American activist Grace Collins has reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for Naga rights while emphasizing that her work is entirely independent and not directed or controlled by any government, political faction, or armed group. In a statement to Hindustan Times, Collins stressed that her renewed lobbying efforts, undertaken through her registration with the US government, are rooted in civil society engagement and the promotion of peaceful dialogue, rather than political partisanship.

Collins first became involved with the Naga issue during the early 2000s, when she served as a lobbyist and international representative for the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland–IM (NSCN-IM). Between 2003 and 2011, she acted as an “Ambassador” for the NSCN-IM in the United States, focusing on shaping US public opinion and facilitating support for ongoing peace talks between the insurgent group and the Indian government. Her work included lobbying members of the US Congress, meeting officials in the US executive branch, and attempting to establish channels for international observation of negotiations concerning Nagaland.

During her earlier tenure, Collins was financially compensated for her activities and regularly met with senior NSCN-IM leadership, including the late Isak Chishi Swu, former chairman of the group. She made multiple trips to Bangkok, where key NSCN-IM leadership maintained offices, and coordinated efforts to highlight the political and human rights concerns of the Naga people to a wider international audience.

Collins also actively engaged with US policymakers. According to lobbying disclosures reviewed by Hindustan Times, she reached out to Congressman Dan Burton, known for his critical stance on Indian policies, and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. She also interacted with congressional offices of Chris Van Hollen (now a US Senator for Maryland) and met with California’s Gavin Newsom, who was then serving as Mayor of San Francisco. Her efforts extended to United Nations agencies and Christian activist networks across the US, aiming to raise awareness of the Naga issue and advocate for external support in the ongoing peace process.

After a hiatus of 14 years, Collins has resumed her work under a new banner called One Naga Voice, which describes itself as a “non-armed, civic, and faith-driven movement/organization.” According to Collins, this group focuses on representing the aspirations of the Naga people without advocating for any specific political outcome. In her statement to Hindustan Times, she clarified: “I do not advocate political outcomes; such decisions belong solely to the Naga people themselves. I report and analyze what the majority of Naga people have expressed as their aspirations for the future.”

One Naga Voice, like her previous advocacy, references Nagalim, a concept denoting a separate homeland for the Naga peoples across parts of India and Myanmar. However, Collins is careful to distinguish her work from political or armed activism. She explicitly supports peaceful dialogue and civil-society engagement, stating: “There is no justification for this situation to remain unresolved in 2026 after more than 600 rounds of peace talks. My work focuses on reporting, advocacy, and facilitating communication rather than promoting violence or coercion.”

Collins’ renewed engagement comes at a time when the Naga peace process remains complex and ongoing, involving multiple stakeholders, including the Government of India, Naga civil society, and various insurgent groups. By highlighting human rights concerns and advocating for peaceful solutions, Collins seeks to provide an international perspective that complements local and governmental efforts.

In her statement, Collins also criticized the Indian government’s handling of issues affecting Nagaland, particularly regarding the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and state anti-conversion laws. She argued that these laws have often been applied in ways that exacerbate local grievances, contributing to a sense of marginalization and distrust among the Naga people.

Despite her prior work with the NSCN-IM, Collins is unequivocal that she now operates independently. “My work on Naga and other human rights issues is independent and not directed or controlled by any organization, faction, or government,” she stated. This independence, she insists, allows her to report faithfully on the aspirations of Naga communities without aligning with any political or armed faction.

Collins’ new lobbying registration with the US Department of Justice includes a brief note indicating her intent to continue discussing Nagalim, but through the lens of nonviolent engagement and civic advocacy. Her approach emphasizes information-sharing, awareness-raising, and facilitation of dialogue rather than direct negotiation or political representation.

Observers note that Collins’ re-entry into Naga advocacy reflects both the enduring international interest in the region and the challenges faced by civil society actors seeking to influence peace processes from outside the country. By working through formal US lobbying channels, she aims to ensure transparency in her activities and maintain compliance with legal requirements while engaging with policymakers, civil society organizations, and media in the United States.

Collins’ advocacy also serves as a reminder of the broader human rights dimensions of the Naga conflict, which has spanned decades and involved multiple insurgent groups, state security forces, and civil society organizations. Her work seeks to amplify the voices of ordinary Naga citizens, focusing on education, development, and dialogue rather than armed struggle or political coercion.

In her statement to Hindustan Times, Collins stressed that her renewed efforts are aimed at bridging communication gaps between the Naga community and external observers. She envisions her role as a facilitator for dialogue and understanding, helping international stakeholders grasp the aspirations, concerns, and grievances of the Naga people.

“The purpose of One Naga Voice is to support the Naga people in expressing their needs and priorities, without imposing external agendas or political directives,” Collins said. She added that her work would continue to emphasize the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, constructive engagement with government institutions, and civil-society participation in shaping the region’s future.

While her previous work with the NSCN-IM involved direct advocacy for a specific insurgent group, her current efforts are deliberately structured to maintain neutrality and independence, focusing on human rights, development, and the promotion of dialogue. This distinction, she argues, is essential to maintain credibility with both local communities in Nagaland and policymakers abroad.

Collins’ return to Naga advocacy in 2026 underscores the persistent challenges facing the peace process, including unresolved political disputes, human rights concerns, and the need for sustained international attention. By framing her work as independent and nonviolent, she seeks to provide a constructive model for advocacy that respects the agency of the Naga people while contributing to a broader culture of dialogue and understanding.

In conclusion, Grace Collins’ resumption of lobbying efforts for One Naga Voice represents a continuation of her long-standing commitment to highlighting the rights and aspirations of Naga communities. With an emphasis on independence, transparency, and peaceful engagement, her work aims to foster dialogue, report accurately on local perspectives, and support nonviolent solutions to a conflict that has persisted for decades. By separating her efforts from political factions or armed groups, Collins positions herself as a facilitator and observer, advocating for civil society participation and peaceful resolution while ensuring that the voices of the Naga people remain central to the discussion.