Gen Nikki Sumi (Retd)
President, NSCN/GPRN
Greetings to all Naga people on the occasion of 75th Naga Independence Day.
As we celebrate the auspicious day of Nagas, let us remember and honour all those Naga patriots who selflessly gave their all fighting for the cause of the Nagas and the right for self determination. Since time immemorial Nagas have lived as free people and its land free. History speaks for itself and can never be distorted or twisted.
With sacrifices of blood and sweat since the inception of Naga political movement, we have come thus far with grit and ever resilience to claim what rightfully belong to us and us alone and the quest for our birthright shall not be deterred at any cost but Nagas shall remain steadfast until the time our right and liberty is attained.
The present Naga generation shall not forget what our fathers and forefathers did for us and we shall not let price paid by them go in vain.
Differences between us, Naga brothers, will not take us to progress in building of a nation but lead to defragmentation of Naga brotherhood and no sensible individual should allow unseen forces to destroy the fabric of our society that our forefathers had toiled to weave for generations to come.
Every Naga must take up the baton left behind by our forefathers and strife together for our unique identity, our culture, our beliefs and for the day when we all will be free from all bondages once and for all. As Nagas, not by choice but by birth it is the responsibility of every Naga to uphold the right and identity of ours.
Nagas have suffered enough fighting, killings and bloodshed for over three quarters of a century. Now, as committed by the Indian government, we are at the threshold of inking out a lasting agreement between the Nagas and the Government of India. At this juncture, all sections of the Naga society must come out even more resolute, ever stronger and united in voicing out to put an end to this prolonged and protracted political issue, and for timely arrival to final solution.
As desired by the people, the NSCN/GPRN have come to peace process with the Government of India, towards chalking out a solution that would ensure long lasting peace and tranquility in the land and as such, the NSCN/GPRN is firmly committed to the effort. It is expected that the Government of India, in the same spirit to find a solution, will also be sincere enough and use its democratic wisdom to let Nagas live as free people.
As people's government striving for the cause of Naga people, the NSCN/GPRN shall uphold the wishes of the Nagas and would endeavour for the rights and wishes of the Nagas.
God bless the Naga people. Kuknalim!
