A father and daughter take part in a Naga Independence Day project somewhere in the outskirts of Dimapur on August 13. (Photo Courtesy: Betoka Swu)
Dimapur, August 16 (MExN): The 74th Naga Independence Day was widely celebrated at various places in Nagaland on August 14 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
GPRN/NSCN: At the Council Headquarter, Khehoyi Designated Camp, the GPRN/NSCN celebrated the 74th Naga Independence Day with strict compliance to the health guidelines and advisories using masks and sanitizers, a statement from the MIP informed.
It said that Jack Jimomi, Kilo (Home) Kilonser hoisted the Naga National flag as the chief guest and a military salutation and singing of the Naga national anthem proceeded. Azheto Chophi, Advisor to Collective Leadership while extending his greeting also spoke and briefed the gathering about the various historical accounts and the prevailing issue of the Naga national movement, the release stated.
Obituary moment was also observed with silent prayers for the departed national workers and the programme concluded with a mass prayer for the Naga nation.
Lotha Regional Council (NNC) Parent Body: The Lotha Regional Council (NNC) Parent Body observed the day at Oking Wokha, where Ekhyimthung Patton, President of regional council appealed to the citizens and all factions to come out and face the situation unitedly to work out the Naga political problem on the principle of 1929 memorandum of the Naga Hills and 1951 plebiscite (a political referendum) for permanent solution, a press release informed.
He also stated that any political dialogue for final settlement should be based on the terms of the International ceasefire between the Government of India and Nagas on September 6, 1964.
“Under the leadership of Yillow Humtsoe, Acting President and V Nagi, General Secretary, it resolved to reject any other agreement or accord of Article 371 (A) of 16th Point Agreement or any agreement below the historical and political rights of the Naga people’s sacrificial blood and tears,” the release stated.
Chakhesang Region, FGN: The Chakhesang Region, Federal Government of Nagaland celebrated the day at Sekrüzu Oking with Serapra Shijoh, Midan Peyu, Chakhesang Region, FGN, hoisting the flag.
According to a press release from Chakhesang Region, FGN, the general meeting was led by Müngulhüyi Swüro, Razu Peyu of Sekrüzu Sub-Region.
Müleo Shijoh, Chaplain of AG Prayer Centre, Sekrüzu, pronounced the invocation and the message of the President, NNC, Thinoselie M Keyho was read out to the gathering by Zaleo Sapuh, Tatar, FGN, it said.
This was followed by a “sharing hour” with the public with the aim to “remove the existing confusion in the minds of the people due to the political developments in Nagaland,” the release stated.
Besides the Naga National Workers, church leaders, village leaders and a host of public from the area attended the celebration, it said.
The meeting concluded after a mass prayer and the gathering dispersed after partaking in the Independence Day feast, it added.
Rongmei Council Peren: The Rongmei Council Peren commemorated the day with the theme ‘Reminiscence of the Nagas’ Struggle and Sacrifices’ with various speakers speaking on the need to “value and understand the concept of Nagas’ struggle, sacrifices and sufferings rendered for the past 74 years and beyond.”
“The Nagas’ struggling movement for freedom in their own homeland is not for sale or to be bartered for economic packages,” a press release from the Program Organizing Committee stated.
It said that the recorded history of the Nagas’ struggle had cost blood and tears of many and that “Such sacrifices and sufferings has proven the fact that Nagas will not give up their identity, their land and the priceless value of their blood spilled.”
Highlighting the Rongmei people’s struggle to resist “foreign invading forces” like the Burmese occupational invasion 1824-26, Manipuri Maha Rajah and the British colonial rule during the nineteen century, it said “To the Rongmei people the Nagas’ struggle is for Makaam Gwangdih which may be interpreted to be Naga Freedom movement.”
Commemorating the day, the gathering held a solemn and silent moment in paying tribute and homage to all lost souls and leaders “who have fought resiliently and have given their lives,” the release stated. A mass prayer of blessing for all the Nagas leaders of the talk team and the Nagas in general was also conducted, the release stated.
NSUB: The Naga Students’ Union Bangalore led by NSUB Vice President Zakietuo Noudi along with the NSUB executives observed the day in remembrance of “our heroes who have sacrificed their lives and had the vision to see free and independent Naga,” a press release informed.
“We pray for our present leaders who will be our torchbearers and will be leading us to new and prosperous Naga Nation,” it added.
