DIMAPUR, JANUARY 11 (MExN): As the NSCN (IM) observed Naga Army Day on January 11, General Ningkhan Shimray, MC VC Longvibu of the Naga Army said that as dedicated soldiers aligned with a political party, “our unwavering commitment resides in faithfully following the directives. Our unity thrives on the noble vision of Nagalim for Christ and the larger interests of the national party,” he added.
Shimray said that as a revolutionary army, the Naga Army “stand as torchbearers of political consciousness, warriors for Christ, steadfastly championing noble cause that resonate at the core of our collective aspirations, striving for a future steeped in justice and righteousness.” Today, as we pay homage to the martyred Naga Army, we stand on the unwavering commitment they made- sacrificing their tomorrows for our brighter tomorrow under the sovereign nation of the Nagas, he stated.
He affirmed the Naga movement rooted in the pursuit of freedom and a tireless struggle. “While we possess guns for self-defence, we recognize that these weapons do not define our strategy or shape our future. Instead, our trajectory hinges on political guidance, counsel, and advice from our esteemed party leaders, illuminating the path toward our destined destination,” he stated.
Every action, strategy, or initiative undertaken, Shimray said, remains firmly rooted in the fundamental principles of the party.
“Any endeavour straying from these principles mirrors an attempt to grasp power through force- an approach antithetical to our ethos. And to lead a revolutionary army devoid of these values is to court perilous ground, breeding conflict not just within ourselves but also antagonism toward the very essence of our party's principles,” he made clear.
Shimray further said that the pivotal role of the Naga Army is not to exploit the deficiencies within the National movement or its leadership. “Instead, our purpose resonates in rectifying errors and wholeheartedly backing the National policies- a hallmark of a genuine revolutionary army. We, as the Naga Army, embody the spirit of a sacrificial offering, willingly volunteering to serve the noble cause of our national interests until our very last breath,” he affirmed. He also asserted that nobody supersedes the sanctity of the nation and the law- known as ‘Azha’- nor stands beyond the bounds of the constitution, termed ‘Yezhabo.’
He stated that the overarching goal and purpose of the Naga Army reside in serving as a catalyst for the emancipation of the Naga people. “Within the fabric of our entity, there exists no room for distinctions of clan, village, or tribe; instead, we coalesce as one unified family. Bound together by a singular cause, unwavering faith, and a shared destination, we transcend individual differences, standing as a unified front, resolute in our pursuit of freedom for our people wherever they are, transcending borders,” the Longvibu stated.
Citing Saint Paul's testimony, "I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven" as underscoring his victory in life's battles, he urged soldiers of the Naga Army to be unwaveringly fixated on the vision of Nagalim for Christ, remaining steadfastly loyal to our national cause.
Shimray took the example of Colonel Hopeson Ningshen, who he said like Saint Paul, had “willingly endured suffering and imprisonment, valiantly shielding and preserving the national interests and dignity.” “His ethos epitomizes the notion that rather than allowing the nation to bear shame, he would shoulder it by himself. Embracing the spirit of the Naga revolutionary movement, let us internalize this commitment,” he stated.
Shimray further termed it paramount to discard any personal "isms" or narrow ideologies, focusing solely on the collective goals of our nation. He added that the Naga Army does not possess the autonomy or authority to dictate the national political course.
“Our solemn duty lies in wholeheartedly following leaders anointed by God. We acknowledge our lack of mandate to independently shape our Naga future; the directives of our chosen leaders determine our path. And we recognize that exceptional leadership emerges from devoted followership and responding to God's calling not just by worldly standards but of God,” he stated.
The Naga Army’s duty, he stated, is dual-fold: “to diligently strive, knowing that the power to construct or dismantle lies within our grasp.” He urged the Naga Army soldiers to “unwaveringly uphold the national cause, the vision of Nagalim for Christ, to honour the principles enshrined within the Framework Agreement, and to faithfully heed the guidance of our esteemed leaders.” This allegiance, he asserted, paves the path toward a future “where united efforts bring forth progress, solidarity, and the realization of our dreams.”
