Akato Chophi
President, NSCN/GPRN-R (Akato)
Friends, Nagas, Compatriots,
The History of Nagas has been passed down to us from generation to generation, by our predecessors to uphold it and to pass it on to our successors and posterity, until it reaches its logical conclusion.
It also serves as a reminder as to who we Nagas really are.
The much powerful neighbouring Nations, who massively outnumbered us in unparalleled military might, economy, resources and in numbers aimed to subdue us to their will, but much to the dismay of the invading foes, that though they were armed to the teeth, yet they failed to crush the indomitable spirit and the formidable hearts of our brave warriors, who in contrast were but armed with nothing than traditional spears and daos (machetes), stood their grounds in defiance, ready to defend our homeland to the last man standing and choosing to die rather than to yield, and for which eventually led to the Nagas' declaration of freedom and for self determination on 14th August 1947.
Rejoice my fellow Nagas, for though we are but a small race of people and unbeknownst to many, yet here we still stands, proud, hale and mighty with audacity and with no dearth betide as a force to be reckoned with, and the spirits of our ancestors cheering us on, from far beyond their graves.
It is however understood that, considering the contemporary times, the Nagas had also acknowledged some top leaders of GoI (Government of India) and some top Indian Military officials, who opined that, "Military campaign against Naga Issue will be a futile exercise but that which needs to be addressed Politically"
The NSCN also profess in our own inherent instincts that in 'Warfare' there are no winners, but only losers.
Due to the armed conflict and the protracted political issue between GoI-Nagas, much has been lost, yet all is not lost and as we stand at the thresholds of the modern era, where 'Warfare' is being replaced by political negotiations and diplomatic ties, so does the NSCN, also make our points clear.
Nevertheless, any kind of solution that is short of "Inclusiveness, National Principles, Traditional Values and without Pragmatic Approach" will never yield any positive vibe but rather, be mired with political ramifications.
Any 'Political Blasphemy' minus Rationality and the application of dog-eat-dog political design should be avoided at all costs.
Moreover, history has taught us that any political solution short of sincerity and honour, will never be a means to an end, and yet here we are, still witnessing conflicts after conflicts, betrayal after betrayal, treachery after treachery from both outside and within,
Last but not the least, I want to remind my Comrade-in-Arms that we have expressed our desire to be in the ambit of 'Ceasefire' for an honourable political solution to the protracted Naga issue.
However we are yet to receive any positive response from the GoI. Hence if the GoI wants to procrastinate and to keep toying with our peace offer, than the problem of exacerbating the circumstances is with them, since at the very first place, the goal of 'Naga Nationalism' is for the liberation of all Naga Homeland which is the topmost priority and not the 'Ceasefire'
Our Naga pioneers advocated the Naga National Movement in Armed Resistance and as such, if we are to carry on with that legacy, so be it.
I also call upon all my Comrades-in-Arms, to continue to be on red alert at all times, to stand strong and resilient at all times, and to be prepared and ready at all times, to face any eventualities, come what may.
KUKNALIM
"God Bless Nagas, God Bless Our Nation"
Speech on the occasion of Naga Independence Day, August 14, 2024.