66th Naga Independence Day speech by his Excellency, Gen (Retd) Kholi Konyak, the President, GPRN, on 14th August, 2012
My Dear compatriots,
It was on this day, the 14th August 1947, Nagas declared our Independence signifying our sovereign birthright to the outside world with the unfurling of the Naga National flag. This declaration was a luminous expression of enlightenment that still echoes powerfully in the lives of the Nagas, setting forth a philosophy of human rights that could be applied not only to the Nagas, but to people everywhere.
I take this opportunity once again to reiterate and let it be known to the world that Nagas were free and independent people since time immemorial. The ancestral land of the Nagas were never conquered or ruled by the outside world at any period of time in history. It was the sword of British imperialism which first cut its way into the territory of the Nagas and for nearly fifty years, Nagas put stiff resistance against our aggressors. Only a small portion of Naga area the ‘Naga Hills District’ entered into an understanding with the British and signed a peace treaty in 1881, reflecting that a larger portion of Naga areas remained unconquered and independent. The pronouncement of independence on 14th August 1947, one day ahead of India’s was necessitated primarily for the people under the British occupation. The rest of un-administered Nagas areas required no such declaration because we were independent since the beginning of time.
This significant day, reminds us how our people endured at the hands of the callous occupational forces of India and Burma in defending our land and freedom. The forces of suppression persecuted our people without exception. Thousands were slaughtered, massacred, murdered and butchered in cold blood and many died of forced starvation. And we pay our highest tribute to the courageous sons and daughters who have sacrificed their precious lives at the altar of freedom. Their heroic deeds and bravery has become a part of our historical folklore. Our fight for this virtuous cause has been the hallmark of our struggle.
It is appropriate to acknowledge our past so as to assess the present and regain our strength in this long political journey for freedom. And despite the occupational military forces and other agencies’ attempt to obliterate our history, we continue to commit ourselves to the cause
Every Naga has a story to tell to the world, but our people were forcibly secluded from the world community. Access into our land was austerely forbidden and monitored swarming it with thousands of occupational forces that used the most brutal way of torture. In order to deceive the world of its policy and strategy of genocide and the undeclared war upon the Nagas, the Government of India in connivance with a few Nagas under the infamous banner of the NPC created the present so called Nagaland state much against the will of the Naga people, which led to more chaos and violence. However, after decades of military operations, the most important Generals and leaders of India drew to the conclusion that military solution is not possible and that the Naga issue was a political one and has shown great maturity in tackling the long drawn Indo-Naga political entanglement in a sensible and pragmatic way.
Taking an account from the submission of memorandum in 1929 to Simon Commission It has now been more than eight decades of Indo-Naga political imbroglio. And Nagas will continue the struggle with determination until a political solution acceptable to the Naga people is arrived at. The cause of the Naga struggle for freedom founded by our forbearers cannot be bought or sold. The Government of India should know that Nagas will never give-up their political birth right after coming this far. Piece-meal solution to a limited section of Nagas will be a humiliation to the Naga people and will be out rightly rejected.
The truth is that, it is not the power of arms or any display of human power or threats shown that will destroy us or bring us victory, but interposing the divine power of truth that we uphold, which will set us free. Let every Naga be known that it is worth sacrificing for a genuine cause.
We thank our Almighty God for the great Naga pioneers who laid the memorable foundation for the Naga nation. The selfless sacrifice of thousands of Naga compatriots over the past decades is noted down in the annals of Naga history. NSCN makes its stand clear that historical facts cannot be compromised or be distorted in any circumstances. Nagas will pursue our God given political birth right till we achieve it.
I wish to acknowledge the effort of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and various NGOs who have been endlessly nurturing the reconciliation process. Consequently, aggression within the Naga family has been restrained admirably, resulting in relative peace in Naga homeland. The Reconciliation process initiated by the FNR is a fine and memorable chapter in the Naga history that has created legroom for Nagas to retrospect the false moves made in the past. We are wiser now, not to make other mistakes as we aspire towards destination.
Ours is a people based movement, the will of the people is the most commanding force against all odds and adversaries with whose support we shall accomplish our cherished goal. Thus, GPRN is committed to democratic approaches involving all section of people to seek your opinion towards resolving the long drawn Indo-Naga political problems. We wholeheartedly welcome all conscious Nagas to contribute on the issues.
Whatever the past be tomorrow is our future. Let us be re-dedicate ourselves in our endeavours and complete the great task before us that has been passed down to us from those torch bearers. Let us take increased devotion for the cause - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.
Short speech: Hon’ble Ato Kilonser,
N. Kitovi Zhimomi.
The Ato Kilonser, N. Kitovi Zhimomi highlighted on the present Naga Political situation and briefed the gathering about the significance of the Naga Independence day. Citing that, When the British era ended in India, the Nagas made it clear that we must be left free to decide on our own future.
The Ato Kilonser also said that, the unfortunate killings among Nagas today prompted the FNR to play a vital role to stop this genocide, adding that, FNR had clearly stated that all Naga leaders must sit together to solve out this matter, and thus in September 18th 2010 called all the collective leaderships of the GPRN/NSCN, FGN and NSCN-IM to find ways for common goal.
The Ato Kilonser also added that the next highest level meet under the FNR in February 2011 was directly opposed by Mr. SS Khaplang, the then President of the GPRN/NSCN which necessitated the popular house of the GPRN to impeach and expel him from the party. Th. Muivah had told the meet that there shall be no inclusive political movement. The meet therein kept that issue in abeyance. In that meeting, IM said that they have been in political talks for more than 14 years, but declined of having any charter of demand (proposals). Muivah had also said that there is no state as independent, that at this stage, the question of integration is impossible, which led them to ask for alternative settlement, for the Nagas outside the present state of Nagaland. This arrangement is bound only for the Nagas living in the state of Manipur. Whereas, there is no provision for the Nagas living in Arunachal and Assam.
Mr. Kitovi was of the question as to what type of alternative arrangement Mr. Muivah was talking about without the knowledge and consent of the people. Adding that, today, interim government propaganda of the IM is doing the rounds, but without consulting the people, no type of government can exist. Nagas must know how NPC brought separate Nagaland state. The GPRN today tell the people that, consultation with the people shall be made and settled with what is best possible for us.
Mr. Kitovi Zhimomi also said that the FNR is loud and clear that it stands for complete inclusion of all the Naga political groups. It knows that supporting a particular party is doomed to fail. Naga settlement/solution shall be achieved and pan Naga shall take form only after the settlement to keep alive the traditional and cultural identity of the Nagas. We shall not take the cheap market propaganda to fool the world. Assuring the Nagas that nothing is impossible if we unite together and urged everyone to strive forward.
Briefing on present political situation by Mr. Alezo Venuh, Hon’ble Envoy at the 66th Naga Independence Day
Looking back to history, Nagas declared independence ahead of India. We’ve been fighting for Nagas’ oneness & right. Much of our property and precious lives have been destroyed or perished. At such a stage as this, Nagas should come together for a common cause. We have no option but to reconcile and remain united.
The present generation is in confusion. Because, the power of media is so strong that vested persons are confusing the people, taking ownership in the name of Nagas and are spreading a flame of rumours. But we need not be taken by them. The long drawn imbroglios of the Nagas have to be in standing on the foundations of our predecessors and forefathers. This is the running arduous task of the FNR who has been working tirelessly towards oneness on all Nagas. Our vision under the GPRN is loud and clear & it must be achieved. And the people are the best judge.
GOI has made it clear that piece meal solution would not happen again. Also, a section of people solving the Naga common issue have all failed. The policy and future of the Nagas must be built up. GOI is also clear on this point, and both UPA and opposition have assured on expediting the Naga issue. The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan singh and Sonia Gandhi have stated that, the problems of the northeast insurgents especially of the Nagas would be dealt through political approach and not military means. Our approach to the present scenario has been acknowledged. No single group can solve the Naga problem.
The GPRN is in the process to solving the Naga issue. Participation of all section is open. Today we have opportunity through peaceful means. As and when the GOI invites, we shall be taking the task together. Nagas have suffered enough torture from within, and cannot allow this persecution again. I believe that all have gathered here with great zeal to respect and honour our right.
I once again remind all that on the invitation of GOI, let us be prepared to fulfill all the struggles our fore fathers had sacrificed. Let us strive forward together against all odds.
Kuknalim.
