DIMAPUR, MARCH 21 (MExN): General (Retd), Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, FGN today stated that the Naga history of transition stands unique and unrivalled by any other nations in the entire world.
“Most other countries in the world have developed from some tribal savage pasts or an oppressive Monarchical rule into modern republic states. In the unique case of Nagaland, we simply transited from ancient democratic village Republics into a modern national Democratic Republic. In this transition, unlike our neighbors India or Burma, we simply adopted a homely and familiar Yehzabo (Constitution) which was rooted in our ancient democratic customs and laws,” he stated to mark the occasion of the Naga Republic Day.
General (Retd), Viyalie Metha also asked the Naga people to “take note of the stupendous strides and developments that were achieved in Naga history within a very short period under the able leadership of AZ Phizo and his colleagues.” All Nagas, he urged, “must remember the pioneer leaders of the NNC and salute their splendid services rendered to the nation. The entire nation must remember that it was these patriotic leaders who laid down the foundations of our nationhood.”
He further reminded of the “events that followed the inauguration of the Federal Republic of Nagaland in 1956.” He pointed to the mass burning of villages all over Nagaland and the forced dispersion of people into the jungles where hundreds of thousands of Nagas “perished from bullets, starvation and diseases between 1956 and 1957 alone.” “In the end, more than 645 Naga villages were burnt to ashes. The fields of the villages also could not be cultivated for years due to the relentless army operations in their lands,” he recalled.
He however said that despite all these trials, “God on his part has faithfully preserved our republic which was in the first place dedicated to His name and glory on 22nd March 1956.” Metha meanwhile cautioned that if the present generation betrays the sacrifices and achievements of the past, “then this generation will have to live the rest of their lives in shame and infamy.” “May our republic, dedicated with the commitment of Nagaland for Christ and established with the blood of so many martyrs finally become a beacon of light for Asia and even the whole world,” he hoped.
