(From the Wesean Naga Students Union (WNSU), a wing of the Wesean Student Federation (WSF)
As we stand at a crucial juncture in our shared history, we feel compelled to reach out to you with a message of unity, peace, and reflection. Our region, Wesea, is blessed with a rich diversity of cultures, traditions, and identities. Yet, this diversity, which should be our strength, has often been a source of division. Today, more than ever, we must come together as one people, united in our common purpose and vision for the future.
To our fellow Nagas, we urge you to consider the path we are on. What do we truly gain by harboring hatred towards Mainland India? Anger and resentment may seem justified, but they only serve to isolate us further and deepen the divisions within our hearts. We must ask ourselves: What is this apathy towards August 15th really achieving? It is time to think rationally and to recognize that our future lies not in bitterness, but in building bridges of understanding and cooperation. It is also time to put an end to the practices that have brought so much suffering to our people. Extortion, violence, and division have only weakened our society and tarnished our identity. To those who continue down the path of militancy, we implore you to heed the words of our Lord: “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). There is no victory in militancy—only more bloodshed, pain, and loss. Look at how much us Weseans have suffered! We plead with you to return to the mainstream, to work for the good of our people, and to help heal the wounds that have divided us for too long. We appreciate you all trying to unite the People of Wesea!
Let us remember the legacy of A. Z. Phizo, who envisioned a united Wesea where all ethnic groups could come together under a common identity. Phizo reached out to the Ahoms, Kacharis, Garos, Khasis, Tripuris, Kachins, Zo-Chins, Tanis, Meiteis, and many others, with a vision of unity, not division. The Naga identity was never meant to exclude; it was meant to bring together all the peoples of Wesea under a shared banner of peace and solidarity. We must also honor the sacrifices made by our Kuki brothers and sisters for the Naga cause. On January 10th, 1929, when the Naga Club submitted the Simon Commission memorandum, one of the signatories was Lengjang Kuki, a leader who embodied the spirit of Wesean unity. The exclusion of Kukis from the Naga identity was not the will of the Naga people but the work of those who sought to divide us for their own gain. Today, these same forces preach unity today in the guise of “One People.” We must reject this false narrative and instead work towards reclaiming the unity that was once the cornerstone of our shared identity.
To all the people of Wesea, we implore you not to listen to those who seek to divide us further. To the extremist groups, we, as students and future leaders, ask you to reconsider your path. Instead of sowing discord, work for the common good of all our people.
Focus on increasing education, improving healthcare, and fostering development in our region. And let us not forget our Naga brothers and sisters in Myanmar, who are as much a part of Wesea as we are. They need our support and solidarity, now more than ever.
In the words of the Lord, “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). We must overcome the evils of division and violence with acts of goodness and unity. Let us work together to build a future where our diversity is celebrated, not as a source of division, but as a foundation for our collective strength.
The Wesean Naga Students’ Union(WNSU) will proudly celebrate both Naga Independence Day and Indian Independence Day. Both flags are symbols of our identity and heritage, and both are important to us. Let us embrace them with pride, as we work together to build a future where unity, peace, and progress are the hallmarks of our region. May we all find the strength to move forward together, as one people, united in purpose and vision. With solidarity and hope, God Bless!
Ruth Yimchunger,
Vice President, NWSF
(https://wnsu.tiiny.site)