Dear Beloved Naga Citizens, Please do not put a rate on my fate; it was not easy for me to decide either. It was only to serve the purpose for all Nagas.
Today, I have taken the bold decision to join hands with our leaders (Isak Swu, and Th. Muivah) who are anointed by the people’s support, people’s witness, and the leaders recognized by GOI for the Naga people. As a responsible leader I have clearly understood the characters, behaviours and manners of the Naga people and GOI, and so there was no other options left to blink but to safe-guard our historical rights, protect our territorial integrity from grave danger and to build people’s competence for future, that in unison to expedite the talk in unequivocal. It was the only way to prevent ourselves from conspiring against each other by deviating us from solving our difference but to reconcile mutually from our bitter past towards common future. GOI have also clearly stated that, it is an inclusive Naga talk; it is not NSCN talk alone, all factions and stake holders have to unite for solution. With such responsibility to shoulder upon Nagas to decide their future, was also my greatest challenge as a Naga leader to openly come forward to support the ongoing political negotiation for an honorable and acceptable solution for all Nagas.
Right from the beginning of my sixty years of service I always stood firm as a true patriotic Naga soldier to the sacred cause and determined to stand firm till the tryst with our freedom brings upon One United Naga Family. In my long service I have never harboured any wrong thoughts or misguided the Naga people of both Myanmar and the Indian side. I never had any ambitions to become a leader in any position; my leadership role was in the military to defend our nation. What I have often committed is not being able to exercise or follow orders when I knew it’s wrong. My people knows me that even being in the position of President or as in the position of Commander-in-Chief, I never could favour or focus on any individual needs but the fact remains that they still will have respect over my sincere approach to people’s voices and pledge. Time and again, when Naga people came forward with the voice of unification of all Naga factions through peace and reconciliation, I didn’t hesitate nor had any doubts but reasonably trusted and responded to the voice of Naga people for reconciliation and unification and came out from my camp. But regretfully, I have lost all my hopes and aspirations when I realized and learnt that my humble move for peace, reconciliation and unification have created misunderstandings between Naga leaders and resulted in more killings within our own family again. I was also personally victimized politically and insulted with unsubstantiated allegation that I was lured or purchased with Rupees 70 lakhs or surrendered to Indian Army. I know for sure even today people might have the same thought against me and towards my family members. May God have mercy on me and forgive us all. I shall not regret today for I have taken a decision out of my own conviction for my people. I am certain that I have not made a mistake to choose a journey to strive on and I believe, in true sense of my judgment, that future generation should be shown the right direction as they lead towards the unseen future.
Dear Naga citizens, in political negotiation sometimes nothing is done until everything is done. Supposing, if the on-going negotiation with GOI fails, it is not only the loss or problem for NSCN or any individuals alone. It will be a tragedy for all Nagas whatever the differences in ideologies or principles we may have. It will be a greatest catastrophe for the Nagas again. But today opportune moment is in our hand now to decide either for a prosperous future or to repeat the bitter past. I say that our ambitious mind and greed should not rule us over to ruin and murder our political future. I am convinced and confident that every right thinking Naga citizens will not fail to act, admit and accept for an honorable and acceptable solution. I strongly believe the honorable political solution can only bring about the unity among the Nagas.
My move may have hurt few sentiments and my sincere apologies for not being able to speak out but the truth which is inevitable. It was not easy, especially for my Konyak brethren to take such bold decision because of the split in the early 80's which clearly divided us on the tribal grounds for nearly 30 years. It also took great deal of sacrifices and understanding on my part. My only request and prayer to our dear Naga Citizens is that no one should bear any ill will against my decision, but to wisely think and contribute for the glorious moment where all Nagas can live together with harmony and prosperity. So please help our leaders through your prayers and support them with all your ends so that together we will achieve our shared political destination.
Kuknalim
Gen (Rtd) Kholi
.JPG)
