF demanded that all such appointments be halted immediately and recruitment take place strictly through the designated commissions. It also urged that accountability be fixed on officials involved in irregular appointments.

Upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu

The NSF called for the upgradation of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) into a full-fledged Government Engineering College by the 2026–27 academic year to promote technical education and self-reliance among Naga youth.

Indigenous Representation in Higher Institutions

Expressing concern over the lack of indigenous representation in Nagaland University and NIT Chümoukedima, the Federation demanded that 80% of teaching and non-teaching posts be reserved for indigenous Nagas in accordance with Article 371(A). It argued that such representation would ensure long-term commitment and help address rising unemployment among educated youth.

E-Governance and Transparency

Highlighting that corruption and inefficiency persist due to poor transparency, the NSF urged the government to fully implement the Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW), ensuring public access to information about schemes, beneficiaries, vacancies, and departmental progress. It also encouraged expansion of digital platforms to strengthen citizen engagement, particularly in rural areas.

Students and Youth Empowerment

Concerned about rising unemployment, the NSF proposed that each of the 60 MLAs sponsor aspirants for UPSC coaching, expand vocational training, establish multidisciplinary colleges under NEP 2020, and widen the reach of the CM Micro Finance Initiative to empower youth.

Repeal of AFSPA

Calling the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) a “draconian law,” the NSF said it continues to inflict suffering and trauma upon generations of Nagas. The Federation reaffirmed its non-cooperation movement with the armed forces and urged the state government to raise the demand for the repeal of AFSPA at all possible forums.

Scrapping of FMR and Border Fencing

The Federation strongly opposed the abolition of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the construction of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, calling it a move that “disregards the unique history of the Nagas” and severs ancestral, cultural, and social ties. It warned that such measures could escalate tensions rather than promote peace.

The NSF urged the state government to vehemently oppose the Central Government’s decision and advocate for policies that preserve traditional cross-border relations and foster unity.

Concluding the memorandum, the NSF stated that the issues raised “are not merely student-related grievances but existential, political, and developmental concerns.” The Federation assured the Chief Minister of its continued cooperation in working toward justice, transparency, and progress for the Naga people.