Kiumukam Yimkhiung
President, NNC GDRN (N/A)
Dear Naga People
Greetings in the name our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, on this historic and auspicious occasion of Naga Republic Day. I thank our Almighty for his continued blessings, guidance, sustenance and protection. Today as we celebrate the 67th Anniversary of our Naga Republic Day, let us all thank and remember our pioneers and visionary leaders who gave and sacrificed their everything to lay a firm political foundation for which we today stand with pride and dignity and we the Nagas will remain ever grateful and thankful for generations to come.
History has been proven beyond doubt that our Naga Nation/Country comprises of many Sovereign Independent Village-States, which was based on the principles of democracy and ruled by councils of elders, headed by Chief or King. But with the intrusion of British colonial forces in our free land brought the atrocities, forceful labours, taxation and control over our peace loving people and its own existence. With the departure of British in 1947, our own existence as a free people was jeopardized and our homeland was arbitrarily divided and bequeathed to the two newly emerged states of India and Myanmar (Burma). We the Naga were faced with the unimaginable wrath of sufferings, like rape, tortures, pain and hardship under the machinery of Indian and Myanmar.
Our Elders and pioneers, in spite of all the suffering, torture, hardship and atrocities meted by the agents of external forces; they firmly stood together to protect and safeguard the spirit of Naga Nationalism and in defence of Naga Nation and its homeland. They felt it necessary to form a united force under one banner of one National Govt. to confront the aggressors. So the birth of a Republic Government was necessitated and thus the formation of Federal Government of Nagaland on 22nd March 1956.
I am indebted to all our Naga brothers and sisters for reposing your faith on us in pursuit for early political solution. It is sad and unfortunate that we Naga National Workers are divided and fragmented, but despite all our differences we are committed and stand united for our true course, for Inclusive acceptable and Honourable Political solution. We the Working Committee of NNPGs and the Government of India have agreed in principle that Nagas have the right to self determine their future in consonance with their distinct history and identity. Now Nagas are aware of the contemporary political reality and this must be taken into account because both the entities are looking for enduring peaceful co-existence in future, which was cemented by the “Agreed Position” Or “The Preamble” signed on 17th November 2017 and talks concluded on 31st October 2019.
Today as we stand at the crossroads for our liberation rather than by armed confrontation but through political dialogue for permanent and lasting solution which is honourable and mutually acceptable, questions are being raised at all levels about the sincerity and commitment of the govt of India in resolving the longest running confrontation in modern history.
On this 67th Republic Day, I salute and pay homage to all the patriots and martyrs who have made the supreme sacrifice with their lives for our Naga cause, may their struggles and sacrifices continue to inspire and guide us always. Honouring the sanctity of this auspicious day, I reaffirm once again that an honourable and acceptable solution of the Indo- Naga conflict is paramount and urge every Naga citizens to contemplate and seek the benevolent blessing of the Almighty God for an early settlement of the Naga political issue and stand united and strong.
In conclusion I acknowledge the unwavering support of all the prayers warriors, Naga civil societies, Apex Tribal Bodies, NGOs and other Organisations. May our Almighty God always continue to protect, guide and bless us always.
God bless Nagaland.
Kuknalim!
