General (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak
President, GPRN/NSCN
Dear Comrades and Countrymen,
On this auspicious Naga Republic Day,I give glory and honor to our Almighty God for bestowing us the opportune time to once again celebrate the historic day. We remember His rich blessings in our people’s historical and political heritage and journey. I convey my highest Revolutionary salute to you all.
Today is the day to recall how, in the most turbulent time, our past leaders and elders chose to empower Naga Homeland and establish a Democratic Republic based on the ideal of “Nagaland for Christ”, in the midst of big, powerful and advance nations. It is the day Naga people choose to exercise freedom of choice in choosing the system of governance that best reflect our political, social and cultural identity.
On behalf of all comrades, I salute the brave departed Naga sons and daughters, our inspirational heroes, for their sacrifices and the belief in establishing the foundation of Naga Nationhood. They live forever in the hearts of generations.
Brothers and sisters, the spirit of patriotism and nationalism stems from who we are and what we aspire to be. Each year on 21st March we endeavour to remind ourselves of the giant steps taken by those brave and committed patriots preceding us. Our search for better tomorrow and a honourable future placed us at a negotiating table with the GOI. With the prayer, support and solidarity of our people, the WC,NNPGs and the GOI have agreed in principle that Nagas have right to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct history and identity. Having accepted this truth, Nagas too have realised that contemporary political realities must be taken into account because both entities are looking at enduring peaceful co-existence as the basis of future relationship. This is the nutshell of historic step taken on 17th November 2017 by GOI and WC, NNPGs. The core values of Naga political aspiration is met. In the course of our quest and struggle to safeguard our distinct history and identity, Nagas have wavered leading to myriad of political perceptions resulting in disunity, especially amongst the national workers. This has become an ailment nibbling at the very fibre of possible Indo-Naga solution.
Today, having accepted by all negotiating entities that talks had concluded as on 31st October 2019, there should not be any excuse by any entity to delay the solution. Goal posts have been changed umpteenth times. Apex Naga tribal bodies and general populace at the grassroot have been misled for 24 years. The lies are exasperating. The much awaited Indo-Naga political agreement must be inked without delay!
It is through the divine benevolence of the Almighty God that most of the Naga political groups have come together and chosen to carry the yoke of Naga people’s aspiration in unity.It is time to prepare ourselves and embrace a political settlement where all Nagas can participate and redefine our destiny afresh as a people. We must prepare our generations to face greater challenges in the future. We believe we are on a path to unveiling a future where our identity, history and political right- the very ideals our forefathers defended with their lives, will be reaffirmed, entrenched and institutionalised. The political negotiations between GOI and WC, NNPGs carries the essence and spirit of May 16, 1951 Naga plebiscite. We have great faith in our future.
Lastly, GPRN/NSCN acknowledges the consistent unwavering leadership of NSCN (Reformation), FGN/NNC (Shingya/Zopra), NNC (Parent Body), NNC/GDRN, GPRN/NSCN (Khango/Isak), NNC/NPGN. Also the apex tribal bodies led by NTC, NGBF, the inter-denominational Churches, ENPO, CNTC, Minority Communities of Nagaland, Mothers Associations, Student Bodies, Naga friends and supporters across the world. We are a blessed people. Happy Naga Republic Day!
God bless Naga land! Kuknalim!
