Tsungtaluba Lawrence
August 9
MOKOKCHUNG, AUG 9 (MExN): Naga Hoho President, Horangtse Sangtam, today applauded the hard work put in by Naga leaders’ pointing out that the Naga political issue had received due recognition at the level of the United Nations. This he said had internationalized the Naga political movement and their rights was now recognized by European and South East Asian countries. Horangtse was speaking as the Chief Guest at the International Day of World’s Indigenous People observed at New Town Hall, Mokokchung. The program was held under the initiative of the Rotary Club of Mokokchung in collaboration with the Ao Senden, Watsu Mondang, Ao Kaketshir Mongdang and Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce.
The Naga Hoho President said Nagas were indigenous but had been suppressed by larger powers like the British and the Indians. “Therefore, it is our God-given right to seek for self-determination, to live under one administrative umbrella and the UNO acknowledges it”, Horangtse said while lamenting that it was due to the whims of bigger powers that Nagas were forcefully divided and scattered. “Our neighbors are not our enemies and we will not take an inch of land which is not ours but we are demanding what is ours”, he said with reference to the integration issue. Horangtse also pointed out that despite eight years of political dialogue, New Delhi was buying time on the issue despite talking about sincerity. “Indigenous people are those who are suppressed by a bigger power, depriving them of many facilities along with political rights”, Horangtse said while urging Nagas to stand firm, distinctively and maintain their identity.
Dr. Lanunungsang, Nagaland University, presented a paper ‘Indigenous people rights to determination’ while Toshila, Lecturer NU spoke on the topic ‘World Indigenous Women- A perspective on Naga Women’.
