KOHIMA: The Naga Students’ Organization (NSO) of Naga Self-Administered Zone in Myanmar has raised alarm over the ‘forced recruitment’ of over 300 Naga youth by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) amidst the ongoing civil war in Myanmar.
This revelation came during an emergency meeting held at Naga Cultural Hall in Lahe, a town in Sagaing Division on the north-west frontier of Myanmar, on Tuesday, where the NSO highlighted the dire situation facing Naga communities.
According to NSO statements, the forcibly recruited youth are feared to have faced severe consequences, including death or disappearance.
The organisation, along with federating units, tribal leaders, and the Naga Cultural Committee, convened to address these critical issues and reaffirm their commitment to the welfare and unity of the Naga people.
During the meeting, despite recent unsuccessful talks with KIA representatives, the NSO announced plans to submit a memorandum demanding an immediate halt to random arrests and forced recruitment of Naga youths.
“If these appeals are disregarded, we will not hesitate to escalate our actions,” the NSO declared, underscoring their commitment to protecting vulnerable Naga communities.
Tribal leaders were tasked with recalling Naga youth working in unsafe areas in Kachin State until assurances of their safety are obtained from KIA authorities.
In the meeting several resolutions were also adopted by the NSO condemning the oppressive practices of multiple factions, including heavy taxation and harassment of villagers.
“The use of coercion and force in our struggle for democratic aspirations is morally and ethically wrong,” the NSO asserted, urging solidarity among Naga leaders and organisations to resist such coercive measures.
The NSO categorically denounced such actions as intolerable and fundamentally unjust, insisting that assistance to Naga national workers should be voluntary and rejecting any form of compulsory support through intimidation.
They reiterated their steadfast dedication to achieving a just, democratic, and peaceful future for the Naga people.
In a bid to ensure effective governance and protect Naga rights, the NSO called for urgent dialogue with NSCN/GPRN authorities, emphasising the need for accountability and collaborative leadership.
“History will judge those who perpetrate injustice against our people,” the NSO concluded, issuing a poignant call for unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
