EMN
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 13
The “president” of the GPRN/NSCN, Gen (Rtd) Khole Konyak on Thursday stated that the issue of “integration or disintegration, greater or smaller Nagaland” has never been the “agenda” of the Naga freedom movement.
“Our aims and objectives have always been to get recognition of our political rights and its domain areas, which the Indian Government has agreed verbally,” stated a copy of Khole’s Independence Day speech made available to the press on Thursday.
Against this backdrop, he expressed delight at the “framework agreement” signed between the NSCN (IM) and New Delhi. “However, one thing every Naga should know and understand is that two different problems cannot be solved by one solution, because every problem needs a solution and therefore, any solution that may arrive for our brothers in Manipur or NSCN IM will be gracefully supported and acknowledged by the GPRN/NSCN.
“In return, I would also wish that they understand the minds of Nagas living in Nagaland in their process to redesign their future. Nagas are brothers no matter how distanced or how big a wall exists between us. At this point of time, we have great concern for our Naga brothers living outside Nagaland; yet, this can never mean that we forget our dreams while paving ways for our neighbors to realize their dreams,” the statement read.
He however relayed the message that “the time has come where each Naga should admit our mistakes, put our heads together and recommit ourselves” to determine the future of Nagaland. “Let us all see that we are no more into the past but a nation that strive forward with a brighter vision for the young generation to fulfill their dreams. Let us build a nation that can endure the responsibility of making its people reach their destination and a nation that provides hope for the future. Let every Naga be a harbinger of peace.”
FGN calls for rededication on Naga I-Day
Federal Government of Nagaland Brig. (Retd) S. Singnya, Kedahge in his Naga Independence Day speech has called the people to rededicate themselves to what they hold dear till final destination is reached and attain rightful place among the nations of the world.
He said, Nagas will continue to walk on the same path and not betray the lives and blood of those who had made the supreme sacrifice.
“This defines the nationalism of the Federal Government of Nagaland then and now.”
He said, the language of modernity has completely sucked the Naga language of sovereignty. “But I know of no country that is sovereign and yet still reels under the domain of power from within or from outside.”
“The NNC/FGN believes that anything short of political sovereignty would be suicidal and a tragedy for our people.”
Singnya said, “What have we gained in actual terms in the last 5 decades after we have been given statehood? The land of the Nagas has been divided and fragmented without our knowledge or consent. The Naga National Movement has been demeant to that of a secessionist movement and even referred to as an insurgency.
To top all these, laws which are obsolete in the modern world like Disturbed Area Act under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958 is continued to be imposed in the Naga inhabited areas.
The AFSPA is regarded as a Draconian law, named after the famous ancient Athenian Greek law maker Draco of the 6th Century BC whose laws were regarded as extremely harsh and severe as it gives power to the Indian armed forces to act with impunity in the areas covered by the Act.”
He said, “Today, we celebrate with pride and honour those who have made the supreme sacrifice towards the national cause for it is because of them we can be proud of our stand today in the midst of all the trials and difficulties.”
(Full text on page 7)
