DIMAPUR, MARCH 21 (MExN): The NSCN (I-M) today celebrated its 27th Republic Day at Camp Hebron, the Council Headquarters of the organization. Chairman Isak Chishi Swu took the salute and delivered his address, the same printed in newspapers earlier.
An ENPO representative, calling for ceasefire between the groups of ‘Naga national workers,’ pressed on the need for unity of the Naga family. Making reference to the reconciliation initiative of the NSCN (I-M), he said any such program has to be clean and clear.
Naga Council Dimapur President, Savi Liegise, also stressed on the need for togetherness. “We need to revitalize ourselves,” he added.
From the NPMHR, Atoho Kiho, reminded that the Nagas were yet to achieve their goal. “Let this day be a reaffirmation for our commitment,” he said.
Conveying NMA President, Khesheli Chishi’s inability to attend the function because of her husband taking ill, Grace Shetsang of the Naga Women Union Manipur appealed to the GPRN to positively frame policies for reduction of HIV/AIDS and atrocities committed against women.
National Democratic Front of Boroland and A’chik National Volunteers Council representatives expressed their solidarity to the NSCN (I-M) and said the Naga people’s movement served as inspiration for the oppressed indigenous peoples of the region.
Tangkhul Naga Long President, Stephen Ankang, while saying that his community had “sacrificed a lot for the Naga freedom struggle”, appealed to all Naga tribes to speak against the ‘Quit Notice.’
AY Odyuo, who was announced as speaking on behalf of the Lothas, said, “The Lothas as a whole are against targeting certain tribes or individuals.”
Sharing the same view, senior citizen Bendangnangshi asked the youth to control themselves and said the situation in Mokokchung was flaring up following the death of a retired policeman, reportedly shot by members belonging to a faction.
Several songs and cultural presentations were also performed.
Meanwhile, it was also informed that the Jacob Battalion had a grand function with the Yimchunger CAO as chief guest where members of both civil and army of the GPRN attended.
