Dear countrymen,
First of all I give thank to the Almighty God for sustaining us once again to celebrate this momentous historic day of our Nation. Dear fellow citizens of the republic of Nagaland let us retrospect and clearly understand the legal action that were laid down by our past leaders at the right time for the bright future of our Nation. Our pioneer leaders declared the age-old Naga Independence on the 14th of August 1947, the Plebiscite of 1951, the total non-participation of India’s first General elections imposed on the Nagas and the establishment of the Federal Government of Nagaland on the 22nd of March, 1956 at Parashen in Rengma Region. Despite our rightful proclamation and stand of the Nagas, great neighbor India invaded our country; and committing the act of aggression on Nagaland and continues till today. Her forceful occupation of Nagaland is therefore an unimaginable. Nevertheless, we have been defending our God-given national rights by sacrificing our lives and our all and shall continue to do so.
The Indo-Naga issue has marred our relationship with India due to her act of aggression upon our nation. We had to fight a defensive war in which many lives have been lost on both sides until the bilateral Ceasefire of 1964 between the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), the Government of India (GOI). However, rather than honoring the Ceasefire India created further turmoil of unimaginable dystopian proportions within our nation. In spite of the trouble, we have remained true and steadfast to our commitment as a sovereign people and nation to live as honorable neighbors with goodwill toward India. The answer to the question as to why India aggressed upon Nagaland and continued to occupy our nation is multi-faceted and contextual. India invaded Nagaland because of her fear and insecurity of her powerful neighbor China and because she had no confidence in the Nagas being able to govern themselves effectively: an assumption borne out of her deep rooted caste system (which still plagues her society) and her myopic perception of Nagas as tribals. Therefore, when India invaded Nagaland the Naga civilians were treated inhumanly. Thus, the supposedly great nation India transgressed upon the right of another country due to her fears, insecurities and her caste based myopic cultural worldview.
Today India continues to occupy our sovereign nation. Why? It is because of geopolitics and the play of money. It is because India still feels insecure and fearful of her powerful competitor China in the spheres of economy, military and regional power struggle. Our sovereign nation has become a regional playground of geopolitics with hollow promises of wealth and prosperity which even when fulfilled will just be crumbs compared to other nations who are at the helm. Another reason why India still illegally occupies Nagaland is because of her military. Our country has become both a training ground for covert and overt operations and a moneymaking machine for India’s military. India’s military intelligence and Research Analysis Wing (RAW) plants dissension within our country while they pretentiously seem to calm things down by using other agencies and so called “civil society organizations.” Nagaland is in such a situation that even if India is willing to withdraw; her military may refuse to do so by giving false account and reports. This is because Nagaland has become a money making machine for her military. By the farcical and invalid assumption that Nagaland is part of India, Government of India has effectively implemented the so called ‘Armed Forces Special Powers Act’ and thereby ridiculously placing Nagaland under the term ‘Disturbed Area’, a nation which they themselves have disturbed. Under these circumstances India’s military gets extra perks and allowances and also gets the chance to dabble their hands at illegal trade of drugs, gold, precious stones, areca nuts, timber etc., running into billions of Rupees. This has sometimes created rivalry amongst them leading to assassinations and ambushes by using the drug cartels or the so called political groups/factions that her intelligence agencies themselves have set up. Besides her military and other agencies, Oil companies under the patronage of government of India and her agencies are now clandestinely venturing well within our borders to extract oil and natural gas without the knowledge of the Nagas at large. Moreover, today India is meddling in the civil unrest of Myanmar undermining our very existence in Myanmar occupied Naga territories by encouraging and assisting Myanmarese ethnic minorities to disrupt, divide and claim our lands. Meanwhile, India is attempting to build a fence in the middle of Nagaland claiming it to be the boundary between India and Myanmar. These are dangerous developments that will further escalate the Indo-Naga issue as these are acts of thievery and daylight robbery of a sovereign nation’s mineral wealth and its territories. A thief ought to be treated like a thief and therefore will be treated so.
How I wish I could one day give a speech befitting India as an honorable and dependable neighbor rather than a nation which has aggressed upon our nation and continues to shamelessly occupy it, especially on a day like today. This occupation has stunted and stagnated our growth and progression as a nation: it is in India’s hand to clear herself off of this stigma as an aggressor so that we can live as honorable neighbors.
While presenting a brief picture of our history and the present context that we live in today, it is in our hands to steadfastly stand as a sovereign nation and do the needful for our country. We must continue to march forward with grit and honor no matter how difficult our journey as a sovereign nation maybe. Today, by virtue of the historic establishment of our Republic, the Federal Government of Nagaland will take into perspective the above-mentioned circumstances and take serious cognizance on these issues which impedes our sovereign nation. Too many lives have been lost in the defense of our country and those of us who are living today, both old and young, ought to bequeath the coming generations a legacy worthy to be carried into the distant future. I implore you to keep in mind that our inheritance belongs to us and to none will it be surrendered. This should be our legacy. I therefore, call upon the young Naga people to come forward and shoulder the responsibility of our Nation and take it forward.
God bless Nagaland and Happy Republic Day!
KUKNALIM.
Gen. (Retd.) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, FGN
Dear Comrades.
It is a great honour and God’s given grace for me to be addressing you once again as your President of NNC/GDRN (N-A) Keeping closed to our hearts, This historic and remarkable day, “The Naga Republic day”. I most humbly submit before our creator and give glory and praises to our Almighty for sustaining and enduring with us so far, In spite of our infidelities.
On this auspicious and memorable Day, I urge upon our Younger generation, to retrospect and reminisced about our forefathers, who willingly gave theirs everything for our survival and for the better future of our generation. Every Naga household gave, contributed and sacrificed something for our Naga National course. The Autocracies, sufferings, domination under the regime of Indian union brought about immeasurable pain and sufferings to our Naga homeland. Which can never be erased or be forgotten. This generation still feels the burn of those times and it is you young Gen Z to rise up and fight for all our rights and freedom. Its’ time we move out of our comfort zone and challenged the very nature of our existences.
On this 69th Naga republic day. It is befitting for us all Nagas to remind ourselves of the path that our forefathers, Pioneers and elders paved for us to toil. Envisioning the future and laid down the concrete political foundation for us. Which should always be in the core of our hearts, to remember, uphold and cherish.
The memorandum submitted to “Sir Simon Commission” of 10th January 1929. Declaration of ‘Naga Independences Day’ on 14th August 1947 and the historic ‘Naga Plebiscite’ day of May 16th 1951 speak for itself the magnanimous thoughts of our pioneers for our future Generation.
Dear Friends, NNC/GDRN (N-A) as a servant and representatives of the People, In consonances with other Naga Political groups had been working tirelessly and continuously, through dialogue and discussion for permanent, honourable and mutually acceptable and lasting solution to the longest political conflict in the modern history and to end the long prostrated Naga Political issues. The NNC/GDRN (N-A) under the charismatic Convener-ship of Mr N. Kitovi Zhimomi had the honour of signing the historic “Agreed Position” of 17th November 2017 and the talk successfully concluded on 31st October, 2019 by which it further strengthen our resolute to carry forward the legacy of our forefathers for self determination.
However it is very unfortunate and pertinent to mention here that, In the recent past, We have to witness a mushrooming of grandiose self-styled Individuals and groups, trumpeting as National workers trying to highjack the legitimate and publicly mandated Govt for their own personal gain and satisfaction. Its’ such group or Organisation who are confusing and creating chaos in our Patriotic Naga society. but let us not be swayed away or be confused by such propaganda of some few.
Today on this Naga Republic Day, I humbly called upon on all able Nagas with Patriotic sentiments to came forward and let the fire of rage within us sore with favour of thousands suns, for we stand on the precipice of history ready to embark on a journey that will define the very essences of who we are and what we are. The call for all Nagas to unite resonate within each one of us. It is truly a call for oneness to reclaim our rightful place in our great Nation. We must rise not as an individual but as a collective force in pursuit of our liberation. Every Naga by blood has a role to play in this clash of Titans.
On this Historic 69th Naga Republic Day, I urge the Younger Naga youths to seize this moment and opportunity to shape our future that this generation deserve and is worthy of. Together we can overcome any obstacle, tackle any foe and with collective will, we can reignite the slogan “Nagaland for Christ” Let us all keep aside our differences and shed our egos and raise above our adversaries as one collective force, enabling divine intervention to guide us in our every steps forward. let us all NNPGs emphasis on oneness, forgiveness, love and peace and pursuit our ultimate goal together as one entity.
The supreme sacrifices of our Elders, Patriots and those martyrs for our Nation may never go in vain, I urge all Nagas to salute and pay rich homage to all those, who have nobly sacrificed their lives for our today and for their perseverance and dedication for our better future.
I with deep regret, apologised to my Naga Comrades, For all the discord and disunity within the spectrum of Naga Political groups. However, I do expresses my profound gratitude to all the Ranks and files of NNC/GDRN (N-A) family for their indomitable resolution, intensity and endurance exhibited all these recent turbulent times and selflessly standing firm in defences of our Govt and our Nation at large. Let us all not forget that our Almighty God watches over us all and has a Greater plan prepared for our Naga Nation. Let us in unison declared to the world that we will not rest until our dream and aspiration is fulfil.
Lastly, The Naga National council. Government of the Democratic republic of Nagaland (Non-Accord) acknowledge and appreciate the unwavering support of all Prayer warriors, Naga CSOs, Apex Tribal bodies, NGOs, Students’ Organisation, etc. May our Father God, Protect, , Bless, Guide and lead us as always.
“God Almighty Bless our Nagaland”
Kuknalim
Kiumukam Yimkhiung
President, NNC/GDRN (N-A)
My dear Naga brothers and sisters, we gather to commemorate a momentous occasion in our collective history — the 46th anniversary of our beloved Naga Republic. This day serves as a poignant reminder of our people’s unwavering resilience, unshakeable determination, and unrelenting pursuit of freedom and self-determination. As we reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of our forebears, we honor their memory and legacy. We pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought tirelessly for our rights, our culture, and our very way of life. Their blood, sweat, and tears have paved the way for us to enjoy the freedoms we cherish today. We remember the courageous leaders who spearheaded our struggle for independence, who defied the odds, and who refused to yield in the face of adversity. We reall the countless sacrifices made by our people. the families torn apart, the lives lost, and the communities displaced.
Yet, even in the midst of struggle and hardship. our people have remained steadfast, united, and resolute. We have drawn strength from our shared heritage, our rich cultural traditions, and our unwavering commitment to our common cause.
As we celebrate this milestone. I urge you all to recommit yourselves to the principles of unity, Justice, and equality that have guided our struggle for self-determination. Let us continue to work together towards a brighter future, where every Naga can live with dignity, pride. and hope.
To our young people. I say: you are the future of our nation. Never forget the sacrifices of those who came before you. Embrace your hentage. and strive to lie the leaders, innovators, and change•makers our nation needs.
To our elders, I express my deepest gratitude for your wisdom, guidance, and unwavering commitment to our cause. Your experience and knowledge are invaluable treasures that we must cherish and learn from.
As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of peace, justice, and reconciliation. Let us continue to engage in meaningful dialogue, to listen to each other’s perspectives, and to work towards a shared vision liar our future.
Let us stand firm for the cause of Nagas common cause in our struggle for Naga freedom. Let us uphold the principles of our forefathers, who fought for our rights and our identity. Let us continue to strive for a future where our people can live in peace, prosperity, and harmony.
To our neighbors and friends, I extend our hand of friendship and cooperation. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our region, where our peoples can live in peace, mutual respect, and understanding.
In closing. I offer my warmest greetings to all Nagas, both at home and abroad, on this momentous occasion. May our collective spirit, resilience, and determination continue to inspire us as we build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.
Long live the Naga Republic!
Long live the Naga people!
May God bless us all.
Shoba Lakhum
President, NPGN/NNC
The lord almighty has never forsaken the Naga Nation despite the trials and tribulations. It is through God’s mercy and forgiveness that we bear witness to the present times. On this historic day 46 years ago, another golden page was inserted into Naga history when a decision was adopted to make the Naga nation a people’s republic conforming to the basic principles of democracy.
I honour the sacrifices of thousands of Naga patriots who gave their lives for our homeland. We remember and take pride in their deeds today.
This is the Era of Democracy where the voice of the people rules. Democracy prevailing over the rule of hereditary kings and titles are no more to be inherited, but it is to be earned with sweat and tears.
The Nagas were governed by hereditary elders and kings in village-states. Some areas had weak councils led by autocratic kings, while others practiced a form of democracy. The people highly admired their traditional kings. However, the national movement eventually challenged and transformed this old system.
There was a time when we had to face the Government of India (G.O.I). Most Nagas, regardless of gender, age, or status, were deeply involved in the movement, and they paid a high price for their commitment. However, this did not lead to any clear results. For example, the 16-Point Agreement of 1960 and the Shillong Accord of 1975 were important steps towards solving the Naga issue and bringing peace to the region. But instead of resolving the Naga issue, these agreements created more divisions and confusion because they did not take all the stakeholders on board while signing those agreements. This is how the Negotiations started and today the GPRN/NSCN partnering with the WC/NNPGs have successfully signed the “Agreed Position” on 17th November 2017 and subsequently completed the negotiations on 31st October 2019 with the Government of India without compromising on the core issues of our History and Political Rights by taking all the civil societies into consideration in the form of Consultative meetings with various organisations, civil societies in different occasions.
“To Everything there is Time and Season” and it is the right time for the Naga People to come together to find a peaceful solution to the long-standing Indo-Naga Political conflict, despite their different beliefs. It is time for all Naga leaders, Civil society groups, and National workers to unite on a single platform. This unity will help urge the Government of India to create a “Common Draft” that combines both the “Framework Agreement” and the “Agreed Position” which have been signed between Government of India and the Naga Political Groups and have concluded since 31st October 2019.
The Nagas in general are anxiously yearning for an early solution, since we Nagas have been kept in abeyance for more than 5 years after the negotiations have been concluded. In the event of any untoward situations that arises due to delayed solution, the Government of India should hold sole responsibility. Now, the Ball is in the court of the Government of India whether to strike a final deal and restore permanent peace in the region and open the pathway to secure the future of the younger Generations or let the Indo naga political Conflict continue without any ray of Hopes.
God Bless
Kuknalim
Maj. (Retd.) R.M. Lotha, President of GPRN/NSCN