Kohima: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has expressed deep concern over an incident of gunfighting between two Naga armed groups that reportedly took place early morning on January 9 in Naga-inhabited areas of Myanmar. According to the party, the violent confrontation resulted in deaths and injuries to several Naga youths, casting a shadow over the beginning of the New Year.
In a press statement issued from its Central Headquarters in Kohima on Saturday, the NPF said that the Nagas had entered the New Year 2026 with hope and renewed expectations for peace and unity. However, the reported fratricidal violence among “Naga brothers” has been described as highly discouraging and detrimental to collective efforts aimed at achieving peace, reconciliation, and unity among the Naga people.
The party further stated that such incidents send a wrong message at a time when the Naga political movement requires restraint, dialogue, and a shared sense of responsibility. The NPF cautioned that continued infighting could undermine the moral and political foundations of the Naga struggle and weaken the aspiration for an honourable and inclusive solution.
The NPF also expressed apprehension that the prevailing situation may adversely affect the forthcoming Naga Yoya New Year celebration scheduled to be held on January 15 at Layshi Town in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Myanmar. The annual festival, which is being hosted this year by Layshi Town, holds significant cultural and social importance for the Naga people. The party feared that continued hostilities could disrupt the festive environment and endanger public safety.
Appealing to all Naga political groups, the NPF urged the exercise of utmost restraint and called for immediate engagement in dialogue. It emphasized that violence within the Naga family would not yield any positive outcome but would instead lead to further suffering and division. Stressing the need for peace, unity, and reconciliation, the party asserted that all forms of fighting must be stopped.
Reiterating its stand, the NPF reaffirmed its commitment to a permanent, honourable, and inclusive solution to the Naga political issue.
The party also conveyed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Calling upon all Naga groups to foster mutual respect, the NPF urged collective efforts towards serving the larger interests of the Naga people.
