On the 80th Naga Independence Day, there are many issues that require retrospection, including vision of past Naga National Council leaders, says former Kilonser.
As we step into the 80th Independence Day, there are many issues that require retrospection in the journey of our nationhood. Besides the occupying forces committing inhuman atrocities against our people, many of our people were caught in the snares of the adversaries, and were often carried away by the elements of our enemies to fight against our own people, all of which have brought us destruction, pulling us backward every time and leaving behind a social stigma in the trail.
Prior to knowing Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we were in darkness, and nobody knew us. However, our past leaders of the Naga National Council (NNC) laid down the foundation of our nation and proclaimed, "Nagaland for Christ," meaning, we will have no other God as our God except the Father - Jehovah, the Son - Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Whatever was of the past, we cannot undo it. But the future is still in our hands. We have to go back to the roots, back to where the foundation of our nation was laid by the NNC.
We all agree that we have around 30+ so-called national groups claiming to free us from the clutches of the occupying nations, but many exists for their own vested interests, sans nationalism. Whichever the groups may be, today, every one of them is celebrating what the NNC had established 79 years ago. Therefore, those who are truly for national sovereignty should go back to the roots and strengthen our political institution (NNC) and move forward together to our final destiny.
As time goes by, many have denied the NNC and gone astray, but in fact, every Naga is still practising the NNC's principles, which bears witness to our unity. We are one people having the same destiny. The Bible says, unless we forgive our enemies, our Father in heaven will not forgive us. As we continue to profess "Nagaland for Christ," why can't we forgive each other and seek forgiveness from God, which is the only way to unity, both with men and God.
To the Outside World: We may be a fledgling nation. Nonetheless, we are also a nation amongst nations and people amongst people. We never had enmity with our neighbours until they forcefully aggressed and occupied our land. We continue to look forward to maintain good relationship with our neighbours.
As the world knows us, we have so much to contribute to the world community, as our people continue to serve with merit in different fields in different countries. We are second to none in our ability to contribute to world peace and harmony.
Till the world recognizes us and accepts us as a nation, which we declared and cabled to the United Nations 79 years ago, we will continue to strive. No threat or enticement can change our blood into another race and make us become another nation.
Conclusion: May the God of gods, who is our God, help us and guide us again to the path that our past leaders had paved for us. May we continue to proclaim "Nagaland for Christ" and live according to His teachings. With Christ on our side, we shall overcome any hurdle that comes our way.
Kuknalim, Urra Uvie.
V K Mere
Former Kilonser (1999-2005)
Federal Government of Nagaland