Chedema, March 22 (MExN): The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today celebrated its Golden Jubilee at Peace Camp, Chedema. FGN Kegahge, Gen. (Retd) Viyalie Metha in his message said that the arbitrary division of Naga territory by India and Myanmar and forceful occupation of Nagaland by both the neighbouring countries have caused untold suffering and misery to the Nagas.
“However, patriotic Nagas could defend Nagaland and the right of the Nagas for more than five decades. Their service and sacrifice shall be honoured and treasured. And go down in the annals of the Naga history as long as human existence on this earth, “ said Metha. He also drew the attention of the youth “to the fact that your elders and parents have firmly laid the foundation of Nagaland for your sake. The youth of today are the owners of that heritage. Therefore, consider yourself privileged and make the God given Nagaland into a beautiful land.”
“This responsibility rests with the youth of today. Let us also keep in mind that a good nation is possible only through obedience and fear of the Lord and righteous living,” he said.
He also stated that “those of us who have survived to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Federal Government of Nagaland today are most fortunate.” Many of our leaders, soldiers and the Naga populace have sacrificed for our land, because of their sacrificial lives the Nation is alive. For which we are proud of them. The Nation shall remember their good deeds always and enshrine them in the chronicle of the Naga society.”
“When we look back into the past 50 years of our government, he said, we recollect the many sorrows and destructions the Nagas faced in the hands of the Indian government. Inspite of the hardships, we Nagas stood resolutely against the might of the enemy in war.” “Unable to defeat the Nagas military, India resorted to other methods of war on deception and money power. Unfortunately many innocent and gullible leaders and patriots had fallen victims in this front,” he said.
Stating that it was not his intention to “name names here,” he said “But sufficient to point out that India unable to subdue the Nagas in war is trying to confuse the Nagas and destroy us through other means of warfare. Confusion section of our people to talk of Naga consensus and unity. In these matters, let us remind ourselves of the consensus sealed with 99 per cent in favour of Naga independence in the Plebiscite of 16th May 1951. And the Naga unity is formed under the banner of Naga National Council.”
Stating that it was the will of God that Nagas are made a nation, he said “In order to give proper shape to the Naga Nation, inspired Naga leaders forged the Nagas together under the great leadership of the father of the Nation AZ Phizo. Thus, formed the Federal Government of Nagaland, on 22 March 1956, bringing together all Nagas and their territories.”
“The formation of Nagaland was out of freewill and love of the nation. There was no forced union. And the federation was complete in integrating the Nagas,” he said.
Presentation of awards, cultural dances and songs, blowing of trumpet, unfurling of National flag, jubilee feast also marked the celebration. A souvenir and Naga national workers list were brought out during the occasion. Earlier, the function was led by Shevohu Rhakho, convenor GJOC as leader.
