SK Zhimomi
President, UNPG-NNC (PB)
My Dear Countrymen
I stand here today with a heart filled with thanksgiving on one hand but with great anguish on the other. God has led us thus far and has given us great patience to remain firm towards the journey set before us. God has never abandoned us during the treacherous journey of our national struggle. He continues to be our strength and our hope to this day. We stand here today because of the countless sacrifices of our own brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate price so that we may live to see tomorrow. As we celebrate our Naga Independence Day, we remember and salute each and everyone for remaining firm and unwavering to the aspirations and vision for which they laid down their previous lives.
In the year 2017, after much consultations with political leaders, tribal leaders, NGO’s, senior officials and prominent citizens of Nagaland, Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) took the responsibility to sit across the table with the representative of Government of India. Our negotiations are grounded by the “Agreed Position” of NNPGs and GOI. Throughout our negotiations, we have had numerous consultations with Naga civil societies and political parties and we have incorporated their valuable vision and ideas. Parallel to us, NSCN (IM) have also initiated talks with the GOI grounded by Framework Agreement. Both NNPGs and NSCN (IM) have completed talks with the GOI. We are now waiting for the Prime Minister of India to officially sign the document and declare the Naga Solution.
However, it is disheartening to see that our national goal has been protracted for too long. It has already been five years waiting for the final inking of the Naga Solution. Like a dense cloud that blinds our sight, our National dream has been veiled by deceptive forces, like a deadly cancer that torments the life of a human being. We do acknowledge the genuine felicitators who have worked selflessly for the Naga cause. We salute them for their genuine initiatives and contributions. Sadly, there are ravenous felicitators who have been selfish with ulterior motives, trying to sabotage the aspirations of the Naga people. Today, we are threatened by nefarious individuals disguising themselves as felicitators using money and political power to delay the Naga Solution until it decays on its own course.
Those people who are trying to sabotage the national desires and aspirations of the people will be brought to light. Their wicked schemes, motives and designs will be exposed sooner than later as all events and developments of national importance are recorded in the annals of Naga history. Nagas will not forgive the betrayers and justice will be served.
Let us not get discouraged or waver into slumber, for in God’s time, justice will be served and the veil will be removed. We will, one day harvest the fruit of our toil and many sacrifices. Let us not be arrogant and prideful but remain humble to uphold the Naga torch with dignity and respect. Let us remain vigilant against those individuals and groups who continue to derail and misdirect our Naga struggle. Let us continue to keep our eyes fixed towards the goal without wavering and our minds alert against any hurdles and obstacles.
On this auspicious day, I urge every rank and file to uphold the ideals and vision of our predecessors and the aspirations of our Naga people. May the Almighty God continue to guide us with his divine providence and strengthen us to complete the race before us with dignity and honour. May God continue to anchor our hopes and aspirations.
Long live! Kuknalim!
