Speech on NNC formation day
Adinno Phizo
President, Naga National Council
We are grateful to Almighty God for guiding the Naga people to save the nation.
Today is Naga National Council Formation Day, which was launched on February 2, 1946, that was seventy four years ago.
At that time, the Naga people need to have a name to represent them and that is how the name Naga National Council came about. During that time we have a country of many regions (tribes) but each have different system and culture as it is today.
But there is no issue of “tribalism” among the people; this concept of tribalism came about only after some job seekers among educated people arise.
NNC is not a political party or a government, but an institution of the Naga people. So all Nagas are NNC members.
The present struggle has been going on for seventy three years. In 1947, when the Great Britain relinquished her power in our region, India immediately forgot her past and went on to take over the small country Nagaland. They brought in wars but the Nagas defended their country. Consequently India signed ceasefire Agreement with the Federal Government of Nagaland in 1964, but later India abrogated the ceasefire in 1972.
They also tried to drive out the people and burnt down their villages, but the Nagas came back and built their villages, helping one another in community spirit. During those periods, Nagas suffered immensely and died in the hands of Indian armed forces who tried to crush the Nagas.
Even today the Indian Government has been extending the Armed Forces Special Power Act every six months since its promulgation in 1958 and orders her armed forces to occupy Nagaland till today.
The history of Nagaland is clear that Nagas are not demanding anything from India. It is not a political problem. Nagas love their country and they want peace. Reason must prevail.
Our forefathers and the past generations have handed down this beautiful land to the present generation. Therefore, we should not fail them, being mindful of that love for Nagaland and the people.
May God bless Nagaland. Urra Uvie!
