Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 21
On the occasion of the 39th Naga Republic Day Celebration at Council Headquarters, Hebron, the NSCN (IM) said that the 3rd August 2015 Framework Agreement (FA) would “protect the future of the Nagas and guarantee the security of India.”
Reading out the message of NSCN (IM), Vice President, Gen (retd), Kholi, the Convenor, Steering Committee NSCN, Rh. Raising said that the Framework Agreement was the foundation of a new relationship between the two entities and acted as a bridge connecting two peoples. “Betrayal to it will be an irreparable loss for both the parties,” the message stated.
Kholi asserted that the Nagas were for a kind of agreement that is rooted in the “principle of mutual respect and recognition of sovereign rights and territories.” He also stated that the NSCN was for a solution that protects and guarantees the future of the Naga people.
The Vice President went on to assert that the Naga issue was “a case of aggression by India and that the Nagas are the aggrieved.” However, he stated that Nagas trust in a democratic principle of settlement of dispute through mutual consent and agreement and that they were opposed to imposition of India’s will. Kholi added that imposition of will upon others had never solved problems anywhere in history but rather aggravates it.
“The stronger we have been oppressed and persecuted, the more resilient we have been in our resistance,” he added. Stating that military strength, political wisdom and understanding alone would not guarantee the Naga future and their inherent rights, Kholi called for fighting on with the invincible Spirit of the Lord. “Let us renew our vows and reaffirm our decision and strive along. The long cherished goal is now within our grasp,” he stated.
NSCN (IM), Kilo Kilonser, Hukavi Yepthomi in his speech highlighted on the historical aspect of the Naga national movement and said that the peace process should be above party politics.
Representatives of Naga Hoho, United Naga Council, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Naga Students’ Federation, Naga Council Dimapur, Tirap Changlang Longting People’s Forum, Rengma Naga People’s Council and Eastern Naga Students’ Association Myanmar delivered solidarity messages on the occasion.
Major highlight of the celebration included drill display by the General Field Training Headquarter Naga Army whose act was received with wide applause by the gathering. The Naga Army displayed adept weapon handling and spinning using a Chinese Rifle weighing 3.84 kgs.
All girls band, Peppermint Band also presented songs during the programme followed by cultural performance by Chishilimi Dance Troupe.
