18th Naga Unification Day Anniversary Speech by Alezo Venuh

My dear comrades, respected elders, cherished friends, and fellow builders of our nation,

As I stand before you today, I do so in humble recognition of the Truce Agreement into which we entered eighteen years ago. The historic convention of 22 November 2007 marked the beginning of a shared journey: a solemn commitment to strengthen the Naga revolutionary movement through unity, clarity of purpose, and shared sacrifice.

Today, as we commemorate this Unification Day, the significance of that decision has only grown deeper. The circumstances before us are compelling the Naga national leadership towards a broader, more profound understanding, and perhaps towards an honourable and enduring political solution.

The journey that commenced at Vihokhu was by no means an easy path. It was a road swept by storms—of hardship, conflict, internal crises, and trials of every imaginable kind. We endured grief and tragic losses that left indelible marks on our hearts. Yet, despite these tribulations, we remained steadfast together. These eighteen years of our collective existence will be inscribed in golden letters in the history of the Naga national movement.

As a principal participant in political negotiations with the Government of India, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Unification) carried the aspirations of our people—the hope for a secure, dignified, and stable geopolitical future for all Nagas. Our participation affirmed a fundamental truth: that the Naga political movement stands with dignity and recognition, not only within India, but across South Asia.

The once-prevailing labels of “insurgent” and “outlaw” have now disappeared from official and political discourse. This transformation emerged through the Agreed Position of 2017, signed between the NNPGs and the Government of India—a landmark document that acknowledged the Naga political identity and opened the door for structured negotiations.

Six years have passed since the formal conclusion of the talks. The time has now come to work towards a holistic, inclusive, and final solution. We have done everything within our power to secure an honourable status, identity, and future for the Naga people. The responsibility before us is to construct the implementation mechanism—to translate what has already been negotiated into a workable political reality on the ground.

At this delicate juncture, doubting one another, revisiting matters long settled, or engaging in claims and counterclaims will serve only to sow confusion, conflict, and sociopolitical instability. Such a climate would merely create space for the Government of India to postpone the Naga political settlement indefinitely.

What truly matters today are the understandings already achieved between the Government of India and both negotiating groups. These understandings form the foundational pillars upon which the political future of our people may be built.

The Framework Agreement of 3 August 2015 stands as a historic milestone, recognising a model of “sovereign power-sharing” with India. Likewise, the Agreed Position of 17 November 2017—though different in form—clearly articulates the political stand of the Nagas and establishes the basis of negotiation.

The real substance lies in the seventeen major constitutional clauses and the accompanying operational clauses, which together outline the future political and administrative structure of Nagaland and all Naga areas. Thus, the most urgent need of the hour is this: all Naga national leaders must come together, develop a full understanding of the matters already resolved, and harmonise these positions into a single comprehensive document that can lead to a final accord. Let success be shared by all. Let failures, misunderstandings, and past grievances be laid to rest.

We must also remind ourselves that the world is advancing at an unprecedented pace. The second quarter of the twenty-first century is upon us. If we continue to delay peace, stability, and new opportunities, we risk committing a grave injustice against our younger generation. They deserve the chance to become global citizens—to excel in science, technology, entrepreneurship, and every frontier of modern knowledge. They must rise as the torchbearers of a peaceful, self-reliant, and progressive Naga society.

We must recognise that global priorities are undergoing rapid transformation, and India itself is emerging as a major global decision-maker. If we are to secure our rightful place in this evolving world order, we must proceed with wisdom, unity, and responsibility.

On this sacred Unification Day, let us renew our solemn pledge. Let this occasion serve as a tribute to our ancestors and national workers who dreamt of a golden era for the Naga people. They bequeathed to us visions of hope, courage, and unity—and entrusted us with the duty of realising those dreams.

In honour of their sacrifices, in loyalty to the future of our people, and in steadfast commitment to the spirit of unification born on 22 November 2007, let us work together to bring this phase of the Naga political journey to a dignified and conclusive end.

May God grant us unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and strength of character to complete the work entrusted to us.

KUKNALIM!

God bless Nagaland.

Alezo Venuh,

Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN (U).