Republic Day Message of GPRN/NSCN Chairman Gen. Retd. M B Neokpao Konyak. 21st March 2019.
The Lord Almighty has never forsaken the Naga Nation, despites the trials and tribulations within and outside. It is through God’s mercy and forgiveness that we bear witness to the present times. On this historic day 40 (forty) years ago, another golden page was inserted into Naga history when a decision was adopted to make the Naga Nation a peoples republic- confirming to basic principles of democracy. I salute the indomitable spirit of Naga freedom fighters. The stories and sacrifice ones parents, grandparents or great grandfathers- whether it is WW1 participation in Europe, the declaration of independence in 1947, the Plebiscite of 1951, the great guerrilla warfare and civilian groupings in the 1950s and 1960s, trekking to east Pakistan etc. are first-hand information. Dear Naga brothers and sisters, we are not living in a borrowed land, borrowed history or borrowed political struggle. None of the civil or military workers in the GPRN/NSCN came midway into the Naga Political movement. It is too insensitive on the part of those who indulge in playing a pioneer’s role without having played any role at the beginning. The bloodline and the foundation of Naga Nationhood cannot be interpreted to suit ones distorted political narrative. GPRN/NSCN, along with other NNPGs has, thus far, followed a committed path towards resolving political issue with GOI without compromising on the core values of our history and political rights. The spirit of 1951 Plebiscite guides the present political negotiations between GOI and working committee (WC). We are confident that an honourable and acceptable political solution is not far, given the fact that today there is an official documents as signed between GOI and Nagas which says, “GOI recognises the political and historical rights of the Nagas to self-determine their future in consonant with their distinct identity”. In this endeavour, I appreciate the working committee (WC) and primarily the leadership on NNC/FGN, NNC (Parent Body), NSCN-R, NNC/GDRN, NNC/NPGN, NSCN/GPRN (K) for possessing the wisdom and vision for a common Naga aspiration. I also acknowledge the great mediatory role played by tribal Hohos, customary guardians, students’ bodies, mothers, churches and prayer warriors and prominent Naga civil societies thus far in the on-going political dialogue. Although turbulent political upheavals in the past have diminished the Naga peoples legitimate political and historical rights, there is a visible change and momentum shift by which the Naga people can regroup, explore a political approach through political negotiations with the Government of India. Despite ideological differences, there is a clear understanding and desire on the part of NNPG’s to forge a path towards a political future through negotiation with the GOI. WC in close collaboration and partnership with Naga tribes and civil societies will insist on honestly, integrity, transparency in the process and secure an honourable and acceptable political solution.
God bless Nagaland!
