A minute’s silence was observed during the NSF’s 75th Foundation Day on October 29 in remembrance of those pioneers and leaders who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Nagas and NSF. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 29
Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on Friday honoured and saluted the pioneers and seniors on the occasion of its 75th Foundation Day here at Hotel Japfu.
Talking on the genesis and journey of NSF, K Temjen Jamir, who held the president’s post from 1991-93 said, “Today we understood that the NSF was founded on the democratic principles of Naga unity and their political and cultural right.
That is the legacy and responsibility passed on to us and we are equally responsible to pass on to next generation so that the spirit of Naga unity is not diminished and Naga aspiration to live as a nation with dignity is not forgotten.”
In the course of the last 75 years, he said, that the Naga people have fearlessly confronted the power that threatened their existence as one people. “We have overcome so many destructive elements and adversaries that keep on attempting to weaken the strength of the NSF,” he added.
‘NSF story is Naga story’
“NSF story is Naga story where we see many of our past NSF leaders committed their lives for the cause Naga people.
Many of our past NSF leaders were tortured at the hands of Indian armed forces just because they wanted to protect their own people from violation of human rights , some were jailed in neighbouring state just because they were trying to protect their ancestral land and her natural resources, some young Naga students gave their precious lives in defending the rights of Naga people, some were beaten black and blue by Indian armed forces while on NSF duty to check ILP and some undergone fast unto death for the sake securing employment for Naga students,” Jamir said.
He said that the need for electoral reformation, imparting quality education and justice for Naga students in matter of technical studies and employment are the constant voices of the NSF.
“Let there be continuous strong NSF leadership for Naga solution to fulfill the dream of founding members of the NSF. As we commemorate the 75th NSF Foundation day, let us remember the sacrifices made by the founders and past leaders of the NSF with our highest tribute. Let us also rededicate ourselves to the cause that the NSF is founded,” he added.
‘Reaffirm commitment for permanent solution to Naga issue’
In the commemoration address, Achumbemo Kikon, former president NSF (2003-05) highlighted the history of the Nagas and the various agreements, memorandums, Independence declaration, the signing of Naga Plebiscite, boycotts of election, imposition of Arm Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), statehood etc.
Kikon said that after the Naga National Council (NNC) declared the Naga Independence on August 14, 1947, the Naga Students Federation was formed on October 29, 1947.
“We (NSF) have proven ourselves and I hope we have not deviated from that even for a single moment from our nationalism from the foundation that had been laid by our elders for this organization,” he said.
He said that NSF took active part in the non-cooperation movement launched by NNC in the subsequent years with unrelenting spirit of patriotism by being the intellectual support system of the Naga national movement.
Kikon urged the NSF and the Nagas to reaffirm its commitment to the cause- a permanent solution to Naga issue.
‘Unite Nagas for unified lim and glory of Nagas’
Incumbent NSF president Kegwayhun Tep said that NSF have come a long way, adding that the Federation have achieved lots of things, yet, it has to do more.
Today, he said, the seniors, federating units and subordinate bodies of the NSF, with all of us, together, we have to able to unite Nagas for ‘unified lim’ and glory of Nagas.
“Let us continue to carry forward the legacy where our founding fathers and seniors have laid down,” he said and assured that the NSF would continue to uphold the legacy and principles laid down by the founding fathers.
Tep led the gathering in observing a minute silence in remembrance of those pioneers and leaders who has sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Nagas and NSF.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NSF vice president Atokiho Sumi while vote of thanks was proposed by NSF general secretary Süpuni Ng Philo.
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