Kiumukam Yimchunger
President, NNC/GDRN (Non-Accord)
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Naga Independence Day I greet you all rank and file of the NNC/GDRN (N-A).
On this historic day, the 14th August 1947 our pioneering leaders proclaim the historical and political rights and took a giant step to declare our freedom and independence to the world. Today we are grateful to our Almighty God for the guidance, protection and sustenance throughout our struggle. Our forefathers lived with pride and in full freedom knowing that they are the master and owner of the land, nothing above them accept Jehovah our creator, the Almighty GOD.
Our forefathers’ only desire was to be free from any foreign dominion. We were free as any sovereign nation, self governed, free outside interference, but unfortunately after the British left, our woes began. We were left as a fragmented nation divided between two sovereign countries, India and Myanmar (erstwhile Burma).
The concept of Naga Nationalism and political activities started with the formation of the Naga Club in 1918 by the returnees (labour corps) of the World War 1. This subsequently led to the submission of memorandum to the British Statutory Commission in 1929. The silence of the British and its subsequent act greatly determined the future of the Nagas which ultimately led to the formation of the Naga National Council in 1946. The NNC declared Naga Independence on August 14, 1947 a day before India’s Independence and was made known to the united Nations, and was further cemented by the plebiscite of May 16, 1951 were in 99.9% voted for free Naga Nation. In due course of time we have seen numerous agreements signed, many rounds of meetings/talks held at different levels which proved futile. Realizing its failure, India resorted o the policy of “Might is Right” by employing brute military force to subjugate the Nagas. The infamous AFSPA, DAA in Naga Inhabited areas, unlawful raids, detention, killing of civilians, rapes, burning of granaries etc. The first ceasefire agreement signed on September 6, 1964 paved the way for peaceful and conducive atmosphere for talks.
The conglomeration of 7 NNPGs Working Committee came into being as a result of quest for peace and lasting solution to the decades old Naga Issue and to carry forward the legacy of our pioneers and as a representative and voice of the Naga people. November 17, 2017 will go down in the Naga History as the red letter day: On this day the “Agreed Position/Preamble” was signed between the NNPGs Working Committee and GOI. It entrenched the political and historical rights of the Nagas to self-determine our future in consonance with our distinct identity and the Nagas and India agreed to work out the details of our future relationships based on inclusive, enduring peaceful co-existence with due regards to contemporary political reality.
Last but not the least, I acknowledge and thank the sacrifice by the various civil societies, Naga populace and salute the martyrs and revolutionary patriots who laid down their lives in the course of building the Naga nationhood and appreciate all the present national workers for standing firm and committed to our national cause.
Once again I thank the Naga Populace across the globe for the unconditional support and love bestow upon us thus far. I beseech all our people for your continued prayer so that a permanent and lasting peace may dawn in our Naga homeland. God bless Nagaland.
KUKNALIM
Speech on the occasion of 75th Naga Independence Day (August 14, 2021)
