Dimapur, March 22 (MExN): On the 67th Anniversary of the formation of Republic Federal Government of Nagaland, Kedahge Gen (Retd) Viyalie Metha said that it was time for the Naga people “to rise up together, as one people and rebuild our nation into a God-fearing nation.”
Greeting the people of Urra Village and Chakhroma Region, he expressed gratitude for hosting the celebrations and for their hospitality and generosity.
In his message, Metha said that Naga forefathers “were never under the subjugation of any foreign rule. They lived in a self-sufficient and self-regulated village republic.”
He said that rivalries and fights for leadership were unheard of. “Hardwork, honesty, courage and loyalty were the four pillars of the society,” he said while adding that preserving one's honour and integrity and practicing modesty and humility are integral to the Naga way of life.
“We must never let go of such values. As a people, we must strive to respect and preserve our language and our dress because they are our identity. They reflect our culture and custom and conserve our way of life. It is as important as protecting our land,” he said.
According to Metha, it was in this context that the concept of ‘Urra u vie (our land is ours)’ encompasses not only the land but also culture, customs, language, dress, beliefs and way of life.
Giving a brief account on the historical aspect of the Naga political movement, he underscored that successive Indian leaders have said that they had never invaded any country in their history. “But the first thing they did after their independence from Britain was to invade our peaceful land. Today India tries to portray itself as an advocate of 'peace' while they stand guilty of committing war crimes and continue to deploy its force to commit wicked atrocities on our people,” he said.
However, he maintained that throughout all the years of pain and tears, “our eternal God has been our refuge and strength. In our darkest moments He answered our prayers, for we did not flee our land nor did we become refugees in a foreign land. No, we stayed put to defend and protect what is ours.”
Referring to various events such as the March 27, 1880 verbal Peace Agreement made between Pelhou Dolie and Britian's Brigadier General in Mezoma village, the Simon Commission memorandum of 1929, formation of NNC in 1946, declaration of Independence in 1947, Plebiscite of 1951, and several other occasions, he said it was “By the grace of God our forefathers and past leaders were able to do the right thing at the right time.”
“As citizens of this God- created nation, each day we strive to continue the legacy of our forefathers as we envision the fulfilment of a graceful and God-fearing nation…My dear countrymen, it's time for us to rise up together, as one people and rebuild our nation into a God-fearing nation,” he added.
