N Kitovi Zhimomi
Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN
I praise Almighty Jehovah for preserving the Naga people and Nation. His Grace and Mercy is sufficient for us.
MY heart remembers the pioneers of Naga National movement, the thousands of brave men and women, from all comers of ancestral Naga homeland, who have gone before us. May their offsprings he blessed. We stand on their vision and goal faithfully till today.
14th August is an immortal date in the history of the Naga people. On this day in 1947, Naga people chose to live as their ancestors had from ancient times; undisturbed, unchained, as a people and nation, free from conquerors and tyrants. The Naga pioneers were convinced that neither the departing British nor the newly formed independent India had the right to occupy and rule over them. I am thankful to Almighty God that the Naga people continue to uphold this spirit although the map of the world has changed drastically since 1947.
Much water has flown down the Dhansiri River in the last seven decades but Naga political movement has not lost its meaning and soul. Generations of Indian armies, led by efficient commanders have shed much blood trying to capture our land. Many failed and went home lifeless, draped in tricolour. Yet, It is a sad reality that our land is occupied and administered by India and therefore the reason for prolonged political conflict followed by ceasefire and political negotiations. The fierce Naga warriors of the bygone days are long gone, lost and buried in the hills. Today thousands of their sons and daughters, the grandsons and grand daughters are serving the Indian government. This is also a reality we must admit. Nagas have evolved socially and political. Nevertheless, every single Naga was, and is a patriot, involved at one point or another playing a role in securing our God given land in so many different ways, raising generations of Nagas who will someday remember and renew their fathers', grandfathers' supreme sacrifices. Death, to a Naga patriot, was and is a mentally prepared necessary call even today, because the desire to defend the land of our forefathers, their history and identity, for many, is a life well lived.
Today, I am aware that there are too many Naga political groups evoking alike a sense of bitterness, shame and hopelessness from our people. Sadly, under various factors and circumstances different political groups have arised. Only time will tell whether they succumbed to the policies of various agencies, anti-solution elements in Nagaland state, for fame and wealth or to really find a solution to our Naga problem. Yet, despite the personal differences, all the political groups, save for few, are either in Ceasefire or in similar status quo with the Got, co-ordinating to secure an acceptable and honourable political solution on the basis of Agreed Position, signed on 17th November 2017. Securing political solution for future Naga generations is our goal and on this crucial historic matter, personal differences amongst us do not matter. This has been conveyed clearly to the Got officially.
All negotiating entities have successfully completed political negotiations with the Got as on 31" October 2019, and therefore philosophical theories at this hour is not really appropriate for the Naga people and the impending political solution.
I hope and pray for God's wisdom to be upon our people, especially the Tribal 'Mhos, apex civil societies, intellectuals, the village headmen on the ground, the Church and all practical thinking Nagas. We must rise above our differences, threats, fear and intimidations and prepare a robust ground for an acceptable and honourable lndo-Naga political solution.
GOD BLESS NAGALAND!
