NSF President calls for unity across Naga homeland

Morung Express NewsPatkai | October 21Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Mteisuding Heraang has called for greater unity among Nagas across state boundaries, cautioning that divisions within Naga society were undermining collective strength and raising concerns for the younger generation.Delivering a solidarity message at the inaugural session of the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) Collegiate Meet 2026 at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on October 21, Heraang said the NSF recognised Nagas wherever they lived, including Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and was working to unite them across geographical boundaries.“We are fragmented. I am sorry to say this, but we are disunited, and our mindset has become divisive,” he said, describing the situation as one of the difficult challenges confronting Naga society.Heraang said Nagas shared common emotions, culture and traditions despite their different tribes and languages, but questioned whether the community fully understood what it meant to be Naga.Expressing concern over the situation in Manipur, he said Nagas in the southern parts of their homeland were facing hardship and urged the wider Naga community to understand their situation, pray for them and extend solidarity. He said the NSF had visited the affected areas in June and August to assess the situation.“Today, our people in Manipur are suffering. How many of us truly understand what they are going through?” he asked, urging Nagas to consider the importance of mutual support when communities faced difficulties beyond their state boundaries.Linking his message to the meet’s theme, Embrace the Challenge, Heraang said young people were not being asked to involve themselves in conflict, but to remain aware of developments around them and understand the challenges confronting the Naga people.He described Nagas in the southern part of their homeland as peace-loving people seeking to protect their land and rights, and urged other communities to understand their circumstances.Calling for unity, Heraang said the NSF’s mandate extended beyond student and youth issues to include the aspirations of the Naga people. He urged Nagas to overcome divisions and strengthen their shared identity, regardless of where they lived.He also highlighted the relationship between ANSU and the NSF, describing the collegiate meet as an important platform for students from different colleges to interact, participate in sports and strengthen unity.Meanwhile, Convenor of the Central Organising Committee Medovi Rhi said the theme, Embrace the Challenge, was relevant to all those attending the meet.“Growth begins where comfort ends. A challenge is not an adversary to be feared; it is an invitation to discover our strengths, refine our character and transcend our limitations,” he added.