S Kiviho Zhimomi
President, UNGP/NNC-PB
My Dear countrymen
On this auspicious occasion of 78th Naga Independent’s Day, I salute every leader of every rank for their unwavering commitment to the prize that our predecessors have fought and sacrificed their lives for. Our predecessors were far-sighted. They aspired for a day when Nagas will self-govern as a sovereign Naga nation. Today, we continue and will continue to uphold this vision of our leaders. Today, we salute all our leaders who have sacrificed their lives so that we will have a better tomorrow. Despite the spiteful elements and personalities that veil us from achieving our goal, let us not be shaken nor scramble. Our predecessors did not give in to such elements but stood still. We are here today because they did not relent to it.
After decades of countless sacrifices, tears and toil, on 31st October 2019, both NNPGs and NSCN (IM) have completed the talk with GOI. It was a treacherous journey. Despite the malicious elements trying to derail the prize ahead of us, we have weathered the odds and joined hands with our brothers and sisters who are aspiring for the same vision. The Naga National Council, UNPG (Parent Body) embraced the idea of one Naga National Political Group (NNPG) as mooted by Naga Tribal Council and G. B Federation in 13th December 2016. After much consultation with political leaders, tribal leaders, senior officials and prominent citizens of Nagaland, NNPGs took the responsibilities to sit across the table with the representatives of Government of India. Our negotiations are grounded on the ‘Agreed Position’ of NNPGs and GOI. Throughout our negotiations, we have had numerous consultations with Naga civil societies and political parties and we have incorporated their valuable visions and ideas.
Five long years have passed since we have completed the negotiation on ‘Agreed position’ with the GOI. It is time to ask why prime minister of India is not officially signing it and declare the Naga solution. How much longer can we wait? Is the prime minister not signing because of some selfish, anti-sovereignty elements? It is time the people of Nagaland raise their voices and fulfil the vision of the Nagas. It is time to remove the veil that separates us from seeing the goal that we have fought for.
Remember that we are mere representatives of the Naga people at the negotiating table with GOI. But it is aspiration and dreams of the Naga people. We the Nagas are carrying the torch that our predecessors have passed on to us. We have come this far, not because of our might, but because of God’s grace and the countless sacrifices of our own brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate price so that we can all live to see tomorrow. Let us never forget the price that they have paid. I salute them and I also salute each and every one of you for remaining firm and unwavering to the aspirations and vision for which they laid their precious lives.
Let us continue to remain humble to uphold the Naga torch with dignity and respect. Let us not waver but remain fixed to the prize that awaits us. Our race is not an individual race. It is not a race of NPGs, NNPGs or NSCN (IM). It is a race for the Nagas, a prize that we aspired from the very beginning. As we fight tirelessly, inching towards the goal, our eyes must be sharp and our minds alert against any hurdles and obstacles. It is time the Nagas rise up and bring the prize that awaits us. I urge every rank and member to uphold the common ideals and vision of our predecessors and the aspiration of our Naga people. May the Almighty God continue to guide us with His divine wisdom and strengthen us to complete the race before us with dignity and honour. May God continue to anchor our hopes and aspirations.
