72nd Naga Independence Day Speech
Brig. (Retd) S. Singnya
Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland
My beloved Countrymen and women,
The Federal Government of Nagaland greets all Naga citizens on this historic occasion of the 72nd Independence Day of our Nation. We are grateful to our Almighty God for His continued protection and guidance. I pray that the same spirit of Nationalism that led and guided our pioneers and forebears will continue to lead us.
Today, the Nation celebrates with pride and honour those martyrs who have made the supreme sacrifice for the Cause of the Nation and the lives of the patriots. We continue to hold onto the same belief as those true sons of the soil who in the call of National duty, gave their all believing that one day Nagas without any territorial limit will be free from the yoke of the powers that sought to throttle the voice of freedom and liberty.
The historic declaration of Independence of 14th August 1947 and the momentous action of the Plebiscite of 1951 have clearly exhibited our historical and political rights to the world. We regard these twin planks as the foundation pillars of our political movement. Our pioneers coined the slogan “Nagaland for Christ.” The NNC/FGN stands to preserve the long cherished dream of the Nagas.
The Federal Government of Nagaland stands firm and resolute on the “historical and political rights of the Nagas.” Our stand has always been for a sovereign Nation having the complete freedom to determine our own destiny, a cause for which thousands of lives have been sacrificed.
Our land was without our consent or knowledge divided and fragmented and our Nationalist Movement was demean to that of a secessionist movement and an insurgency; obsolete Draconian laws like Disturbed Area Act under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958 is continued to be imposed in the Naga inhabited areas to suppress and throttle the cry for freedom, under the protection of which the Indian army continues to perpetrate inhuman atrocities on our people. India uses divisive policies and its might and power to suppress and forcefully occupy a small neighbouring nation, quite contrary to what is expected from the largest democracy in the world.
Nagas have always sought to live in harmony with our neighbours. We have never tried to interfere in the issues of our neighbours or attempted to impose our will on others. Nagas regardless of man-made artificial boundaries have the right to aspire, decide and determine and shape our future and destiny. We do not need the permission of others to live as we desire. So also others do not have the right to interfere in the issues that concern us. The desire of the Nagas to live in peaceful coexistence with our neighbours should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness.
The NNPGs have come together to exhibit to the world that Nagas are one and have a strong desire to remain as one and also because of the realization that without this basic unity it is inconsistent, dishonourable and shameful on the part of the Nagas to talk about our common goal. The NNPGs are having Talks with GoI and the FGN as a part and parcel of the NNPGs is participating in the Talks with the hope that GoI of India also has the desire to solve the long Indo-Naga political issue sincerely.
I congratulate all those who have stood resolute and steadfast. My special salute goes to the recipients of the awards and commendations for your dedication and sacrifice.
Let us rededicate and commit ourselves today to what we all hold dear till we attain our rightful place among the Nations of the world.
God Bless You.
KUKNALIM
