Achumbemo Kikon and others during 79th foundation day celebration in Kohima on October 29. (Morung Photo)
• NSF created to safeguard Naga people
• Naga political issue is not law and order
• Unity is strength, goal yet to be achieved
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 29
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) observed its 79th Foundation Day at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima on October 29. Speaking on the occasion as the special guest, MLA Achumbemo Kikon said the Naga people were active participants in a pivotal moment of world history in 1947 and were not left behind as the global order evolved.
Kikon, a former president of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), stated that the foundation laid by pioneers allows the present generation to proudly stand today. Highlighting major global events of 1947, he addressed the youth, saying, “We were also not left behind dear young friends.”
He recounted that on August 14, 1947, Naga elders asserted their right to self-determination. “Our elders, after meeting Mahatma Gandhi, expressed its desire and assert our right that we wish to live as an independent group of people, independent nation,” Kikon said. “After that taking assurance from the father of the Indian nation, our elders came back, declared Naga Independence on August 14, 1947,” he added.
The MLA stated that the NSF was formed on October 29, 1947, “to protect our rights, to promote our values, and to safeguard our people in our land.” He said “our elders have undergone lots of miserable circumstances and situations. And today, because of which you can live in peace, you can use your mobile in peace of mind with peace of mind.”
Kikon reflected that even after Nagaland attained statehood in 1963, the Government of India was “conscious that this was not the final solution to the Naga political issue.”He pointed out that Nagaland state was placed under the External Affairs, signalling that “That was a part of the 16 point agreement, which means to say that Naga political issue is not a law and order issue.”
Kikon also addressed recent proposals, stating, “Government of India started proposing that they will fence the Naga areas.” He said, “We cannot allow such things. We are neither animals nor criminals. Only criminals are put behind bar within the demarcated fence.”
“Nagas are being treated like that, and therefore, we have to rise to occasion. It is not only left to the political organisations, to the platform, to the NSF alone, but each and every individual,” he urged.
Encouraging the students to do song, poem, essay writing, etc, Kikon said,” There are many ways the Naga youngsters can do to protect our people, to assert our rights.”
“Today, I would like to challenge all of us that as we go on with our journey, our goal is yet to be achieved, our people are divided and our unity will be our strength. Our coming together will be our strength,” he said.
A united Naga homeland
NSF President Mteisuding Heraang said “As we celebrate seventy-nine years of the Federation's legacy, our hearts are filled with profound respect and gratitude for the visionary pioneers who laid the foundation of the NSF in 1947.”
He said that they were not merely students of their time, they were dreamers, torchbearers and nation-builders who believed in a future where the Naga people would walk tall with dignity, identity and freedom.
Their courage to organize, to question and to hope amidst oppression and uncertainty continues to inspire generations of Nagas, he said adding “We bow our heads in deep homage to those founding fathers and mothers of the Federation, whose ideals of truth, unity and justice remain the cornerstone of our collective struggle.”
He paid highest respect to all NSF seniors and past leaders, whose wisdom, guidance, and unwavering commitment have carried this movement across decades of change.
Heraang said that the Federation has stood at the forefront of every major historical and social turning point in our nation's story, raising its voice against injustice, championing the cause of education and advocating for the rights and dignity of every Naga, irrespective of tribe or region.
“Yet, our task remains unfinished. The call of this generation is not different from that of our forebears, it is a call for unity among the Nagas, for reconciliation among our people, and for courage to rise above tribal lines, political differences, and geographical divisions,” he said.
He said that the dream of a united Naga homeland will only find fulfillment when we, the younger generation, dare to look beyond the boundaries that separate us and embrace the truth that we are one people with one destiny.
He challenged the people to renew “our commitment to uphold the vision and principles of the Federation, to be a voice for justice, a guardian of our identity and a bridge between generations.” Let us continue to be a movement rooted in values, guided by wisdom and driven by hope, he said.
“Together, let us move forward with faith in our people, pride in our heritage, and conviction in our shared future,” he called.
Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) Secretary General, Dr Neingulo Krome shared greetings while NSF former president Vipopal Kintso shared brief account of NSF.
‘Pledge of Solidarity’
NSF Speaker, Mariko O Leriina administered “Pledge of Solidarity” to the senior NSF leaders, who reaffirmed shared bond and solidarity with the Federation.
“Guided by the enduring spirit of the NSF Preamble, we pledge to uphold the values that have shaped our collective journey to cherish and celebrate our rich cultures, customs and heritage, to nurture moral and social harmony and to uphold the ideals of unity, fraternity and cooperation among all Nagas,” the pledge stated.
It pledged to stand together in shared pride and purpose to stand in solidarity with the Federation in carrying forward its noble legacy.
“May this day remind us of the roots that bind us, and may the spirit of solidarity continue to inspire us to work for the progress, dignity and unity of the Naga people, wherever we may be and in all that we do,” the pledge stated.
The programme was chaired by NSF Vice President, VimeyiekhoVitso while NSF general secretary Kenilo Kent proposed vote of thanks.
