Kohima: The Global Naga Forum held a four-hour international assembly on August 14 to mark the 79th anniversary of the declaration of Naga independence. Participants from Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, and Myanmar joined Indigenous leaders from Canada, the Arctic, Indonesia, Colombia, and New Zealand. The event, titled The Unbroken Line: Territory, Transit, and Truth, was moderated by Kilentola Jamir and Guangchunliu Gangmei.
Dr. Villo Naleo opened with a prayer. The group held a minute of silence for martyrs, followed by Thotmung Muivah singing A Call for Solution. GNF convenor Chuba Ozukum urged Nagas to pursue a just political solution. Kolezo Chase of the Naga National Council framed the conflict as a bilateral issue between India and the Naga nation.
UN experts weighed in through video messages. Gam A Shimray argued, "If we can't define sovereignty for ourselves, we can't expect others to honour it." Ojot M Ojulu noted that regional militarization hampers the rights of Indigenous people. Dr. Poujenlung Gonmei condemned the withdrawal of the Free Movement Regime. He told the assembly, "Truth must be spoken to power."
Legal expert Worso Zimik claimed the region never joined India through conquest or consent. International representatives echoed these calls for self-determination. Kenneth Deer of the Haudenosaunee told the Naga people, "You are a people. You are a people with a right to self-determination." Additional remarks came from Eirik Larsen, Ghazali Ohorella, Luisa Castaneda-Quintana, Kym Hamilton, Dr. Rubina Greenwood, and Dr. Rita Manchanda.
Regional speakers shared local struggles. Naogang Ngansa questioned current unity, while Chenobu Rengma stated that over 10,000 square kilometers of ancestral land have been alienated. David Boyes demanded justice, and Elu Ndang declared the people are five knots of the same song. GNF co-convenor Samuel Pou read the 79th Anniversary Declaration before Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu concluded the event.
Updated at 17th August 2026 at 1:48pm
Musical segments also featured performances by Kekhrowate-u Wetsah, alongside a Chakhesang folk presentation by Sevolhu, Khosato, and Kreveyi. Ambrose D. Kamei wrapped up the performances with The Sound of the Homeland.
Dr. Villo Naleo performed his duties as the Social Concern Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. Advocate Worso Zimik provided his legal reading in a personal capacity, specifically referencing the 2015 Framework Agreement. The event concluded with a benediction delivered by Pastor Adahe Neli.
Updated at 17th August 2026 at 9:50pm
The GNF assembly featured several prominent international voices. Eirik Larsen from the Sámi Council stated that borders do not define where people begin or end. Ghazali Ohorella, an Alifuru diplomat, noted that keeping the cause alive is one job, but building the power to act on it is a second job. Luisa Castaneda-Quintana of Land is Life emphasized that their solidarity is not from the outside, but among Indigenous peoples. Kym Hamilton of the Kārearea Institute for Change stressed that existing international boundaries cannot erase Naga genealogy and whakapapa.
Separately, the NSCN/GPRN issued a statement on August 17 demanding that any final settlement respect the unique history and sovereignty of the Nagas. The group insists the 2015 Framework Agreement and the 2002 Amsterdam Joint Communique form the basis for negotiations. They labeled the Naga national flag and constitution as non-negotiable points, accusing the Indian government of lacking the political will to implement agreed terms. The NSCN/GPRN also highlighted that Naga civil societies staged a total shutdown in Naga areas on August 15 to reject Indian Independence Day.
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