The Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) observed 62nd Nagaland Republic Day at Transit Peace Camp here on Wednesday. The programme was attended by NCC president Adino Phizo, rank and file of NCC and FGN and the public.
In his address, FGN Kedahge ‘gen.’ (Retd), Viyalie Metha, explained how republics came into being in different countries –– through transition from ancient monarchies to modern republics, from dictatorial rule to democratic rule and transition from years of colonial rule to modern republics with the adoptions of new constitution.
Metha, however, said that for Nagaland’s Republic day, Naga history of transition stood unique and unrivalled by any other nations in the world’s history. He maintained that most of the other courtiers in the world developed from some tribal savage pasts or an oppressive monarchical rule into modern republic states. However, in the case of Nagaland, he said it simply transited from ancient village democratic Republics into modern national democratic republic.
In this transition, Metha said unlike India and Burma (Myanmar), Naga simply adopted a homely and familiar Yehzabo (constitution) that was rooted in their ancient democratic customs and laws.
He reminded that throughout the history, Nagas practiced purest form of democracy where everyone was equal. Metha said it was from this foundation of “pure democracy” that Nagaland Yehzabo was drafted and adopted on January 14, 1956. He said subsequently on March 22, 1956 a democratic federal republic called the Federal Government of Nagaland was proclaimed at Parashen in the Rengma region of Nagaland and the same FGN entered into an international ceasefire agreement with India on September 6, 1964.
Metha saluted the pioneers and patriotic leaders of NNC who laid down the foundation of nationhood. He said that on this auspicious day, the “nation” must remember the events that followed the inauguration of the Federal Republic of Nagaland in 1956.
Earlier, ‘gen.’ (Retd) Viyalie Metha unfurled the Naga national flag.
The programme was led by FGN killo kilonser Shevohü Keyho, Bible reading and prayer by KBC Kohima pastor Rev. Pamo, special presentation by Elevation Choir UBC Kohima, folk song by ‘col.’ Ala and friends while Dziesevilie Kesisezie delivered the benediction.
NSCN (K) appeals
DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): NSCN (K)’s Naga-Myanmar cease-fire office, Lahe town, observed Republic Day prayer programme on March 21 attended by the dignitaries from Naga Self-Administered Zone, representing various ministries and departments, church leaders and NGOs.
MIP in-charge, “col.” Isak Sumi spoke on the significance of Republic Day and highlighted a brief history on 38 years of republic. MIP in-charge reiterated that no force was strong enough to defeat the aspiration of the Nagas to remain a people’s republic on the firm foundation “Nagaland for Christ”. The prayer service was chaired by cease-fire office assistant Paho and Pian, evangelist Lahe Baptist Church, gave the invocation.
On the occasion, NSCN (K) also hailed the “priceless sacrifices” of the pioneers and thousands of courageous Naga patriots that “inspires us to continue the struggle to this day despite overwhelming odds.” It also honoured every brave Naga soldiers fighting in the frontlines and those being held in various prisons and permanently maimed while in the line of duty.
NSCN (K) said that the Nagas were once again being confronted with “monstrous enemy” that gave no regard to the lives of the Nagas both innocent civilian or NSCN workers and also resorting to “every conceivable hoax to demoralise and destroy our freedom struggle.” In this regard, the NSCN (K) has appealed to every Naga to be steadfast in their commitment towards the just cause and to uphold in prayer the organisation under the leadership of S.S.Khaplang to withstand any inimical forces from within and without.
Meanwhile, NSCN (K) has vowed that under no condition it would yield to the treacherous forces but hold on to the inherent rights and dignity of the Nagas at the cost of “our lives,”
Meanwhile, NSCN (K) thanked the Almighty for his abundant grace in sustaining the people’s struggle through thick and thin. It also expressed gratitude to the common Nagas mass, Churches, civil societies including the Naga mothers, students, apex tribe hohos, individual businessmen and various professionals for assisting the “Naga National Movement” in various capacities without any reservation for the last nearly three quarter of a century till today.
NSCN (K) through its MIP stated that on the occasion its law and justice kilonser, Thom, delivered welcome address while medical kilonser, Nyeiton, proposed vote of thanks.
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