The Naga Hoho and its constituent Apex Tribal bodies, Eastern Naga Peoples Organization (ENPO), Churches, All Nagaland G.Bs and Dubashis Joint Forum, Naga Mother’s Association (NMA), Naga Students Federation (NSF), Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF), Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), Dignitaries, Naga Public Leaders, Bureaucrats,
Intellectuals, countrymen and comrades
At the outset, I thank our Almighty Lord for sustaining the ‘All Naga Unification’ (ANU) course thus far. On the occasion of the first anniversary of ANU and with Christmas seasons in the offing, I convey my best wishes and warmest greetings to you all.
I take this opportunity to salute the Nagas through whose indomitable spirit in upholding the time tested conviction to unite, so that an era of peaceful dialogue process to the Indo-Naga-Burma political imbroglio could transpire. On this auspicious occasion, I also thank the Naga Civil Societies, NGOs, Churches, Public leaders, intellectuals and general Naga public for having reposed their faith upon the NSCN/GPRN; their tireless support, help and ceaseless prayers which have enabled us to attain unity and towards subsequent exploration for a final solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political imbroglio.
The Naga people have traversed across various unfortunate hurdles in the course of its national struggle, hitherto. But by the Grace of God, a milestone achievement took place in the history of the Naga national movement with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NSCN and the NNC/FGN, in April 1997. Following this event killing in between halted. Today, bloodshed has become a ‘once upon a time’ subject between us (NSCN and NNC/FGN). Though our nomenclatures differ, we remain committed to peace, and respect our brother-hood.
Today, tremendous changes have taken place in the Naga political context. The endured desire of the Nagas to concertedly expedite a final solution to the protracted Indo-Naga-Burma political imbroglio persisted. It was on this day the 22nd November 2007 that unification of all the Naga people materialized, marking a significant land-mark in the political history of the Nagas. It is the realization of the Naga people, irrespective of tribal affiliations or across artificially imposed boundaries, with a common aspiration to defend our inalienable rights as a people-nation in unity.
In the course of our national movement, unfortunately, many people may have experienced harsh and painful moments at different stages while the national workers were executing their revolutionary duties. On this momentous occasion of the 1st anniversary of Naga unification inception, I appeal upon all and sundry to forgive and forget all past happenings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The past cannot be rectified but our future can be moulded if we cultivate a collective vision in its correct perspective. Hence, I call upon all responsible Nagas to come forward and dispense each and every person’s respective duties and contribute constructively so that our goals are achieved. We have to openly identify and isolate destructive and obstructive elements and their views which are up against Naga people’s reconciliation and unification. We have to pronounce a spade as a spade without any reservations. The Nagas can not be shackled to the yoke of uncompromising philosophies or principles; used as guinea-pigs according to their (reactionary) whims or egotism. The Nagas are today determined to emancipate ourselves from the vortex of fratricides, threats and intimidations by uniting and pursuing our aspiration against all odds.
The present outcry of Naga people (Civil Societies, NGOs, Churches, Public leaders, intellectuals, etc.) in one voice to reconcile and unite amongst brethrens has been clearly demonstrated through tireless mediations for peace and reconciliation meets as well as friendly football matches organized with hopes for peace to dawn. But to the dismay of one and all, with every peace and unity initiative organized by the Nagas, the Quakers from Great Britain and Canada, the American Baptist Churches or well-wishers, Mr.Th. Muivah and his stooges have been callously reciprocating good-will gestures with aggressive and provocative killings, for reasons best known to the former and Heaven above.
Accepting the fact, Muivah’s talks with the GoI for more than a decade has yielded no results except drained and suffocated the economy of the Nagas. His failure can be attributed to orchestrated mandate and consensus of the Nagas, misrepresenting the true spirit, desire and wish of the people in concern.
There prevail elements that are out to exploit the situation of Naga unification process for their selfish ends, for which we are to remain precautious and aware. The antagonist forces have been all out trying to fracture the Naga unification but in vain. The Naga peoples’ unity and freedom can not be obstinately bartered away with individual ideology or principles. The peoples’ wishes and desire can not be crucified on the altar of inhumanity. The commitment of one’s patriotism should transcend across sectarian or individual interests and focused on promoting the desire, wishes and aspiration of the general Naga people. Today we are anchored at the cross-road where acknowledgement of the ground reality has become indispensable. As the Holy Scriptures also brings to light that similar to a paddy field, where paddy is grown, tares crops up. Accordingly, in every human society there exist few opposing views against the mass majority of people. But, we should not be discouraged by negative espousers. In every sincere endeavour aimed for the welfare, peaceful co-existence and lasting solution, despite obstacles, the truth will ultimately reign. We are obligated to take up the cudgels of pragmatic and constructive approaches collectively, so that the ugly past does not recur and our aspiration salvaged.
We are to resolve to unify ourselves and rescue our cause from degenerating into the dark depths of the basset of human nature. Last but not the least, I call upon all the Nagas to rededicate ourselves to the task ahead so that we can build and bequeath the legacy of an assured future for our upcoming generations.
KUKNALIM
S.S. Khaplang, President
GPRN/NSCN
