Speech of His Excellency Gen. (Retd) M. B. Neokpao Konyak, President GPRN/NSCN on the occasion of 10th Naga Unification Anniversary
Gen. (Retd). M. B. Neokpao Konyak
President, GPRN/NSCN
I give glory and honour to our God Almighty for his great love and mercy upon the Naga people. It is a great honour for me to address our people on the occasion of 10th Naga Unification Anniversary, a day which will go down in Naga history as the first decisive and genuine step towards Naga reconciliation and unity.
On 22nd Nov. 2007, hundreds of Naga patriots from military and civil wings from the NSCN (K) and NSCN (IM), after huge preparation and groundwork by the church, GBs, Mothers and all peace loving Nagas, met at Hovishe village under Niuland Sub-Division to end decades of hatred, acrimony and killings, within the Naga family. The call for Naga unification was an overwhelming demand of the Naga people and those leaders who took the bold steps had the endorsement of the top leadership of both NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K). Unfortunately there were few leaders who still felt that the often cited National Principle was far more important than naga reconciliation and unity. What followed was a sudden surge of unrest and fratricidal killings. The rest, they say, is history.
We, as a people, have a purpose to fulfil and that is the reason why the Good Lord salvaged the Nagas from multiple tragedies inflicted upon by occupational forces and from within in the last seventy years. Generations of leaders and followers have come and gone, giving their all for the motherland. I salute our dear departed leaders and comrades who sowed the seeds of Naga nationalism in our hearts through their valour, commitment and sacrifice. Today, there is no confusion about who we were, where we are and what we must do as a people and nation.
I take this opportunity to salute and appreciate the leadership of FGN, NSCN (R), NNC (Parent Body), NPGN/NNC, GDRN/NNC.
Together we have answered the call of the Nagas and entered into a political dialogue with the Government of India as Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs).
Thus far we have had seven rounds of political dialogue with the GOI. As equal entities we have firmly declared our stand on the principle of 1951 plebiscite. On the evening of 17th November 2017, the GOI and the NNPGs Working Committee signed a political document stating the agreed positions of the two sides while considering the contemporary political realities. The Naga political aspiration has been entrenched for all times. The Government of India has recognised the historical and political rights of the Nagas to Self- Determine their future in consonant with their distinct identity. If there is any political document closer to Naga plebiscite of 1951, it is the 17th November 2017 declaration of agreed positions between the GOI and the NNPGs. God is working miracle for us and with the prayer support of our people, we believe we can fulfil the Naga people’s aspiration.
While this agreement is a prelude to the actual negotiations between the two entities it is a remarkable political milestone because it clearly exhibits the essence of 1951 plebiscite. The aspiration of the Naga people has been clearly defined. This document will be relevant now and in the generation to come. With this, the scope and parameters of the dialogue have been set in motion and we trust the GOI has truly understood the Naga problem.
On behalf of all the NNPGs involved in the political dialogue with the GOI, I wish to reach out to all other Naga political groups that the Working Committee would be glad to acknowledge their participation as one equal entity in the ongoing negotiation with the GOI. We are clear that there is no master or servant among the NNPGs. We respect each other as Naga leaders and there is no apprehension or misgivings of one about the other. We work under God for our people.
What has been achieved thus far is due to the unceasing efforts, solidarity and contributions of the Naga civil societies, Tribal hoho leaders, GBs, intellectuals, churches, mothers and prayer houses far and near. We look forward to further cooperation and participation as we continue to engage with the GOI for an honourable and enduring political solution. God bless Nagaland!
