In the midst of unrest and chaos, when the existence of the Nagas was not known to the world and when the Nagas were just ignored and despised as savages, yet, there were a few patriotic Nagas unknown of their future but firm to the cause to set free the Naga Nation from the aliens. In times of such uncertainties and darkness and when there was no chance for the few patriotic Nagas to survive, I joined the freedom movement as a young soldier in 1956. As we all know that evolution is a natural phenomenon so does the changes in our struggle too. We, as compatriots (freedom fighter) have faced many events and tolls of both joy and sorrow. We have seen and ventured many untold sufferings and miseries of unmerciful nature and atrocities from mighty hands of both the Indians and the Burmese.
Now the present has seen a sea change because of the constant evolution and revolution taking place in and around us. Those days of our time, you know we were stubborn and paid no heed to any advice from anyone else; we bluntly followed our own instinct until we gained our objective. There was no question of yielding to the adversaries. Though the Nagas were just a handful as compared to the mighty opponent yet, we were strong because we stood in unison of spirit. We never gave up our hope and aspiration. Such was the time when I could say proudly that I had enjoyed the journey of hope with my compatriots.
Every one of you may be aware of the facts, if not, most of you who are acquainted to me, that, I am not an educated person and in the field of politics I am nowhere nor have any knowledge about politicking. From the depth of my heart I know only one thing and stood for one thing, that is ‘’the unity of Nagas and one Naga Nation’’. The living God knows that I know no politics and neither is I qualified to be here till today. I believe He has led me and shown the way of His will. I never wanted or hunted for any position or wealth but just wanted to witness that the Nagas to come together in one accord before my sunset. “Lord I pray that before you take me away from this world, I just want to see one united Naga family living together in harmony”.
As the saying goes, “Action speaks louder than words” so does my dear Naga brethren especially the Eastern Nagas who always stood by my side in times of odds and events. You were always the rays of hope and inspiration in my life. As many of you are very well aware that half of my life span I have been with the people of the east. Though, till today you gain nothing but only sufferings from different adversities yet, I earnestly believe that one day we all will be liberated from this domain of sweats and tears for which you have sacrificed for the genuine cause. Though, people may forget you or forsake you but deep down in my heart I will always remember you for what you have done for the survival of the Nagas. People may or may not acknowledge you, but, it is a living fact that the Eastern Nagas have rendered your service selflessly to save the Naga Nation. My sincere gratitude to all the fellow Nagas who always stood together to achieve our common goal.
In my sixty long years of political career, as a human being, I may have hurt the sentiments of my Naga brethren in some way or the other, yet, I seek your forgiveness. Some may be wondering for the recent development of my joining under the leadership of Chairman Issac Swu and Gen. Secy. Th. Muivah. Some may feel relieved while some may wanted to spit on me. In the heart of my heart I have no grudge feelings against any individual or parties even if some are trying to create confusions and doubts among the people. I always feel that one must give up one’s own position or wealth for the cause in order to fulfil or achieve unity among ourselves. One must yield so that our aspiration is fulfilled. When I say yielding, don’t take me in the wrong sense, because I am not surrendering to my enemies but uniting with our own Naga Brothers to achieve our common goal if not at least die trying for the cause.
Some of the delegates, whom I met, must have heard what I had said some decades back, that, there may be only one talk for the Nagas and that talk is being initiated by Mr. Issac Swu and Th. Muivah. Many a time I was also reminded to take a dialogue with the Govt. Of India but I have never subscribed to that idea, since the talk was already in the process and both of them (Issac Swu and Th. Muivah) are our leaders; they represent Naga people aspiration. I also never once doubted that they would exclude other Nagas and talk only for themselves, but inclusively for all Nagas in general. I always appreciated Mr. Issac Swu and Th. Muivah for their unyielding spirit when many have fell prey to the traps in one way or the other. Instead of seeking jobs and comforts in the Indian service for their survival, they chose to struggle faithfully to the cause of the Nation. I think sometimes we should also learn to appreciate rather than always complain for; we are staying idle doing nothing. It is also not healthy for us to always find fault or wait for that opportunity to seize.
Today when I say all this things, it may seem ironical to the educated Nagas, but forgive the uneducated man like me for speaking out what lies in the bottom of my heart. Therefore my humble wish to my Naga brother is that let us try to create a better environment for our younger generation by leaving aside all our differences and take this chance and moment together to triumph in God’s name. God bless the Nagas.
KUKNALIM.
Gen. (Retd) Kholi. Vice-Chairman, NSCN/GPRN.
