SK Zhimomi
Vice-President, UNPG-NNC (Parent Body)
I stand here today with great humility and a heart filled with thanksgiving. Despite the challenging times in the journey of our struggle, God has never forsaken us. He continues to be our strength and hope. We have come this far not because of our might but because of God’s grace and the countless sacrifice of our brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate price so that we can all live to see a better tomorrow. As we celebrate our 75th Naga Independence Day, I pay homage and salute them and also acknowledge each and everyone of you for remaining firm and unwavering to the aspirations and the vision for which they laid their precious lives.
For too long, our Nagas have been divided by factionalism and tribalism. Despite of all the odds against us, we have continued to remain firm for Naga unity and one solution. In the year 2016, Naga National Council (Parent Body) embraced the idea of one Naga National Political Group (NNPG) as mooted by Naga Tribe Council in 2016 and after much consultations with Naga scholars, tribal leaders, senior officials and prominent citizens of Nagaland, NNPGs took the responsibility to sit across the table with the representatives of government of India. Our negotiations are grounded by the “Agreed Position” of NNPGs and GOI. Throughout our negotiations, we have had numerous consultations with Naga civil societies and Naga scholars and we have incorporated their valuable visions and ideas. Parallel to us, NSCN (IM) have also initiated the talks with the GOI grounded by the “Framework Agreement” on 31st of October 2019. Both NNPGs and NSCN (IM) have completed the talks with the GOI. We are now awaiting the Prime Minister of India to officially sign and declare the Naga Solution.
There will be only one solution. The GOI cannot offer two solutions. The Naga solution will be based on both the “Agreed position” and the “Framework Agreement”. It can never be at the expense of one. Naga solution is the outcome of all the Nagas coming together envisioning a common future. NNPG’s and NSCN (IM) are mere representatives of the Naga people at the negotiation table with the GOI. It will be selfish and condescending if any individual(s) or faction(s) claims sole ownership for arriving at Naga political solution.
Our negotiations with GOI are over. The talks with the GOI are completed. As we wait for the inking of Naga solution, the felicitating parties like the GB Union, Naga Tribal Council, Naga Mothers’ Association, Naga Hoho and State Legislators have a very important role to pressure the GOI for an early inking of the Naga solution. Over the last 2 years, despite of many genuine felicitators, some have been selfish with ulterior motives thereby delaying the solution. However, every events of importance will be recorded in the annals of Naga history. Nagas will not forgive the betrayers and justice shall be served.
Today, we carry the torch that our predecessors have passed on to us. Let us not be arrogant and prideful but rather remain humble and be good torchbearers and trailblazers with dignity and respect. It is therefore, our solemn duty to remain focused to the greater good of all that awaits us. Our race is not an individual race. It is not race of NPGs, NNPGs or NSCN (IM). It is a race for the Nagas, the destination that we aspired for from the very beginning. “We desire to self determine our own future”. As, we trudge tirelessly, inching towards our fixed goal, our eyes must be sharp and our minds alert against any hurdles and obstacles. Let us remain vigilant against those individuals and groups who continue to derail and misdirect our Naga struggle. As written in the scripture, let ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and ‘no’ be ‘no’. We cannot say “Yes” today only to say “no” tomorrow.
The GOI and the world over agree that our Naga History is unique. Let us maintain our uniqueness with humility and dignity. Not with pride and arrogance. Let us envision a future of unity and brotherhood. On this 75th Naga Independence Day, I urge every rank and file to uphold the ideals and visions of our predecessors and the aspirations of our Naga people. May the Almighty God continue to guide us with his divine wisdom and strengthen us to complete the journey before us with courage, strength and honour. May God continue to be an anchor to our hopes and aspirations. Kuknalim!
