72nd Naga Independence Day Speech
Yilow Humtsoe
President of Lotha Regional Council and Central Executive Council Member on behalf of NNC Parent Body
Dear Naga People, I praise and thank God on this auspicious day of our 72nd Naga Independence Day. As directed to address our people today, I on behalf of the NNC Parent Body greets all the Naga people on this joyous day with prayer and thanksgiving to God Almighty. May our living God bless and strengthen each and everyone of us as we celebrate the Day.
We are always thankful to God for the declaration of our Naga Independence by the NNC leaders on 14th of August, 1947 which was one day ahead of India's declaration. It was a political milestone acknowledged by the United Nations as well.
This political right of the Naga people cannot be erased by anybody or any force as it is declared and well known to all the people within the nation and beyond, and both the governments of India and Myanmar as aggressors in particular.
Since the genesis of the Naga political movement, the NNC which was the only sole institution has laid down the political foundation for the entire Naga people and its land. And this is the fact of the history.
Today, the NNC remembers the Naga martyrs who laid down their lives for freedom and independence for posterity. May our living God bless the noble souls as the Naga people remember their sacrificial deed for freedom.
The Naga people have every right to officially be recognized by the two nation (India & Myanmar) who has illegally and forcefully occupied the Naga inhabited free lands knowing fully well about Naga historical and political rights as a people and nation.
Also on the part of the Naga people it is very unfortunate for the leaders in the past and present as well, for their act of treason, connivance and compromisation of Naga historical and political rights at the cost of the Naga people. It is because of few self-centered leaders that the Naga people and nation are at stake of losing Naga freedom everytime. The people in the homeland must understand these serious prevailing situation and come forward to stand for the truth for the greater glory and freedom of the Naga people and its land.
Today we can clearly see and understand the report of the interlocutor for the Naga talk submitted to the India Parliamentary Standing Committee and the official papers report mentioned the article 371(A) as a special status for Nagaland to be accorded and the neighboring states in a similar way will be worked out. Quote "The Committee was told that with respect to Nagaland, there is already a special arrangement. Article 371(A) of the constitution makes it very clear that they are special and a special status has been accorded to them. A similar kind of status with some local variation, and some change to the Nagas in the neighboring states can be explored." (Unquote) Therefore, this is the outcome of the negotiation of the present talk of political solution of seven decades old struggle for freedom with blood & tears then the entire people in the homeland will condemned outrightly. And the leaders involved will be held solely responsible, accountable and answerable to the Naga people for treason.
Today with a heavy heart I have to mention again the ugly situation that has developed within the NNC set up, as the head succumbed to the conspirators and compromised leaders for self indulgence and self benefits. Meanwhile, forgetting the Naga people, his own oath of allegiance and commitment for Naga historical and political rights for freedom. And this is self-defeating, shameful and a dangerous trend for the Naga people as a whole. Therefore, in the best interest of the Naga people such disloyal and dishonest leader should be condemned by all.
I must also say that the Naga freedom movement is not a mere worldly politics but spiritual in nature too as it is our living God's will and purpose for the Naga people. Therefore, whoever defies the plan and purpose of God especially on the part of the Naga National Political leaders will definitely be punished from above. This was seen in the past and thus it is a serious matter for everyone.
Finally, I would say that the only way for the Naga National Political Groups to come, work and negotiate together is to come forward with truthfulness, honesty, humility and with a firm political stand and one voice which will bring the best political solution for the Naga people for good. May God Almighty help and use the Naga people for His Glory.
KUKNALIM
