‘Naga issue is political and not a law and order problem’

NSF celebrates 75th anniversary of Naga Independence Day at Parashen

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 14

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) today commemorated its 75 year along with the observation of 75th anniversary  of Naga Independence Day at Parashen, Rengma Region.

“As we stand in the 75th year of the declaration of Naga Independence, we also pay our homage to all the thousands who had laid down their lives for Naga Independence," said Mhiesizokho Zinyü, former editor, Platform (W) & Nagaland News Review and author of  'Phizo and the Naga Problem.'

 “We also pay our homage to all those who had gone before us with the hope that they would not be betrayed by posterity. The bygone 75 years have been years of struggle, thirst and hunger, tears and bloodshed, rape and suppression, dissension and factionalism and innumerable instances of untoward eventualities. But today, the Nagas as well as the Government of India have realised that fighting cannot bring about any solution,” he said.

He said that in view of our unique history, the Naga issue is political and not a law and order problem.

 “This is our day of rejoicing, our day of celebration, and our day to proclaim our right to freedom,” he said. 

On the NSF attaining 75 years, he said the Federation has been a driving force of change, enabling the student community, the youth and the society at large in thinking ahead of the curve and translating change into opportunity.

“The NSF had stood the test of time as the vanguard of the Naga students and Naga people. As a catalyst of change, the NSF has enabled to keep the torch aflame in spearheading the lead to take Nagas from darkness to light as it was meant to be,” he said.
 
‘Let us all forge a unified Naga front’
NSF president Kegwayhun Tep extended greetings to each and everyone on the occasion of commemorating 75 years celebration of NSF & observation of Naga Independence Day at Parashen.

“As we embark upon this landmark occasion, we must shoulder the sacred legacy and the solemn responsibilities which our visionary leaders have collectively struggled for and have shouldered in the past towards the Naga cause,” he said.

Paying homage to all Nagas who have contributed selflessly towards the Naga cause, Tep said “It is our solidarity of sharing in the grief at the irreparable loss of countless sons & daughters, parents, friends and loved ones whose innocent lives were robbed in the Naga peoples' search for peace and a dignified future. It is also our solidarity to all the Naga patriots and National workers of all ranks and files who are tirelessly working to secure a definite Naga future and to whom we hold in deep reverence.”

He said that the presence of many Naga leaders gathered today from across various regions of the Naga homeland “is itself a symbolic expression of our inherent desire to keep the emerging Naga family together as one Naga at all times to come.”

“This year as Naga Students' Federation commemorates its 75 years Celebration, under the theme 'Call to Oneness,' let us all forge a unified Naga front as CSOs and NPGs in showing the way forward towards a definite Naga future, by acknowledging our own wrongs and enabling others to do the same, by moving away from the bitterness of the past and by overlooking one's pride, ambitions and individual interests,” he added.

The programme also witnessed hoisting of “Naga national flag,” solidarity speeches from Eastern Naga Students ' Federation (ENSF) and All Naga Students ' Association Manipur ( ANSAM).

The programme was chaired by NSN Lotha, co - convenor, Planning Committee NSF 75 years Platinum Jubilee Celebration while vote of thanks was proposed by Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) president Ajo Tsela.