DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, AUGUST 14 (MExN): Several Naga Political Groups today celebrated the Naga Independence Day on August 14, reaffirming the Naga people’s right to self determination.
At Hebron CHQ, NSCN (IM) Vice President, Gen. Retd Kholi Konyak reminded that the “our political struggle began with our people and it shall end with the people.” “Our revolution is of the people, for the people and by the people. However, beware of those false organizations and individuals trying to barter Nagas’ rights for personal fame and glory,” he stated, in a speech read out by NSCN (IM) Kilo Kilonser, Hukavi Yepthomi.
Claiming that “our position in terms of our history and political rights has been acknowledged and recognized by the GoI,” he however cautioned against the “danger of self-destruction.” “Nagas are bound to perish together until and unless we realize that our greatest enemy is within ourselves in the form of egotism, jealousy, selfishness, hatred, self-righteousness etc. We have to overcome this if we are to survive as a nation,” he said.
Konyak also affirmed that the Naga people would honor and respect the history and the rights of other peoples and nations. “We are also ready to understand together with our neighbors on issues of each others’ history and rights provided they come with rational and realistic approach and are prepared to appreciate the history and the right of the Naga people in its right perspective,” he said.
“We do not want to live in hostility with our neighbors, but a peaceful co-existence with our neighbors and peoples respecting each other’s history and rights…”
‘Definition of sovereignty has taken new meaning’
For the GPRN/NSCN, President, Gen. Retd MB Neokpao stated that the geo-political landscape is constantly changing and so are the spheres of influences and relationship among nation. “The very definitions of independence and sovereignty have taken new meanings,” he said.
Stating that a prolonged conflict like the Naga political issue cannot be resolved through piecemeal solution, he pointed out that all agreements of the past were one dimensional and did not fulfill the political aspiration of the Nagas.
“The right to self determine our future is entrenched while on our part due consideration must be given to contemporary political realities,” he added.
“Today, a positive breeze is blowing in our land,” he said while stating that the political dialogue between the NNPGs WC and the GoI “bears testimony that the two entities, firmly retaining the essence of Naga plebiscite of 1951, are determined to take the Indo-Naga issue to a logical conclusion.”
The significance of August 14, 1947 and the Naga Plebiscite of May 1951 will be the basic foundation of any political solution, Neokpao stated adding that it is with this spirit that the WC singed an agreed position with the Government of India.
While expressing belief in “equality and brotherhood among the NNPGs,” Neokpao stated that “it is our endeavor that future Naga generations would build on what we achieve today.”
‘Our national foundation is in place’
The Naga National Council (NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) also today celebrated the 72nd Nagaland Independence Day at Chedema Peace Camp near Kohima.
NNC president Adinno Phizo while stating that the national foundation was laid by the Naga National Council, stressed that “without a foundation, one cannot build a house, but with our national foundation in place, the Naga people have been able to uphold our right up to this day.”
“Nagas are not demanding anything from India. The Naga stand is not a political movement either. Nagas are simply defending their country. The only say by Nagaland to India is to leave Nagaland in peace,” she said.
After unfurling the Naga national flag, FGN Kedahge (President) Gen. (Retd) Viyalie Metha in his address said “it is a universal fact that the declaration of any nation's independence is the exclusive prerogative right of that particular nation. Here, no nation needs another nation's permission to declare their Independence over their own territories.”
Presentation of awards and promotion Ahza marked the celebration. The celebration also witnessed cultural performances from Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Tangkhul, Shepoumaramth region, Zeliangrong region, Sumi, Khiamniungan, Ao etc.
