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Dimapur, Aug. 13 (EMN): As Nagas commemorate 75th years of the declaration of Independence on August 14, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) has demanded an undivided Naga homeland with a self-determined future as it wanted a ‘new relationship based on good faith that ensures human rights, justice, and peaceful co-existence for all the stakeholders including India, Myanmar, and the Nagas.’
“Every August 14, since 1947, we have observed the Naga declaration of Independence as an act of self-affirmation against this lesser-human-beings status imposed on us as a people by others. We commemorate our elders’ declaration of independence despite the fact that the declaration has not become a political reality. Observing the day is important to us,” a statement from GNF media cell said.
It added that observing the day allowed the Nagas to claim its proud history of resisting colonial rule and renew their determination to continue standing up for their indigenous right to self-determination.
“It is an intentional enactment of our commitment to a future where Nagas can determine our own governance and live as one people,” it added.
GNF also welcomed the words of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the occasion of this year’s Indigenous Day who said: “There is no excuse for denying the world’s 476 million indigenous peoples self-determination and meaningful participation in all decision-making. Free, prior and informed consent is central for indigenous peoples to exercise their own vision of development.”
GNF stated that Nagas have pleaded and suffered and waited for over seven decades for the right to self-determination, which was taken force. As Nagas have been separated and put under different administrative units and still live in four Indian states and in Myanmar, GNF looked forward to the UN, India, and Myanmar to translate the Secretary General’s words and provisions in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into a reality for the Nagas.