‘NNC represents Naga people as a whole’

Adinno Phizo addresses Naga National Council 73rd NNC formation day

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 2  

The Naga National Council (NNC) today observed 73rd NNC formation day at Chedema Peace Camp, near Kohima. Speaking on the occasion, NNC president Adinno Phizo said the NNC is the platform for the Naga people to stand together and raise our voice in unison.  

“NNC is neither a political party nor a group, but it represents the Naga people as a whole,” she said. “In 1947, on August 14 when our independence was declared to the world, it covered all the Naga inhabited areas. Before the British departure, the Naga area placed under Manipur jurisdiction were invited to join Nagaland but their leaders of the day refused and said they prefer the status quo. But consensus should prevail with other Nagas,” Phizo said.  

She said Naga history is clear that, “Nagas are not Indians and Nagaland is not India territory.”  

Only just before India became free, for the first time their Constituent Assembly representative came to Kohima in May 1947 and met NNC and requested to join the coming Indian Union but NNC refused. That was the beginning of our struggle to this day. There is no confusion, she maintained.  

In the past seventy two years, she said, “instead of developing our country by ourselves, the Nagas are forced to defend their nation against India till today.”  

“Within these periods the aggressor tried to uproot our people from our stationary villages, burned down to ashes, some are repeatedly so that the village people could become refugees somewhere but by the grace of God the village people valiantly came back and slowly built their village in the original place for which we all should praise their determination. It was a horrible time from 1954-1964 for the Nagas in the hand of the cruel Indian armed forces of raping, sodomy, torture and many put in prison, maimed and died in that period. No one could predict that type of war. But our people always mindful for our country rise up together and defended the country. It was miraculous that the situation became normal and that we can witness that God works in a mysterious way,” she said.  

The NNC president further said the Nagas had a visionary leader in A.Z. Phizo, who led the people all the way to the end, adding “We, the present generation, in love of our people and the nation should do our part and bring peace in Nagaland.”  

At present, she asserted, “Nagaland is undergoing Indian army occupation.” Indian Government has extended again their “dreadful law” Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958 (AFSPA) on December 30, 2017 for another six months in Nagaland “so that they can impose their so-called election,” she added.  

“From 1958-2018 Nagaland is facing this situation, which is to weaken Naga spirit. Under this circumstances, many unpleasant thing can grow up and growing. Also with their divide and rule policy they kept some people in the designated area arranged by the Indian army. But since the Naga people are in their own country they will continue to live whatever circumstances are there. Recently, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said, ‘India is not eyeing anyone’s territory’, we hope he meant what he said and leave Nagaland soon,” she said.  

Phizo said the Nagas are fortunate that all the freedoms are available in Nagaland unlike other countries who fight for democracy, equality and freedom of choice. “No need for foreign ideology, especially socialism is quite opposite to the Naga way of life. The Nagas don’t fight for leadership but in the community, the people chose or elect the person who is trustworthy. Many outside influences are creeping in Nagaland but be firm, resist evil and overcome with good,” Phizo concluded.  

FGN Tatar Hoho speaker Lhouvitsu also delivered short speech. FGN president General (Retd) Viyalie Metha also present on the occasion. The programme was chaired by NNC joint secretary Acüyi Vadeo while Bible reading and prayer were led by Rev. Dr. Kevekhalo Lasuh. Sumi Baptist Church youth Kohima and Chakhesang Baptist Church youth Kohima also presented special song. It concluded with mass prayer.