Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 14
Naga Independence Day was celebrated on August 14 with Naga Political Groups holding events in their respective camps to mark the day, affirming the basis for Naga sovereignty and calling upon Naga people to work together for a shared future.
Ato Kilonser of the NSCN/GPRN Th Muivah, in his speech on August 14, said that the “heart of the matter is that the Nagas are a sovereign people, who have been living in their own land from time immemorial.” Muivah affirmed that the Framework Agreement “is our legacy” and “we must defend what we have achieved with our own sweat and blood.”
He meanwhile stated that the Government of India has “officially acknowledged” that integration of all Naga areas “is the legitimate right of the Nagas and therefore, it shall be finalised accordingly.” The Ato Kilonser further said that flag and constitution are “naturally inseparable from the sovereignty of a people.” “The Indian leaders understand it too. They must take the stand to speak the truth,” he added.
Ato Kilonser of the GPRN/NSCN and Convener, WC, NNPGs, N Kitovi Zhimomi, in his speech, said that the concept of sovereignty and self determination of peoples and nations have evolved tremendously “since today, the idea of political independence and economic interdependence are one coin with two sides, redefined through shared values, vision and strategic goals.” He stated, “as we remember the pioneers of Naga freedom movement, all Naga tribes must open our eyes to reality and the dangerous political hooliganism threatening us.”
He meanwhile also expressed concern at the situation in Manipur and the recently passed Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act and its effects on the Naga people and their land.
Kedahge of the Federal Government of Nagaland, General (Retd) Viyalie Metha called young Nagas to join hands in moulding and shaping the Naga nation. “Time has come for Nagas to speak out in one voice with one purpose. For our task ahead, every single Naga is needed to take part that no one be left behind,” he stressed.
Brig. (Retd) S Singnya, Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland rued that the lackadaisical attitude of the GoI “makes us to wonder whether India is genuinely concerned about resolving the Indo-Naga political issue.” “…We Nagas, as a Nation of trustworthy and honourable people have the moral strength to stand, wait and watch as we firmly believe that what is rightfully ours cannot be crushed by power or might,” he maintained.
Col (Retd) Isak Sumi, Ato Kilonser of the Isak Sumi led NSCN (K) meanwhile stated that the new generation Nagas have “imprisoned ourselves with our own mindset.” “We have not only failed to develop independent mindset but miserably have become completely dependent on the occupational governments to supply even our basic needs,” he stated.
He pointed out that a nation will lose independence when the population develops subservient mindset. He maintained that the only way to reverse this course is by imbuing patriotic spirit, love for the land and respect and preservation of culture, customs and traditions.
President of the NSCN/GPRN (Akato), Akato Chophi also said that the ball is now in the court of the GoI to display its sincerity and make the call. “Nevertheless, any kind of solution that is short of ‘National Principle and Traditional Values’ and without pragmatic approach will fail to produce any positive vibe, but rather will be mired with political ramifications,” he added.
President of the UNPG-NNC (PB), SK Zhimomi meanwhile expressed concern that “our national goal has been protracted for too long.” “Like a dense cloud that blinds our sight, our National dream has been veiled by deceptive forces,” he stated. Zhimoni however hoped “We will, one day harvest the fruit of our toil and many sacrifices. Let us not be arrogant and prideful but remain humble to uphold the Naga torch with dignity and respect,” he stated.
President of the NSCN-K (Khango), Lieut Gen (Retd) Khango Konyak appealed for all to “carry on the glorious legacy with dedication and selflessness, and respond to the call of duty unwavered as the future of the Nagas depends on us.”
He urged contemporary leaders of the Naga Political Groups not to let divisive forces take roots but tread carefully. “We should stand united and work cohesively for an early solution, which is permanent, honourable, and acceptable to the Nagas,” he stated.
