My dear countrymen,
On this auspicious occasion marking the 32nd Republic day of Naga Nation, I convey my revolutionary greetings to each and every citizens of Nagaland. I thank Almighty God, the preserver of all Nations, who has ensured our survival to this day. Drawing strength from our creator and through sustain perseverance of a determined struggle, it was on March 21st 1980, that GPRN was formed and universally declare NAGA NATION as a REPUBLIC. Each succeeding Naga generation, has experienced his sustaining grace, unceasing love, incessant mercy and today we are still unbroken in our hope, vision and aspiration. No matter how arduous the journey ahead it might be, we will keep marching till we reach our destination.
Looking back at the road we have marched through, my heart grieves for the heroic deeds of brave Naga patriots, who unsparingly laid their precious lives for the cause of our Nation, with deepest reverence and adornment, I salute all our heroes and heroines who selflessly sacrificed their invaluable lives in order to liberate us from the manacles of bondage and subjugation, with the aspiration to let the generations strive on with our distinct identity as free people of a sovereign nation, which legally and rightfully belongs to us. It will never fade away from our hearts but remain engraved in our hearts down the annals of the Naga history. We pray to Almighty for eternal peace of their souls. It is also our prayers that God takes good care of those who are being incapacitated or crippled and are facing untold sufferings for our national cause. Let us pay our highest tribute to those gallant martyrs.
Historical facts reveal that Nagas have been inhabited independently since time immemorial. The autonomous region and village is controlled by its Kings and chiefs whose powers are limited by conventions and principles of an unwritten customs. The Britisshers put under control part of the Naga territory in the 19th century colonising India and Burma. Subsequently, Nagas of the British controlled territory declared Independence on 14th August, 1947. On attainment of independence, India and Burma divided and occupied the Naga territory arbitrarily and illogically. But since, humans cannot be bound in chains. However, mighty a dominating or colonising nation may be, no force can dictate or suppress the longing aspiration of the people’s
The great Indian nation attempts to douse the spirit of the Nagas with their military might and by all other divisive and diabolic policies for more than eight decades but failed. The Indian leaders finally realized the futility of subduing the aspiration of Nagas with an iron hand, thus change the mind-set from military to political approach signifying the invincibility truth of a peoples’ right to self determination.
Today is the day of exaltation, yet also moment to, introspect, retrospect and rekindle our comprehensive responsibilities. How are we prepared to meet the challenges? In post modernisation era, the paradigm of concept, theory and terminology do change according to the need of time and situation. The insincerity attitude displayed by GOI towards our political issues does not mean that the fratricidal killings to recur among the Nagas brethrens. The Nagas at this juncture need to rededicate our commitments by burying all our differences and hatred but struggle against the suppressor to achieve the aspired common goal. I seek and appeal to all conscious Nagas to avail themselves of this fine opportunity to contribute their suggestions practically and realistically. A time such as this may not be ours again as we propose a practical approached for deliberations among the Nagas, GPRN/NSCN urge the young talented Nagas to strive tirelessly and render your wisdom, exhibit your creativities along with the advancement in the various field of media communications, computerisation, science & technology etc at this right time. People’s wisdom, constructive suggestions and contribution will be honourably accepted. There is no yardstick to distinguish one from the other. It is the duty and responsibility of each and every, intellectual, scholar and NGO’s to be a part for the common cause.
We are indebted beyond words to our national pioneers. It is because of them that we are who and what we are today. Ours is people based movement. It begins with the people and it shall end with the people. The maturity of more than eighty years political struggle, armed with inalienable political right shall be the inherent right towards any political settlement. We have gone through thick and thin, GPRN will not allow any conspirators to blur our destined vision and aspiration. The will of the people is the most powerful force against all odds and adversaries, which can be very tempting and deceptive. We will not plea for mercy but be prepared for a solution that belongs to us.
The People’s Republic of Nagaland is yet to receive a bilateral invitation from Government of India and such invitation would spell out a political dialogue. The GPRN is politically sincere in our commitments and is prepared to give chance to every right thinking intellectual citizen to avail an opportunity to participate. The NSCN is determined to address the people’s urge for unity, peace and reconciliation. The common opinion of the people will be sought and honoured on all the issues if, such can lead to political achievement, survival and solution to the Nation. However, the GPRN will not commit itself to any enemy within or outside whose designs have “traitors scheming”.
I appreciate the astounding task of FNR and all other NGO’s who ceaselessly commit their service for Nagas cause. We value the present peace process as precious, for it has once again brought us the finest opportunity to concretize our aspiration. But the success or failure depends on mutual trust, respect and commitment on both the entities. The GPRN/NSCN leave no room for dictation and imposition of ones will upon the other. We see no solution without respect for the aspiration of the Nagas and we see no solution without fulfilling the desired aspired political goal.
The collective leaders fervently appeal to the Nagas to wake up and rise above ism and have the feeling of oneness as there is only one Naga and to imbibe the better and stronger free Nagaland.
KUKNALIM!
Gen. (Rtd.) Kholi Konyak
President, NSCN
