DIMAPUR, AUGUST 30 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum’s (GNF) commemoration of the 75th year of the Declaration of Naga Independence on August 14 was marked by messages of solidarity from several indigenous peoples’ national networks, regional alliances, and global organizations.
A press release from Prof Paul Pimomo, Secretary, GNF said that the “Naga people feel greatly honored by their presence, and GNF gratefully acknowledges their powerful messages of support for the Naga cause of self-determination.”
The press release quoted Ralph J Bunche, General Secretary of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), as stating that as per the International Court of Justice, “the right to self-determination is not only a right of people but an obligation of States. And not only the obligation of the (particular) State exercising control over people, but (obligation) of all States that make up the international community.”
Carson Kibura from GIYC & Jamil Asilia Centre meanwhile said that “an occupying aggressor cannot decide who the Naga are,” and that “manufactured consent” for the aggrieved by the aggressor should be “subjected to the scrutiny of the International Court of Justice.”
Helena Nyberg, Human Rights Expert, UN Liaison, International Committee for Indigenous Peoples of the America (Incomindios) said that the Naga " history of resistance and resilience stands in line with the many histories of indigenous peoples defending their rights with their own lives.”
Tapan Bose, a longtime supporter of the Naga cause, was also present at the commemoration. He stated that “contrary to propaganda that the Naga started the hostilities leading to the killings, it was India who launched the war against Naga people.”
Dr. Visier Sanyü, President of the Overseas Nagas meanwhile stressed that “India and Burma are not Naga’s enemies but are neighbors and we want to be good friends with our neighbors.” “And it is about time we realise armed resistance has an expiry date,” he said while pointing to “strategic change in the Naga mindset as the need of the hour.” The key, he stated, “lies in knowing the territory that we have to venture at and finding better ways for it.”
Rev Dr Wati Aier also shared a message encouraging the Nagas to “simultaneously reconcile the euphoria of commemoration such as this with our undeniable yearning for the future filled with substance.” “Without any apology on this occasion, the Naga public must take it upon itself to practice the call of Naga independence deliberately and genuinely. It must be practiced in a concrete historical context. This political model of Nagas without borders requires creativity and imagination that has no global precedence,” he added.
Vijayan, Coordinator of Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD), added: “We value the freedom of every Naga. We value your dignity. We value your unity and your uniqueness. In your freedom lies all these values.”
Elu Ndang, General Secretary of the Naga Hoho appealed to all Naga people to shed their differences and affiliations and come together for Just-Peace.
The commemoration address was made by Prof James Haorah, Department of Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA, who expressed anguish that Naga family division is the greatest blockade to Naga political vision and settlement. He urged all Nagas to re-channel this high-powered, high-impact energy that cause division and disintegration of Naga family towards Naga unity instead.
The theme of self-healing within the various Naga groups as a way to Naga unity was echoed by Pastor Neli. He recommended self-reflection and humility, invoking scripture to support his plea.
Isaac Jojo, Secretary General of NPO, paid homage to all the Naga freedom fighters who have laid down their lives for the cause, and thanked the tens of thousands of people who have suffered and made sacrifices for the common good of the Nagas.
Solidarity messages were also read and/or delivered by Frans Welman, Secretary of Naga International Support Centre (NISC); Achan Chupinit Kesmanee, Chair of Asia Indigenous People’s Pact, Chiangmai, Thailand; Anthony Debbarma, Secretary General, Borok People’s Human Rights Organisation (BPHRO) Tripura; Abieu Meru, President of Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA); Asha Wungnam, Naga Women Union; Beverly L Longid, Global Coordinator, International Movement for Self Determination (IMPSDL); Binota Moi Dhamal, Expert Member, United Nations Expert Mechanism on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP); Brandon Makaawaawa, Deputy Head of State, Nation of Hawaii; and Pankaj Teron, Karbi Human Rights Watch.
