We give all glory and honor to God, the Creator of our Nation, for His peace and grace over our land. The GPRN/NSCN under the leadership of Chairman Gen. (Retd.) M.B Neokpao Konyak, General Secretary N Kitovi Zhimomi, convey warm regards to our people far and near, on the occasion of the 70th Naga Independence day.
It is a solemn day to remember and salute our patriots, the leaders and the followers, who undertook the great task of proclaiming and declaring the freedom of the British Administered Naga areas on 14th August 1947. By this historic declaration, on the eve of the withdrawal of British power from the Indian subcontinent, a small part of Naga homeland controlled and administered by the British, namely the present Union Territory (Dimapur), Angami Region (Kohima) Ao Region, (Mokokchung), Lotha Region (Wokha), a part of Sumi Region (Zunheboto), Chakhesang and Pochury Regions (Phek) Zealiangrong Region (Peren), outrightly rejected foreign domination and occupation to merge with those of the unadministered, uncontrolled, independent free Nagas. Thus a great political step was accomplished by the occupied Nagas towards a greater unified political identity. Thousands of lives have, since then, been sacrificed to uphold the right to self determination of the Naga people.
In the 19th century, India was not more than a vague idea of a nation, comprising of more than five hundred independent princely states all fighting against each other through treachery and deceit mostly orchestrated by the British. Even then, the Naga villages had evolved and established their own political, economic and social order administered by warrior chieftains and their deputies. Though inter-village rivalry and headhunting existed, the familiar customs and traditions of different Naga tribes all points to the existence of the basic national identity long before British administration touched Nagaland in 1826.
Today, the Naga people’s aspiration for sovereignty has been reduced to a game of autonomy and special economic privileges. The focal view of the much hyped framework agreement of 3rd August 2015 between GOI and NSCN (IM) is more of economic arrangement for a particular section rather than a political solution for all Nagas. The sane voices of intellectuals, pioneers and actual stakeholders are being drowned by the preposterous and adulatory statements of few sponsored NGOs, civil societies and the Nagaland state government. These remote controlled leaders are fomenting future conflict within the Naga family and it is very important that they become servants of Nagaland rather than servants of one faction. The people of Nagaland have rejected political agreements in the past which did not have their consent and approval. Let it be reminded that the people wield greater power and authority than the signatories of agreements. There is no political crime greater than insulting a people’s history.
On how a peaceful and acceptable political solution could be achieved, The GPRN/NSCN led by Gen, (Recd.) M.B Neokpao and N. Kitovi Zhimomi has conveyed its stand and position clear to the GOI. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s gesture is appreciated but a talk with a single faction will not end the Indo-Naga political issue. Naga issue cannot be solved behind closed doors and with one man. Every Naga tribe occupies a compact and specific area since time immemorial. Many dwell under Myanmar, and Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, all divided without their consent. The present Nagaland state and the tribes inhabiting it have been the fortress and the inexhaustible reservoir of freedom fighters. An agreement between GOl and a single faction, shrouded in mystery for more than a year do not augur well for the people of Nagaland. Pre-emptive publicity blitz, deputing officials to every nuke and corner of Nagaland to preach solution will not bring solution. The tribes of Nagaland are being treated like fools as though they do not understand english language spoken by Indian leaders with regard to Naga sovereignty and Integration of Nagas areas. GPRN/NSCN will, together with our people, pursue a comprehensive political discourse that is transparent and charted by the people.
GPRN/NSCN believes that the future of the people of Nagaland is no less important than that of the future of Burma Nagas, Manipur Nagas, Assam Nagas or Arunachal Nagas. The secret nature of the talks demands all stakeholders in Nagaland to be aware of the political theatrics being employed at different levels to harass our conscience and judgment. The mountains and hills of Nagaland, where the bones of thousands of freedom fighters lay buried, will curse us should we fail to provide a secure and honorable future for our children.
