Respected Bampl, Hon’ble Kedahge of the Federal Government of Nagaland and his Kilonsers, the officials of the Naga National Council and Naga Women Federation, my dear rank and file of the Naga Army, Church leaders, NGO leaders, ladies and gentlemen.
I, on behalf of the Naga Army, Federal Government of Nagaland convey my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who are here today to grace the 50th year, the Golden Jubilee of the Naga Army Raising Day. And I also give thanks to the Almighty God for His constant guidance and protection showing that He is really our refuge for the past 50 years witnessing His miraculous deeds to the People of Nagaland.
I also give my salute to all the Naga Army heroes who have sacrificed their lives in protecting our people and Nagaland, fighting courageously with the mighty Indian Armed Forces. All these patriots who toiled and suffered for Nagaland sacrificing their whole lives are honored and they will be continued to remember by our people as our National Heroes.
After the declaration of Nagaland Independence on 14th August, 1947, the Naga Safe Guard was formed in the year 1954 and later the Naga Home Guard was set up on 22nd March, 1956, briefly speaking, both Naga Safe Guard and Home Guard had rendered good deeds and action in all the parts of Nagaland. Subsequently the Naga Army was raised on 3rd January, 1964 and thus we have been observing till today. Though a small Nation, the Naga Army fought well against occupational Armed Forces of India. And thereby the war became worsen year by year and day by day which resulted in much killing, threat and torture on the Naga people in the hands of Indian Army. In order to defend ourselves from the mighty Indian Armed Forces, Alee Commands (Foreign Missions) were sent to Pakistan and China under different Commands to procure Arms and Ammunitions from neighboring countries to repel the forces of the aggressor from Naga soli.
Seeing the necessity to bring Peace in Nagaland, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in its convention at Wokha from 31st January to 2nd February, 1964 unanimously resolved to set up a Peace Mission, widely known as Nagaland Peace Mission. The Peace Mission members were Jaya Prakash Narayan, Rev. Michael Scott and Bimala Prasad Chaliha and the leaders of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. For their tireless work, the war was brought into relaxation during their mission and at last an International Ceasefire Agreement was signed between the Federal Government of Nagaland and Government of India in the year 1964, and was officially effected from 6th September, 1964.
Celebrating a Golden Jubilee is a momentous event in the life of any institution. This celebration should not be only to enjoy but to remember all the past achievements and prepare ourselves towards where the Nation requires of us. Through this fifty years maturity of the Naga Army Raising Day, I hope the Naga Army, Federal Government of Nagaland will draw closer to God who is merciful to us in all the difficult situations and till today. Lastly I appeal to all the Naga Army personnel to remember that we are the soldiers of God to give undivided allegiance and loyalty to Christ to extend His Kingdom.
Long live Naga Army!
Kuknalim
