On this historic occasion of the NSCN/GPRN's 45th Raising
Day I extend my warm greetings in the mighty name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ.
Today is a special day to pay homage to all our brave Naga
patriots who laid their precious lives for the nation. In fact this day is not
a celebratory day for NSCN/GPRN, but rather an occasion to reflect on all that
we have lost at the hands of the occupational forces. We remember and pray for
all our national workers who are injured, maimed and those who are confined in
enemy prisons for the national cause. We thank them for their remarkable
resilience, patriotism and courage. Surely the best way to honour their
sacrifices is to stay on course till the realisation of our goal.
I also convey my revolutionary salute to the freedom loving
people as well as to all the fraternal revolutionary organisations of our
Western South East Asia (WESEA) region.
It was on this day the 31st of January, 1980, the NSCN/GPRN
was established with a clear vision to mantle the responsibility of the Naga
national struggle and to save the nation from destruction. A solemn declaration
was made to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the historic 1951 plebiscite
made by the Naga people for a Sovereign independent nation. This day the Nagas
mark seven decades of brutal occupation and oppression in the hands of
repressive colonial countries and we think that our genuine movement and
sacrifices has been undermined and disregarded to the core. Despite all these
years of extreme suffering and unrelenting injustice, the Nagas’ quest for
freedom remains unbroken.
Since the very inception, NSCN/GPRN have resisted India and
Myanmar aggression through every possible means. We will continue to remind our
occupiers that Nagas will never be bullied into silence. Being politically and
morally in a right position, NSCN/GPRN remains the lone and authentic political
organisation defending the freedom of the entire Naga country.
My dear Nagas and comrades, let us remain thankful to God for
continuing to lead the Naga national struggle. We are proud that our on-going
movement continues to inspire the hopes and dreams of other oppressed
nationalities of WESEA and beyond. The story of the Naga liberation is
intrinsically linked to other struggles in the WESEA region because of our
shared goals and visions. We have overcome past challenges together and Nagas
will continue to stand in solidarity alongside them and echo their fight for
justice — not just today, but everyday.
India is a modern-day imperialist and an aggressive power
who continuously attempt to annihilate the WESEAN revolution through various
hideous policies and repressive laws. Apart from political and military
subjugation, another goal is clear — ethnic cleansing of minorities. The
Modi-led BJP government has utilised Hindutva to turn India into an autocracy
and is getting worse. BJP is deliberately fuelling the communal and religious
tensions that already existed in India to advance its own dirty politics. Hindu
nationalism has dominated the Indian political landscape increasing
discrimination and persecution against religious minorities, including
Christians.
Today the heavy militarisation and human rights violation in
WESEA is not India's so-called internal issue anymore. It is becoming a part of
intense global scrutiny, which reflects that the joint struggle is getting its
due recognition beyond WESEA region.
India's weaponisation of the Naga peace process to benefit
its hidden agenda is a well known fact. The collusion between GOI and some Naga
political groups to finalise the Naga issue under Indian constitution has been
strongly objected by the NSCN/GPRN since day one, hence GOI intensify its grip
to dismantle the NSCN/GPRN.
If these groups of Nagas think that they can protect the
unique history and political rights of the Nagas by staying within the Indian
constitution, then they are badly mistaken. The Naga political future must not
be diluted again due to their political short-sightedness and incompetency.
NSCN/GPRN will not hesitate to nullify any sell-out agreement which serves as
an apparatus of the adversaries.
I take this occasion to specially thank the Eastern Naga
people for their undying national spirit, commitment, courage and rightful
stand on the Naga issue. They are yet to see the light of modernity but
continued to be patient, longing to finally see the glimmer of hope that they
have long been awaiting. Currently, Myanmar is in flames and the situation has
never been more critical for the Eastern people. The NSCN/GPRN have maintained
a clear non-interference stand on the current Myanmar conflict due to the
unique political condition and situation of the Nagas.
At this critical moment the alliance between the Myanmar
Junta and their Naga proxies poses a grave threat not only to the status quo of
the Eastern Nagaland but also a direct attack on the Naga struggle. They will
be responsible for any serious consequences in the Eastern Nagaland.
Dear Nagas, let us rise above our differences and restore
peace and unity within our Naga family. Let us free ourselves from the painful
past that only serves to cloud our minds and impede our path towards our
Sovereign dream which is our only destiny.
The pursuit of freedom is a long, complex, and arduous
journey but our hope and spirit endures. We owe our very existence to God our
protector and to the everlasting love, support and prayers of the Naga people.
We will fulfill the mission entrusted to us by the Naga people.
