Morung Express News
DIMAPUR | AUGUST 14
Sixty two years after the declaration of Naga Independence and more than twelve years of negotiation with the Government of India, the NSCN (I-M) today declared that Naga people will not accept any solution under duress but will accept only a negotiated settlement that is mutually honourable to both the parties.
President (Yuruiwo) of NSCN (I-M) Isak Chishi Swu in his speech, which was read out by kilo kilonser (Home minister) Kedutsü Tsuzuh, on the 63rd Naga Independence Day celebrated here at Camp Hebron, also said that Nagas would not accept three things: “imposition of others laws, suppression of our rights and division of our territory.”
The Yuruiwo in his speech reminded that Nagas have been fighting more than six decades for their legitimate right and that Nagas were not fighting for compromising their political right under the Constitution of India nor the Constitution of Myanmar. Swu said that while the world is presently searching for peace and prosperity, there are some countries still invading and trying to suppress other nations and people. “Drawing the international boundary by brute force is not acceptable. It should be overridden,” he said.
Swu called upon the international community to condemn aggression, suppression and oppression and to assist in resolving the Indo-Naga political conflict within the justice system of the world.
While calling attention to the plight of Naga people on all fronts, the NSCN (I-M) president however exhorted that temporary hardship must not be allowed to stand in the way of freedom. “We must march on to reach the destined land where all Naga people will live together in peace and prosperity without fear,” he said.
Paying tributes to Naga freedom fighters who had laid down their lives for the sake of Naga nation, Swu also acknowledged the role played by the Church leaders and civil society in bringing about reconciliation among various warring Naga groups, through the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). “I call upon all the Naga people to extend whole hearted support to bring fruition to the effort of FNR,” the Yuruiwo said.
Kilo kilonser Kedutsü Tsuzuh, who was the chief guest in today’s celebration in his address, said Naga leaders in the past had taken one right decision, the decision that Nagas have the inalienable and indisputable right to choose their own destiny. “To defend and nurture Nagalim is not a choice but an obligation,” the kilo kilonser reminded. Tsuzuh further thanked the NSCN collective leadership for lifting the Naga issue from the “ashes of the treacherous Shillong Accord” to the highest political status.
Emissary to collective leadership, “retd Gen” VS Atem in his address refuted media reports that consultations were on between the Government of India and NSCN to hammer out a solution to Naga problem within the framework of the India Constitution. He termed such reports as “sheer propaganda.” Atem asserted that there can be no solution so long as Nagas are divided and kept divided.
Representatives from Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Tirap Students’ Union, Eastern Naga People’s Organization (ENPO) and Naga Women Hoho, also spoke on the occasion. Highlights of the day-long celebration was marked by songs and dances presented by various Naga cultural troupes and individuals. On the occasion, the NSCN (I-M) also announced declaration of military decorations.
