Gen (Retd.) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, FGN and others after unfurling the golden jubilee monolith of Naga Army Raising Day at Sabraba village in Phek district on January 3. (Morung Photo)
Sakraba, January 3: The Federal Government of Nagaland today celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Naga Army Raising Day (1964-2014) at Sakraba village in Phek district.
Speaking on the occasion, Gen (Retd.) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, FGN lauded the Naga army. “Because of your bravery, dedication and sacrifice, Nagaland stands as a Nation today,” he stated after unfurling the jubilee monolith and the National flag. “Let the same integrity, intrepidity and perseverance prevail in you to uphold and defend our nation.” He further acknowledged the sacrifices made by the numerous individuals “in the service of our Nation since the past fifty years or more, when the Naga Home Guard was given a full fledged Naga Army on 3rd January 1964.”
Outlining the warrior tradition of Nagas and their participation in the two World Wars, he said that modern history of Nagaland took shape when the British withdrew from Nagaland and Naga leaders declared their independence on August 14, 1947.
“And again in support of this declaration, the 1951 voluntary Naga plebiscite was conducted at the instance of the Naga National Council (NNC), and the result was 99% voted in favour to remain independent. Thus our National foundation was laid on solid rock through NNC,” he added.
Metha continued that India having gained independence on August 15, 1947; began to exert its dominion over the Nagas, “which was openly demonstrated on October 18, 1952 when Zasibito of Jotsoma village was killed in the heart of Kohima town.”
He also cited the massacre of patriotic villages, beginning with Yengpang village on November 15, 1954 where all together 53 villagers including men, women and children were killed. “All these led Nagas to think seriously to defend themselves from India aggression,” he said.
Metha informed that in 1955, Naga youth volunteers came out from all villages and formed Volunteers, which was later re-named as the Naga Safe Guard and then renamed as the Naga Home Guard.
He said that India fought an undeclared full-scale war against Nagaland, till an International Cease-Fire Agreement was signed between Government of India and Federal Government of Nagaland, which took effect on September 6, 1964.
“Prior to this, during the period of intense fighting in Nagaland, Naga soldiers were able to make several Alee Commands (Foreign Mission). The success in their missions prompted the need for an international competency; thus the Naga Home Guard was made full fledged standing Army as ‘Naga Army’ on January 3, 1964.” Since then, January 3 every year is observed as Naga Army Raising Day, Gen (Retd.) Metha said.
Also speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. Südure Chizo, C-in-C Naga Army, FGN saluted all Naga army personnel who have sacrificed their lives in protecting “our people and Nagaland, fighting courageously with the mighty Indian Armed Forces.”
“All these patriots who toiled and suffered for Nagaland sacrificing their whole lives are honored and they will be continued to remember by our people as our National Heroes,” he said.
The celebration was also marked by presentation of awards, cultural performance by Phek village youth, SBC Sunday school children and Kuzha cultural club. Gen (Retd.) P. Zalhouvi Nagi and Maj. Gen. Tavecho Lala led the monolith dedication ceremony and jubilee celebration function respectively.
