Morung Express News
Kohima | August 14
The Naga Students’ Federation commemorated the 70th Naga Independence Day at the Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima on August 14 with Neingulo Krome, Secretary General, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) as the Speaker.
“Our tribalism is above nationalism! That is the tragedy. The elders of the Naga society, the so called pioneers and champions have left this tragedy to the younger generation,” lamented Neingulo Krome during the commemoration who apologized to the youngsters present for passing on a legacy of tribalism. Unless Nagas overcome this problem, the society will continue to deteriorate even if Nagas get independence, or is given a seat in the UN assembly, he asserted.
The commemoration was attended by well-wishers and students from Modern College, St. Joseph’s College and Kohima College.
Enlightening the young students on the first beginnings of the concept of Naga nationalism till date, with rare insights, Krome urged the young students to be well equipped with the history of the Nagas.
The first assertion of Naga nation is 98 years old, viewed Krome which began with the Nagas being sent to Europe as Labor Corps in during WWI and the formation of Naga Club in 1918. However, it was 70 years ago that the Naga nation started in a more formalized and organized manner.
“During the past seventy years we have undergone all kinds of experiences, turbulences, glory, and achievements. Today after so many rounds of talks, the Framework Agreement has come. What are we supposed to do with the Framework Agreement because the oppositions are stronger than even before?” said Krome.
While oppositions are hell bent to defy any kinds of agreement, Krome also viewed that the Naga public are also united with each individual having certain leanings from one group to another, or from one tribe to another.
In order to tackle the challenges that will come with the Framework Agreement, Krome urged the younger generation to be equipped with ‘the correct history of our struggle’, to know who has contributed to the struggle and who has not.
While there are many who claim to have done so many things without actually contributing to the struggle, there are also people who remain silent despite their tremendous contributions. Understanding the fact of our history and standing for what is right at the right time, is the current need pointed out Krome, because there has been many occasions where Nagas have failed to do or say the right thing at the prompt time.
“But if the young generation, that is you, who are equipped with all kinds of knowledge with information technology at your finger tips, I think Nagas have a bright future. However, if the younger generation, like you and especially NSF as a student body, if you are not able to make interventions when challenges come, the Naga society is bound to be doomed,” asserted Krome.
NSF should mentally be prepared if some kind of intervention comes even this year, affirmed Krome and further questioned if the civil population is ready to take control of the situation as has recently happened in Turkey and elsewhere.
“As we celebrate this 70th Independence Day, let us not forget that there are 70 more independence days to be celebrated where we can celebrate in real jubilation. Let us try to make some happiness for ourselves and for the younger generation,” concluded Krome.
For 70 long years, we have raised our flags without enjoying the blessings of sovereignty, said Dr. Bohotoli Achumi, Secy. Edn & Communication, NBCC, who prayed that God will make the Naga nation great one day, even though it may be small at the moment.
NSF President Subenthung Kithan in his Presidential address, highlighted in brief, the history of the Naga political struggle and the reason Nagas celebrate Naga Independence day on August 14.
