Calls for solidarity on 79th Naga Independence Day

DIMAPUR, AUGUST 14 (MExN): Marking the 79th Naga Independence Day on August 14, leaders of various Naga political groups reaffirmed the Naga people’s historical and political rights while urging unity and reconciliation among all groups to secure an inclusive and honourable settlement with the Government of India. 

Speaking at events across Naga areas, they recalled the August 14, 1947 proclamation, invoked past agreements, cautioned against division, and stressed that the aspirations of future generations must remain paramount in the ongoing political process.

The Naga Hoho noted that unity had been key to past achievements. “Naga Hoho still stands unity and inclusiveness of Naga society,” it said. On the ongoing peace process, it stated, “Naga society wants a resolution based on the already mutually agreed agreement that is the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position for an early Naga Political solution.”

Gen (Retd) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge of the FGN stated, “we must henceforth, move ahead by forging a oneness of national principle, integrity, values and character as Nagas. It should be as strong as iron and steel forged in the strongest of heat and hammered by the heaviest of hammers.” 

NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah underlined that the Amsterdam and Framework agreements “speak loud and clear that Nagas are not lost people. We have our history and we have our sovereign rights… the Nagalim unique history, our territory and sovereignty, Nagalim national flag, Nagalim national constitution (Yehzabo) and integration of all Naga contiguous areas are non-negotiable.” He added, “If India and Burma (Myanmar) respect the history of the Nagas, we will respect theirs ten times more.”

N Kitovi Zhimomi, Convener of the WC, NNPGs while acknowledging that “the map of the world has changed drastically since 1947,” said “the Naga political movement has not lost its meaning and soul.”

He said that “securing political solution for future Naga generations is our goal and on this crucial historic matter, personal differences amongst us do not matter. This has been conveyed clearly to the GoI officially.” Zhimomi urged all to “rise above our differences, threats, fear and intimidations and prepare a robust ground for an acceptable and honourable Indo-Naga political solution.” 

WC, NNPGs Convener Gen (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak meanwhile said the aspiration for “free, sovereign and independent Naga nationhood” could only be realised through “remedying our shortcomings, acknowledgement of our weaknesses, repentance before God and people we have wronged.”

He cautioned against isolationism, stating, “We cannot afford to progress as people in isolation or to limit ourselves to narrow confinements of our sole perceived rights in today's interdependent globalized world.” 

NNC/FGN Kedahge Brig (Retd) S Singnya pledged that “the NNC/FGN will continue to work for the reconciliation of the Naga political groups and will continue to support the FNR and her work to unite the Nagas as long as the path is charted by the wisdom that comes from God almighty.”

Alezo Venuh, Ato Kilonser of the GPRN/NSCN urged Nagas to “revisit the narratives of the 19th and 20th centuries” and warned, “Every time we turn our weapons on our people, or look at each other with suspicion, we are committing criminal injustice to our ancestors, to ourselves and our future generations.” He said that honourable political solution “will follow naturally when we stand united, with our heads held high and our feet firmly on the ground.”

NSCN/GPRN (Niki) President Gen (Retd) Niki Sumi called on Nagas “to recommit and rekindle our nationalism and move forward with self-reliance in every aspect of our society.” Stating that “there is no confusion that our Naga National movement is built on strong historical and political foundations of 1929, 1947, 1951,” Sumi urged building upon those foundations for “the attainment of our political aspirations.” 

GPRN/NNC (Apex Body) President SS Pongkhu Naga said the 79th Naga Independence Day was “a moment of solemn pride and historic remembrance” and a time to shape the future “with courage, conviction, and unity.”

He urged Nagas to “rise above personal ambitions, tribal divisions, and political calculations,” adding, “The destiny of our people must be greater than the egos of individuals. Only through unity, humility, and sacrificial leadership can we move forward.”

NSCN/GPRN (Akato) President Akato Chophi stressed that “any kind of solution that is short of ‘Inclusiveness, National Principles, Traditional Values and without Pragmatic Approach’ will never yield any positive vibe but rather, be mired with political ramifications.” He urged the Government of India to “pick up the pace and up the ante” in the political process, warning that “both Nagas and GoI are on the verge of missing the bus and if it is so, we will have none to blame but ourselves.”

NSCN/GPRN (Khango) President Lt Gen (Retd) Khango Konyak acknowledged “the growing discontentment among the general populace as a consequence of discord and fractionalization of Naga Political parties,” but said the NSCN’s resolve to “safeguard the inherent right of the Nagas and champion its Cause still remains resolute.” 

NNC President Gen (Rtd) Thinoselie M Keyho cautioned citizens to “beware of propagandas and rumours, which are (mostly calculated ones) manufactured by trained and professional outsiders to confuse and divide our people,” adding that “many of our people whom their own people take them as leaders become the carriers of those diseases.”

“Indeed, we have gone through a long period of confusion, but we believe we are overcoming that period of confusion now,” he said, expressing hope that “we will cross and come out clear of that chapter of confusion very soon.”

FGN Kedahge K Vadeo challenged “all my earlier comrades to come out openly without hesitation if they realize that Nagas should stand together as one body if we are to live as a people.”