Sulanthung Lotha
President, Naga Hoho
His Excellency Yariuwo, NSCN/GPRN, all rank and file of NSCN/GPRN, leaders from various Civil Society organizations on the dias, and my dear fellow Nagas. On this auspicious occasion, on behalf of Naga Hoho, I salute and pay homage to all the fallen heroes, and convey my warm greetings to all the Naga patriots gathered here today to celebrate the 79TH Naga Independence Day. The Naga Hoho still stands with the man who modeled the Nagas into “one people”, the legendary Naga freedom fighter late Angami Zapu Phizo, popularly known as “AZ Phizo”. Under Naga National Council, the Naga leaders declared independence of the Nagas on August 14, 1947, and conducted a plebiscite on May 16, 1951 to reaffirm the sovereign status. The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) fearlessly fought against the mighty Indian Army in which thousands of Nagas sacrificed their lives. The Government of India tried to crush the Nagas but the indomitable spirit of the Nagas still survives. The Government of India was compelled to forego military oppression and agreed to find a negotiated political settlement with the Nagas. All this achievements were possible on account of the unity of the Naga society and people. Naga Hoho still stands unity and inclusiveness of Naga society.
The Government of India signed many agreements with the Naga people from time to time. However, partly due to the insincerity of the GoI and partly due to division within our own family all these agreements failed to bring lasting peace and instead led to bloodshed in our society. The Government of India entered into ceasefire agreement with NSCN/GPRN on 25th July, 1997 heralding a new chapter in the Naga political movement and the political dialogue with the NSCN/GPRN culminated in the GoI recognizing the unique history and position of the Nagas and signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015. On account of disunity among the Naga political groups (NPGs), another agreement known as Agreed Position (AP) was signed in November 2017 with the NNPGs. Even after signing of these two agreements that is FA and AP a lasting political solution has eluded so far. This is due to our own divided house although we blame the Government of India for following a “Divide and Rule Policy”. if the debate between the Framework Agreement and Agreed Position for supremacy continues, there is no possibility of an early Naga political solution. With peace talks between the Government of India (GoI) and Naga Political Groups (NPGs) now in the 28th year, the Naga society wants a resolution based on the already mutually agreed agreement that is the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position for an early Naga Political solution.
A cross section of the Naga people, from tribal leaders and church elders analysts, feel that, the peace talks “lack transparency on both sides”. This has led to uncertainty among Nagas, with no visible changes on the ground, and hopes for a ‘final solution’ withering. Therefore, We pray that, based on the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position, a solution be reached at the earliest for an acceptable, and inclusive solution For the Nagas. Further, The Naga people also acknowledged the sacrifices and Contribution of the national workers in the course of the Naga political journey and towards the political cause. The Naga people must also affirm our commitment to continuously work towards a political settlement based on the historical and political rights to self determine our future on the unique history and position of the Nagas.
Naga political solution cannot be realized through mere rhetoric or stubborn lofty ideals but can be made possible only through pragmatic approach considering the contemporary political realities and future of Naga society. Therefore, at this crucial juncture of our struggle, Nagas must unite with the sole purpose of achieving political breakthrough with GoI and to usher in new vibrant, peaceful and prosperous Naga people. Let us once again look unto God, commit everything unto him and examine our present, contemplate our future and renew the spirit of Naganess and our people-hood, lest we become scattered and a lost people. Therefore, Naga Hoho would like to urge the NSCN (IM) and all the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) to reconsider their stand on this historic Day to come together to jointly negotiate with GoI for the sake of the future generation because future is equally much more important than past. Let us look beyond our selfish interests and inflated egos, and rededicate ourselves for the “common Naga” who soul is still suffering and longing for peace. May the Almighty God of Abraham, God of Issac and the God of Jacob grace be upon the Naga people.
KUKNALIM
