Kohima: FGN president Gen (retd) Viyalie Metha today expressed, “our mind is filled with mixed feeling of happiness and sadness.” At the celebration of 59th Republic Day of Naga Nationhood at Chedema Peace Camp, the president articulated happiness that “by God’s grace our Nation’s foundation was secured and laid on the solid rock that no power can deny us our right.” But at the same time, “there is sadness, because our country is still under siege of invaders: the Indian occupational forces.”
NNC/FGN celebrates Nagaland Republic Day
India is a Nation proud of her greatness in democracy and champion of ‘Ahimsa’ non-violence written in her history, but before long, a new chapter revealed the war with Nagas began in 1954 that was within seven years of India becoming independent, the president asserted. He recounted that Nagas could get hardly a breathing space by 1964 when an International Cease-Fire agreement was signed between Government of India and Federal Government of Nagaland. However, sooner than later, India deviated and evaded the truth to settle the Indo-Naga conflict. “Thus, a record breaking time of unresolved conflict in the modern history has been made and because of this, we on our part are suffering without ceasing and India on her part the image of her greatness is fast vanishing. India must do away with her dream to annex Nagaland.”
India is a Nation proud of her greatness in democracy and champion of ‘Ahimsa’ non-violence written in her history, but before long, a new chapter revealed the war with Nagas began in 1954 that was within seven years of India becoming independent, the president asserted. He recounted that Nagas could get hardly a breathing space by 1964 when an International Cease-Fire agreement was signed between Government of India and Federal Government of Nagaland. However, sooner than later, India deviated and evaded the truth to settle the Indo-Naga conflict. “Thus, a record breaking time of unresolved conflict in the modern history has been made and because of this, we on our part are suffering without ceasing and India on her part the image of her greatness is fast vanishing. India must do away with her dream to annex Nagaland.”
The president affirmed that the policy of the Naga National Council (NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) is to maintain peace and tranquility in the land and peaceful co-existence with all Nations. Thus, the FGN, “while taking utmost restraint against any confrontations, the counter-part, India took advantage to use few gullible Nagas as its henchmen, to kill Nagas.”
To the “elite groups”, Gen (retd) Viyalie Metha fervently requested to come forward and make use of their intellect and wisdom towards nation building rather than accusing and abusing each other through the media. “Confidently, time has come for uniting our hearts for the good cause of the nation; that is ‘Urra Uvie’- Our country is ours,” he said. “The voice of the Nagas speaks simple and clear that tells India ‘withdraw your occupational forces from our land – Nagaland’.”
Further stating that Naga people were known for their hospitality, honesty and independence; in legal matter, any dispute, whether civil or criminal were promptly settled according to traditional customary practice and no dispute were left pending, he asserted this culture and tradition are meant for “us” to uphold, protect and preserve for posterity. “We shall not allow alien culture into Naga society.”
The president also stated, time and again “unscrupulous exploitations were warned, but sadly, some self-seeking people under cover of enemy power continue to violate the national stand.” Such activity must be stopped, he added.
He further explained that the Yehzabo of Nagaland was based on the common ideals of Democracy, Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. Every citizen regardless of sex is equal in the eye of the law. So also, any one born of Naga blood is a citizen and a member of the Naga National Council (NNC). “And our nation needs all right thinking citizen to stand together for the common purpose.”
Earlier, the programme was chaired by L. Yirei, Midan Peyu, Wung Region, while Razouvolie, pastor CBC, Chedema read the scripture and proposed the prayer. Special songs were presented by CRC Chedema village. Neiselie, pastor, CRC Chedema village pronounced the benediction.
Full text on page 4
