Limalenden Longkumer
Süngratsü Village | August 15
Use of force will only harden the hearts of the people. The “63rd Naga Independence Day Celebration” of the “Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim” was observed at Süngratsü village, about 18 kilometres away from Mokokchung town, on August 14.
Although no confrontations were reported, there was tension mounting high as the Assam Rifles personnel were deployed around the village and the venue of the celebration. The Indian military was also found manning the village’s gate, capturing photographs of everyone entering the village. NSCN (IM)’s convenor of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, ‘Major General’ Phungthing, who was in the village as guest of honour, said that the Assam Rifles tried to stop the celebration. “They still think that force will solve the issue. It will only harden the hearts of the people,” he summed up.
The day began with the chief guest, Tongmeth Wangnao, Speaker of Tatar Hoho, unfurling the Naga National flag. He also read out the Independence Day speech of the Yaruiwo, Isak Chishi Swu. Villagers of host village Süngratsü, young and old alike, assembled at the village center by 8:00am in the morning to witness the proceedings of the day. Invitees, ‘national workers’ and people from all walks of life made their way to the village to attend the celebration.
Ao Senden president Lendinokdang, during his speech, said that the celebration was the “right occasion for exchange of views and ideas”. He regretted that the movement that started with “one vision, one goal and one doctrine” had splintered into several today. While encouraging that Nagas should work as one people, he said that no nation can survive unless there is accountability in its actions. He added that the GPRN’s accountability to the people is needed so that the nation may survive. He also said that all men are born equal and that all men are equal before the eyes of God and of law. He emphasised on the importance of the principle of equality and peace so that Nagas may live a harmonious existence. He also felt the need to observe the ‘National Days’.
Akum Kichu, speaking on behalf of the Ao Kaketshir Telongjem (AKM), echoed the voice of the young Ao Nagas that they hope and pray that “the dream of free Nagaland will come true some day”. He said that there is never a wrong time to do the right thing. Saying that geographical area or economic power does not determine the status of a nation, Aoshiang, who spoke on behalf of the Senior Citizens Forum of Mokokchung, said that Nagas are a nation too.
He thanked Süngratsü village, an “active village in the history of Naga political movement since its early days”, for hosting the ‘Independence Day Celebration’. He also added that integrity and discipline on the part of the ‘national leaders’ are required to lead the Naga nation. He regretted that the historic Plebiscite of 1951 was being negated by the existence of “4/5 factions today”.
Arep Jamir, Deputy Kilonser, Kilo Affairs, in his speech said that the mandate of the Naga people rests with the ‘collective leadership’ and hoped that the people continue to pray and support the Naga cause.
Convenor of Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, ‘Major General’ Phungthing, reminded that Nagas want to be free and that they do not want to live under suppression. “God gave freedom, man cannot suppress it,” he said. He challenged the Aos by saying that they must realise that when they were there in the beginning, they will also be there in the end. On the ongoing negotiations with the Government of India, he said that during the twelve years, “we’ve not negotiated to surrender our rights. Remember, we will not fail you in our time, as our collective leadership said.”
Maj Gen Phungthing said that God did not give the Nagas a timid heart; that God did not say that Nagas must live under suppression. “God gave us a nation.” He wondered if India, the world’s biggest democracy, was afraid to let the Nagas go. He said that it is the Naga people who will decide for themselves what they want. “When the time comes, we will come to the people again and ask. You are the one who will decide. We are negotiating with the government of India.”
“We will come to you when the time comes,” he repeated. “Be ready.” He also said that the people are sovereign and that sovereignty rests with the people. “It is our right. It is ours to decide.” He also encouraged the Nagas to be ready to give the best they can for the love of the nation.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by the Süngratsü Village Council chairman. Tia Imchen, CAO Ao Region, delivered the vote of thanks. The celebration was also marked by cultural activities where Chuchuyimlang Cultural troupe, Aosüngkum Cultural Club of Mokokchung village and the Mopungchuket Tazü Lenden Cultural Club performed. The villagers also “sounded the victory drum” on the village’s log-drum. The day culminated with a mass Independence Day feast.
