Brig (Retd) S Singnya
Kedahge, NNC/FGN
My Dear Country Men and Women,
It is a privilege to address you on this Historic day. I warmly greet you on behalf of all the ranks and File of the NNC/FGN. It was on this historic day in 1947 that our pioneers and visionary leaders took the momentous decision to proclaim the aspiration of the Naga People and declared our freedom and Independence to the world. We are grateful to our Almighty God for the guidance, Protection and sustenance’s throughout all these years of our struggle for an honorable existences and a rightful place as a nation among the Nation of the world.
On this momentous occasion, I join the Nation in paying my homage and honor to all the Martyrs who made the supreme sacrifices and the patriots, who are no more with us today. We continue to hold on to the same belief of those true sons of the soil who gave their national duty truly believing that one day Nagas without any territorial limit will be free from the yoke of the powers that sought to throttle the voice of freedom and liberty.
Naga Nationalism is essentially a movement for the restoration of our political and historical right. Nagas as fierce lovers of freedom and equality, our aspiration has always been for self-determination. We do not covet what is not ours but we will keep what is rightfully ours. The political history of the Nagas first started with the resistance of the British colonizers and later with Indian Imperialism, the Naga people for so many decades have been fighting for a free homeland and resisting the oppressive: occupational forces of India and Myanmar on our land ever since the British colonial empire left the Indian sub-continent. Since the British government remained silent on the Nagas right to self determination at the time of its departure from the Indian sub-continent. The Naga national Council (NNC) after informing the top Indian leaders of the time declare Naga independence on 14th August 1947 a day ahead of India’s declaration of independence. The NNC conducted the plebiscite on 16th May 1951 where 99.9% voted for sovereignty. And ever since its establishment the Federal Government has always stood for the restoration of ‘the Historical and Political rights of the Nagas’
The Nagas as a people and as a nation have an adherent desire to live in peace and harmony and have always sought to live in peaceful co-existence with our neighbours. As such for peace to prevail and for a peaceful resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue the Federal Government of Nagaland with all sincerity, actively participate in the political dialogue with the government of India as an entity of the NNPGs working Committee. The NNC/FGN will continue to work for the reconciliation of the Naga political groups and will continue to support the FNR and her work to unite the Nagas as long as the path is charted by the wisdom that comes from God almighty.
As we celebrate the historic day we also celebrate with pride and fondly remember the contribution and sacrifices of the patriots who selflessly choose to bear the hardship and suffering in the pursuit of the long-cherished dreams. I join the Nation in paying my homage to all those martyrs and patriots who are no more with us today. I warmly congratulate all the recipients of the award and special commendation for their dedication and commitment.
God Bless us all KUKNALIM
