“We say this not just as Naga men and women belonging to different tribes, professions, and age-groups from all the regions of the Naga homeland and overseas, but as decent human beings in solidarity with decent people of good will from around the world,” it added.

The murder of Athuan Abonmai and others like it debases our common humanity; they make animals of us all. They dehumanise not just the victims who are treated like animals but the perpetrators too, who turn themselves into animals by acting with such wanton cruelty, it mentioned.

It continued that the Naga people's long struggle for freedom and self-determination has experienced disagreements, divisions, and tragic enmities. 

GNF firmly believes it is time to start resolving the problems through non-violent negotiations and peaceful processes of healing, it stated.

The forum mourns the death of Ino Athuan and empathises with his family and pray that his dear wife and children, parents, and relatives may find solace in the grace and healing power beyond what the world can give, it added.