Cannot Stay Rooted in Stagnant Past

Republic Day Message of His Excellency The President of the GPRN/NSCN, Gen. (Retd.) MB Neokpao Konyak. 21st March 2020.

I give all Glory and Honour to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for His gracious love, mercy and sustenance of our people. He alone is our refuge and strength.

I acknowledge the sacrifices of thousands of Naga patriots in our long struggle, who laid down their lives in defence of our homeland. We are proud of their deeds. We remember and honour them today.

Friends and comrades, today we are at the doorstep of an eventful historic hour. The dream that our forefathers dreamt is slowly taking shape. The principle of co-existence between nations is on the horizon. The GPRN/NSCN, in equal and close partnership with visionary leadership from FGN/NNC, NSCN (Reformation), GDRN/NNC, NPGN/NNC, NSCN/GPRN (Khango), NNC (Parent Body), have pledged before God Almighty, witnessed by God's faithful servants, GBs and Naga tribal body representatives, to uphold, reassert and strengthen Naga political and historical right, and fulfill the aspiration of our people through a negotiated honourable and acceptable political solution.

The WC, NNPGs are mere messengers of the Naga people. What the Naga people aspire for, then and now, considering the contemporary political realities, we have negotiated in the best possible manner. Week in and week out, the vigorous comprehensive consultations amongst WC, NNPGs and also with the Naga tribes and civil societies, seeking opinions and advices, is unprecedented in Naga political discourse over many decades.

Since the issue is a Naga political issue, by the Nagas and for the Nagas, it defies logic and reasoning why any leader would hide the agreed documents from the people. Without any fear and complacency, the status paper between WC, NNPGs and GOI has been made available to all tribal Hoho, concerned senior leaders and Naga legislators. What is acceptable today, Nagas must have it, leaving the door open for future democratic discourse on unresolved issues. There is a great difference between an idealist and practical man. If we are true patriots, we must first learn to adapt to reality and build our Nation. We cannot stay rooted in the stagnant past. Our young men and women, our children, must be allowed to pursue their dreams and visions.

The Mass Rally of 9th March 2020 in all the district Headquarters and sub-divisions of Nagaland under the aegis of Nagaland GB Federation is a great message to GOI. The many slogans says it all. Nagas are physically and mentally prepared to welcome a political solution. The Naga tribes are aware that WC, NNPGs has been transparent on all issues. The people have acknowledged that honourable and acceptable solution is possible. Nagas must change our perception at a right time. The world is constantly evolving and so must we. Nagas are looking at a peaceful co-existence and enduring relationship with GOI. While the present state boundaries shall remain as they are, the political agreement will be for all Nagas.  The WC, NNPGs has entrenched the 16th may 1951 plebiscite. It was reaffirmed in spirit and essence again on 17th November 2017, by WC, NNPGs through the agreed position.