Yilow Humtsoe
Acting President, Naga National Council
On this auspicious celebration of our 75th year of Independence, I greet all of you in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ever since the declaration of Naga Independence on 14th August, 1947 by the Naga National Council which was acknowledged by the United Nations, this day has been observed and celebrated every year.
The world is aware that the free, independent and democratic Naga people are forcefully occupied by the aggressors- India and Burma (Myanmar) who have divided Nagaland into two parts. And further sub-divided Nagaland into four so called created states with brute military force to weaken and destroy the historical and political rights of the Nagas as a people and nation by the Government of India.
However, I must say that by the grace of God Almighty the Naga people are thriving more vigorously in all spheres despite the hardships and division created by the adversary. Our desire for freedom of recognition and acceptance is more vocal, loud and clear to the world and particularly India (GOI). The flame of freedom will be even greater if GOI apply further delay tactics knowing fully well the Naga rights of freedom. Thousands of Naga lives have been sacrificed for the purpose of Sovereignty of the homeland to be a full-fledged nation, and hence any attempt to extinguish this has and will always be a failure.
Today as we celebrate this occasion, let us sincerely remember and honour in prayer our brave heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Naga sovereignty.
Also today, I salute our frontal organisations (NGOs) for their immense efforts in supporting and working for Naga unity and freedom even at the international level. May God Almighty bless them abundantly to succeed in their able endeavour for Naga long desired freedom.
I also appeal the Nagas of the western side of divide to remember our down trodden Eastern Naga people who are immensely suffering in the hands of military junta of Myanmar who are suppressing and oppressing the ethnic nationalities like Nagas, Kachins, Karens, Shans, Chins, etc with brute force for so many years. Therefore, the democratic countries of the world must come forward to liberate these nationalities from the clutches and brutality of Myanmar military junta.
The NNC being the oldest political institution in the North East region must tell the present leadership of the state of Assam to think and work for the best welfare of the North-East people first than to implement religious agenda of political extremist party. Secondly, stop bringing foreign nationals and immigrants to grab the lands of the indigenous people of the Hills who were and are from time immemorial. The ancestral lands of the Nagas, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal will never be compromised, our lands belongs to us therefore respect the rights and sentiments of the Hill people. Otherwise this land grabbing situation will lead to a very dangerous and costly affairs as seen in the past.The present Assam leadership must understand this reality in order to live in peace with its immediate neighbours. The political parties of India will come and go but the North East region and its people will ever remain one region and one people. Therefore, think and work first for the best future of the region and its people.
I also must mention today that the present political scenario in the state is rapidly changing as the state political parties have come together for Naga National unity of all the groups for political solution of the Nagas. And even agreed in principle to form an All party government under the Nomenclature called “Nagaland United Government.” And this is what the Naga people as a whole want- that the Naga National political groups of all parties unite first for political solution in the best interest of our political freedom.
The NNC being the political institution and parent body of all the Nagas had put forward Naga unity proposals in 1980s, 1990s , 2000s , which was not accepted or worked out by other groups, so till date Naga National unity could not become a reality as desired by the people within, outside and even by other agencies.
Therefore, let us especially the National workers of all groups sit together to thrash out our differences and work out the best possible political stand for the sake of our people and freedom. This is the only way we can go forward with the strength of National unity to achieve our long desired struggle for freedom.
Therefore, in conclusion the NNC sincerely appeal once again to all Naga National Political Groups to come forward without further delay for Naga National Unity Government. May God Almighty help and bless Naga people.
KUKNALIM
Speech on the occasion of 75th Naga Independence Day (August 14, 2021)
