The 70th Naga Independence Day Speech Delivered By Brig.(Retd) S. Singnya, Kedahge, Federal Government Of Nagaland
Dear Countrymen, On this day, the 14th of August 2016, the Federal Government of Nagaland greets all Naga citizens on this historic occasion of the 70th Naga Independence Day. We are grateful to our Almighty God for His continued protection, guiding hand and sustenance. The same spirit of Nationalism that guided our pioneers and forebears will continue to lead us to our destined place in the sun.
The Federal Government of Nagaland has always stood firm and resolute on the “historical and political rights of the Nagas.” The foundation upon which we stand is reinforced by every move we make and every step we take. We will continue to walk the same path. As the Nation pays our homage to all those patriots who are no more with us today, we hold onto the same belief with those who willingly sacrificed their lives in the course of their National duty believing that one day Nagas without any territorial limit will be free from the powers that sought to throttle the voice of freedom and liberty. Today we hear the voices of those opposed to us and try to manipulate our destiny and many people in the name of modernity and advancement consider us as fools and dreamers in pursuit of an unrealistic and impossible dream. However, we are ready to be considered as fools for what we believe to be right and be called by names for Naga historical and political rights to be preserved and guarded. The language of modernity has diluted the Naga language of SOVEREIGNTY. For us Sovereignty is an absolute term, Sovereignty cannot be partial and that though power can be shared Sovereignty cannot be shared. We fight for a sovereignty that will resonate within us, a nation having complete freedom to shape and decide our own destiny and policy, a freedom no longer under any powers trying to dominate and take advantage of situations to suit their vested interests. The NNC/FGN reiterates that anything short of political sovereignty would be a treachery to our people and the Naga Cause and a betrayal to the blood of the thousands of lives that have been sacrificed for the Naga Nation.
In the last 7 (seven) decades, our lands without our knowledge or consent have been divided and fragmented and our National Movement demean to that of a secessionist movement and an insurgency. On top of all these, Draconian laws which have no place in other parts of any modern civilized society like Disturbed Area Act under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958 is continued to be imposed in the Naga inhabited areas to suppress and throttle the cry for freedom and under the protection of this Act the Indian army continues to perpetrate inhuman and barbaric atrocities on our people. The continued imposition of such obsolete laws also depicts the harsh reality of how the so called largest democracy in the world is oppressing a small neighboring nation with all its might and forcefully occupying it, much against the will and wishes of the people and of how Peace is prevailing in our land. The desire of the Nagas to live in peaceful coexistence with our neighbors should not be construed as a sign of weakness and we cannot afford to allow the powers that be to buy time to destroy the very fabrics of our innate rights.
We have chosen to follow the path of our great and visionary leaders, pioneers and predecessors and we have never lost sight of what they have laid for us. Had it not been for the declaration of our independence on this very day in 1947, where would we be today? And had it not been for the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 and had we not put our thumb impressions to say “we are Nagas and not Indians” and we will forever be free without the interference of any external nation, what would we be today?
The historic declaration and the momentous action exhibit our historical and political rights before the whole world. As such, the NNC/FGN holds these twin planks as the foundation pillars of our political movement and our unassailable right.
The NNC/FGN stands to preserve the long cherished dream of the Nagas. For this very reason the NNC/FGN has embarked on ‘A Journey of Common Hope’ initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation with the other Naga Political Groups. Our stand is clear. We have committed ourselves to the reconciliation among the Naga Political Groups to hammer out our differences so that we can harbor on our common goal, namely, the Naga historical and political rights and making it stand at the forefront of our political movement. We will sail with full trust, honor our commitment and the trust that our people has reposed in us. We have the will power that is mightier than the military weapons or the economic power with which the Nagas have often been oppressed and lured with. Our will power is our strength as it has always been and will continue to be. Our unity and our resolute decision to carry on as one people is the legacy that we can leave to the future generations.
The NNC/FGN notes with regret the erosion of our good traditional values and culture which are being supplanted by alien cultures. It is a matter of concern that our good traditional values of hard work, honesty, simplicity and social moral values which we cherish are fast disappearing from our society and we have adopted many alien cultures. Our existence, our religious practices and even our food habits appear to be in danger of being overridden by alien ethos, cultures, food habits and religious belief and practices if the present indications are anything to go by. Our tribal culture of living in harmony with nature is gradually being overtaken by consumerism which is evident in the massive destruction of our green forests. The age old practice of exploiting the natural resources for our needs to the present exploitation of these resources for commercial purposes is unfortunate. We have to be ever watchful and not complacent so that we are not overwhelmed and totally submerged by the tidal waves around us. We must stay strong and focused.
Today, we celebrate with pride and honor those who have made the supreme sacrifice for the National Cause for it is because of them we can stand up with pride today in the midst of all the trials and difficulties. To all who have stood steadfast, I congratulate you. My special salute goes to the recipients of the awards and commendations for the dedication and sacrifice you have made.
As we celebrate this historic day, I wish to acknowledge and put on record my appreciation and gratitude to all our people who are praying for and observing this day throughout the world. We ought not to take pride nor rest on our laurels for the strenuous journey we have undertaken thus far because much is still required of us. Let us rededicate ourselves today to what we all hold dear, right and true till we reach our destination and attain our rightful place among the Nations of the world.
God bless you and KUKNALIM
.JPG)
