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Dimapur, March 21 (EMN): GPRN/NSCN celebrated the 42nd Naga Republic Day on March 21 at its Council Headquarters (CHQ), Khehoi Designated Camp.
The programme commenced with hoisting of the Naga national flag by its kilo kilonser, Jack Jimomi, while an invocation prayer was said by CNC convenor Rev. Zutovi and followed with an obituary in honour of the martyrs.
The presidential message was read by Jack Jimomi, a GPRN/NSCN’s statement through its MIP stated on Sunday.
In his message, its president Gen. (retired) MB Neokpao Konyak recalled how the past leaders and elders chose to empower Naga homeland and established a democratic republic based on the ideal of ‘Nagaland for Christ’ in the most turbulent time. He also saluted the brave Naga sons and daughters for their sacrifices and belief in establishing the foundation of Naga nationhood.
He also reminded that with the prayer, support and solidarity of the people, the WC, NNPGs and the GOI have agreed in principle that Nagas have the right to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct history and identity. Having accepted the truth, he stated that Nagas too have realised that contemporary political realities must be taken into account because both entities are looking at enduring peaceful co-existence as the basis of future relationship.
“Today, having been accepted by all negotiating entities that talks had concluded as on 31st October 2019, there should not be any excuse by any entity to delay the solution,” the president affirmed. He added that the much awaited Indo-Naga political agreement must be inked without delay.
“It is time to prepare ourselves and embrace a political settlement where all Nagas can participate and redefine our destiny afresh as a people. We must prepare our generations to face greater challenges in the future. We believe we are on a path to unveiling a future where our identity, history and political right- the very ideals our forefathers defended with their lives, will be reaffirmed, entrenched and institutionalised,” he added.
He further acknowledged the consistent unwavering leadership of NSCN (Reformation), FGN/NNC (Shingya/ Zopra), NNC (Parent Body), NNC/GDRN, GPRN/NSCN (Khango/Isak), NNC/NPGN, civil society organisation and supporters across the world.
A hymn was also presented by the General Headquarters (GHQ) band on the occasion.
Maj. (Retd.) RM Lotha, guest speaker and advisor to collective leadership (ACL), briefly highlighted the current Naga political scenario. He also dwelled upon how the most arduous aspirational task of uniting the various Naga political groups and building cohesive relationship with the voice and desires of the general Naga people for early resolution of the Indo-Naga political negotiation was made possible under the collective leadership of its ato kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi and the president Gen. (retird.) NB Neokpao Konyak.
He spoke on the wisdom of the collective leadership in building better relationships and understanding not only amongst the Naga populace but also with neighbouring communities and states. He further encouraged the gathering to stand strong and optimistic in the coming days.
A moment of rank declaration of the Naga army promoted to their next higher ranks was also read out by the Ministry of Keeya Affairs (Defence). The programme concluded with a benediction said by Vikato Aye, pastor of CHQ.