KOHIMA — Gen. (Retd) VS Atem, the deputy ato kilonser of NSCN (IM), criticised what he described as the “sheer forceful occupation” of Naga land by India, facilitated through British power with “suppression and oppression.”
Despite this, he asserted that the Naga people will achieve nationhood, and urged them to remain steadfast in their conviction.
During a ceremony honouring Rev. A Puni Mao’s 50 years of service to the Naga cause, Atem framed the Naga struggle as a resistance against colonial oppression, emphasising that Nagas are fighting for their history, identity, culture, and God-given land. He stated that there is “no history of India conquering Nagas or Nagas, by their own consent, agreeing to join India.”
Atem highlighted the resilience of NSCN leaders, claiming that they “changed the scenario” of the Naga nationalism. He noted that previously, imprisoned Naga leaders and followers were often “completely brainwashed” by their captors, rarely returning to national service. However, he asserted that under the NSCN, “almost all the leaders and followers never stayed back home because of their conviction and determination.”
“Nagas today in the NSCN are wedded to the resistance struggle, against the forcible occupation of our country by India. Nagas are no comparison to India in terms of strength, wealth, knowledge, size of territory, population, military might, and so on, but we are not contesting their might, their resources, or anything,” the deputy ato kilonser maintained.
He went on to contrast India’s professed ideals of ‘Ahimsa’ with the harsh realities of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, under which Nagas are “suppressed, repressed, exploited, and oppressed.”
The ceremony, held at Okhro Ikhro Ground in Mao Gate, Manipur, celebrated Rev. Puni Mao’s five decades of service. Highlighting his participation in various assignments in China and Bangladesh, Atem said that Rev. Puni, now a member of the NSCN (IM) collective leadership, showed unwavering faith and resilience in the face of imprisonment and hardship.
“He is a man of complete and total faith and vision which can’t be blurred or washed away from him, and that very quality has sustained him thus far because he knows he has a mission here on earth. No amount of torture by Indian soldiers or police could break him down nor crush his spirit,” he said.
Rev. Puni, in his own address, underscored the importance of vision and unity in achieving Naga freedom, referencing the contributions of leaders like AZ Phizo and Imkongmeren, whose solid belief in a free Naga future, he said, paved the way for the Nagas and recognition of the their unique history and acknowledgment of sovereignty from the Government of India.
“This is a major achievement, and I firmly believe that with clarity and unity, the Naga people will achieve the freedom they long for. Had Phizo not been born, our Naga story would have been different. Phizo is the right person, born at the right time for the Nagas,” he added.
He also shared his personal experiences, including his participation in the Naga struggle and his extensive missionary work abroad.
Further, Rev. Puni noted that the national workers and the people are inseparable in purpose, and called for renewed dedication to nation-building.
The event also featured addresses from various Naga leaders and organisations, including Dr. Lorho S Pfoze, who emphasised the importance of unity and humility in achieving nationhood.
Urging the Naga people to draw lessons from Rev. Puni’s service, he said: “Nationhood is not built by leaders alone; it requires a shared commitment from each individual. True patriotism begins with love and affinity for one’s identity.”
Other speakers included representatives from the NSCN/GPRN; Forum for Naga Reconciliation; United Naga Council; Naga Mothers’ Association; and Naga Students’ Federation, among others. A monolith was also unveiled to commemorate the occasion.