All Nagas must remember pioneer leaders of NNC: Viyalie Metha
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 22
The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today celebrated the 62nd Naga Republic Day here at Transit Peace Camp.
“Today as we celebrate our 62nd Republic Day, all Nagas must remember the pioneer leaders of the NNC and salute their splendid services rendered to the nation,” said Gen. (Retd) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, FGN after unfurling the Naga national flag at the celebration, where Naga National Council (NNC) president Adinno Phizo was also present.
He said the entire nation must remember that it was these patriotic leaders who laid down the foundation of “our” nationhood.
Gen (Retd) Metha recollected that on March 22, 1965, a Democratic Federal Republic called the Federal Government of Nagaland was proclaimed at Parashen in the Rengma region of Nagaland. The same FGN entered into an international ceasefire agreement with India on September 6, 1964.
“On this auspicious day, the nation also must remember the events that followed the inauguration of the Federal Republic of Nagaland in 1956. That due to heavy Indian military operations and attack of the planned site, the venue was hurriedly changed to Parashen in the Rengma region and inaugurated there,” he added.
The mass burning of villages all over Nagaland, he said, was unleashed as soon as the Naga Republic Day was inaugurated on March 22, 1956 although the burning of villages in Nagaland had started in the Tuensang area at Huker as early as April 18, 1955.
“But in spite of all the trials and sufferings that our nation had undergone in all the past years, God on his part has faithfully preserved our republic which was in the first place dedicated to His name and glory on the 22nd March 1956,” Gen. (Retd) Metha said.
He further said if the present generation betrays all the sacrifices and achievements and surrender “our” republic to another country, then they will have to “live the rest of their lives in shame and infamy.”
“God Almighty, who is the giver of our nationality and our country forbid that such a tragedy should ever overtake our nation. On the contrary, 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.
FGN kilo kilonser Shevohü Keyho chaired the celebration, while Rev. Pamo, pastor, Khiamniungan Baptist Kohima and Dziesevilie Kesiezie prayed for the celebration. Elevation Choir, UBC Kohima and Col. Ala and friends presented songs.
