Naga People's Network Forum condemns KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet's use of the term "Kacha Naga", demanding an unconditional public apology and its removal from official records.
Imphal, June 26: The Naga People's Network Forum (NPNF) has strongly condemned the use of the term "Kacha Naga" by Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet, calling it a derogatory expression that insults the identity and dignity of the Naga people.
In a statement issued on Friday, the forum said the term was used in a statement released by the KZC chairman on June 25. According to the NPNF, the expression is offensive and inappropriate, particularly at a time when the Naga community is mourning the killing of innocent civilians and seeking justice and accountability.
The organisation said that instead of expressing remorse, condolences or an apology, the KZC chairman had chosen to use language that further aggravated tensions.
RELATED NEWS: KZC Chairman Apologises for Killing of Six Naga Hostages, Says Act Was Driven by ‘Emotion’
The NPNF stated that "Kacha Naga" is neither a name by which the Naga people identify themselves nor an accepted ethnic designation. It described the expression as a historical misnomer originating from mistaken records and colonial-era classifications.
According to the forum, the term has over time been used to undermine the identity, history and dignity of the Naga people, making its continued use by public leaders and organisations unacceptable.
The organisation demanded that Henlianthang Thanglet and the Kuki-Zo Council immediately withdraw the statement containing the expression and issue an unconditional public apology to the Naga people.
RELATED NEWS: ANSAM Rejects Kuki-Zo Council Apology, Demands Justice for Six Naga Hostages
The NPNF also appealed to the United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga People's Organisation (NPO), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), Naga tribal hohos, churches, civil society organisations, youth bodies and other apex Naga institutions to address the issue without delay.
It further urged the Government of India and the concerned authorities to remove the term "Kacha Naga" from official records, documents and websites and replace it with terminology that accurately reflects the identity of the Naga people.
The forum said growing resentment among Naga youths over the repeated use of the expression should not be ignored. It warned that failure to address the issue promptly and responsibly could further inflame an already sensitive situation.
According to the statement, responsibility for preventing any escalation rests with the authorities and institutions expected to respond through lawful and appropriate action.
While expressing concern over the issue, the NPNF also appealed to Naga youths to remain disciplined and pursue justice through peaceful and lawful means.
"Our strength lies in unity, discipline, and principled action," the statement said.
The organisation added that no individual or organisation should use derogatory misnomers to identify any community, whether in public statements, social media, or print, digital or electronic media.
It said respect for the identity and dignity of all communities is essential for peaceful coexistence, responsible leadership and meaningful dialogue.
