Sulanthung Lotha
Former President, Naga Hoho
Since assuming the responsibility as President of the Naga Hoho, I have carried out my duties with sincerity, commitment, and dedication. The Naga Hoho was established as an apex tribal body to unite all Naga tribes across different states and regions. However, achieving complete unity has remained an immense challenge because of administrative boundaries, regional divisions, and differing political ideologies that continue to separate our people.
Throughout my tenure, I travelled extensively across Naga-inhabited areas with one mission—to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation among all Nagas. I reached out to various tribes, civil society organisations, church leaders, and communities, appealing for their wholehearted support so that the Naga Hoho could function as a common platform representing all Nagas in the true spirit of unity and peace.
Despite these sincere efforts, we were unable to achieve the desired outcome because of deep-rooted divisions and longstanding challenges within our society. Nevertheless, my commitment to the vision of a united Naga people has remained unwavering.
Major Challenges Faced by the Naga Hoho
The principal challenges confronting the Naga Hoho during my tenure included:
• Geographical divisions: Naga communities remain separated by state boundaries within India and by the international border with Myanmar.
• Fragmented leadership: Various regional and tribal organisations often function independently instead of working collectively through one common platform.
• Political differences: Different Naga political groups continue to hold divergent views and ideologies regarding the long-standing Naga political issue, making consensus extremely difficult.
During my tenure, the Naga Hoho received representation from Nagaland through the Lotha tribe under the Lotha Public Organisation (LPO) and from the Sema tribe through its Sumi Aphuyemi representative. Despite strong opposition from certain apex bodies advising them not to associate with the Naga Hoho, these organisations made sincere efforts to bring all Nagas together under one umbrella, irrespective of geographical boundaries. Unfortunately, these efforts could not succeed because of political complexities and continuing differences.
As President, I also made every possible effort to bring all Naga political groups together on one common platform. Regrettably, this mission could not be accomplished because of differing political ideologies and the absence of common ground.
Another major challenge was the growing lack of trust within the organisation itself. Certain individuals and groups attempted to control the Naga Hoho and project it as their own organisational platform or mouthpiece. However, the Naga Hoho does not belong to any individual, organisation, or political group. It belongs to the Naga people as a whole.
On many occasions, I firmly upheld the principle that the Naga Hoho must remain an independent institution serving the collective interests of all Nagas rather than any particular group or faction. I believed that preserving its independence was essential for maintaining the credibility and integrity of the organisation.
My Stand on the Naga Political Issue
During my tenure, I consistently appealed to the Government of India to honour and implement both the Framework Agreement, signed with the NSCN (IM) on 3 August 2015, and the Agreed Position, signed with the Working Committee of the NNPGs on 17 November 2017. These agreements were entered into under the Constitution of India, and I have consistently maintained that they should be brought to a logical conclusion at the earliest through an honourable and inclusive political settlement.
Because I openly advocated for an early solution based on these two agreements, my position was opposed by certain groups. Even within the Executive Council of the Naga Hoho, my approach did not receive unanimous support and was, in many instances, rejected under the influence of external interests.
The Naga people deserve to reflect on an important question: if both agreements have already been signed, why should their existence or significance be disregarded? Lasting peace cannot be achieved through delay, mistrust, or political gamesmanship. The Naga political groups have a responsibility to be transparent and honest with the Naga people and should never take the aspirations of the people for granted. I also believe that no organisation should attempt to dictate the functioning of the Naga Hoho. Every institution has its own constitutional role and responsibility, and mutual respect among organisations is essential for the greater interest of the Naga people.
In my considered view, my consistent advocacy for an early political solution based on both the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position became one of the principal reasons that ultimately led to the dissolution of the Naga Hoho Executive (2024–2028). Nevertheless, I remain convinced that these two agreements represent important political understandings reached under the contemporary realities within the constitutional framework of India, and they deserve to be respected by all stakeholders.
A Message to the Search Committee
As my tenure comes to an end, I respectfully urge the newly constituted Search Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the next leadership of the Naga Hoho, to discharge its responsibility with wisdom, pragmatism, impartiality, and a clear understanding of the realities on the ground.
The Naga Hoho cannot be sustained or strengthened unless it enjoys the genuine support and mandate of the Naga tribes, particularly those in Nagaland. Without such broad-based support, any newly elected executive will inevitably face the same challenges encountered by the present leadershi
Furthermore, the Naga Hoho should never be projected as the property or mouthpiece of any individual, organisation, or political group. Such an approach will only weaken the institution and eventually lead to its decline once again.
Although the Naga Hoho may be reconstituted through the efforts of a few individuals, lasting success will depend upon whether it commands the confidence, mandate, and collective ownership of the Naga tribes and the wider Naga people. Unity, mutual trust, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility remain the only foundations upon which a strong and credible Naga Hoho can be built.
An Appeal to the Government of India
I earnestly appeal to the Government of India to bring the Naga political issue to an honourable conclusion on the basis of the two agreements already reached—the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position. An inclusive, honourable, and mutually acceptable political settlement is essential for ensuring lasting peace, stability, and harmony in Naga society.
It is the sincere aspiration of the Naga people that this historic issue be resolved with justice, dignity, mutual respect, and statesmanship.
Gratitude
Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every tribal organisation, civil society organisation, church leader, well-wisher, and every individual who extended their support, encouragement, and prayers throughout my tenure.
Although our mission remains unfinished, I firmly believe that the dream of Naga unity will continue through the collective efforts of our people. I remain hopeful that future generations will continue to work towards reconciliation, understanding, and lasting peace.
May Almighty God bless and guide the Naga people with wisdom, unity, peace, and prosperity.
