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Viyalie Metha during the unfurling of Naga flag at the Peace Camp,at Chedema.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima Aug. 14 (EMN): The Nagas are not demanding anything from India nor is their stand a political movement but an act of defending their country, according to Adinno Phizo, the president of the Naga National Council (NNC).
In her presidential speech during the occasion of the 72nd Naga Independence day at the Peace Camp at Chedema, Adinno said that many Nagas suffered and died during the war with India but their sacrifices shall not go in vain as the Nagas will ‘overcome the struggle with perseverance.’ She said that the only statement of the Nagas to India is that the latter leave Nagaland in peace.
According to the NNC leader, the foundation of the Naga cause was laid by the NNC, and with that foundation in place, the people had been able to uphold their rights till the present times. Addressing the gathering comprising delegates from various Naga tribes, she asserted that the conflict between the Nagas and India was a case of ‘clear illegal invasion’ by India.
"The invasion and occupation of Nagaland by India started in 1954 and the war was fought till the international ceasefire agreement was signed between the Federal Government of Nagaland and the Government of India. This ceasefire commenced on September 6, 1964. But till today, India's armed force are still occupying Nagaland with the power of so-called Armed Force Special Power Act, 1958," she told the gathering. She has asked the Indian government not to blame the American Baptist missionaries or Great Britain for the troubles in Nagaland as the Nagas were mature enough to deal with ‘outsiders.’
Placing her trust in the young Naga people, Adinno said there are many educated Naga people who can to do their part in developing the Naga country. She expressed confidence that they would not spoil the country but develop it into a beautiful land.
Nagas are not secessionists or insurgents – Viyalie Metha
‘Gen. (retd.)’ Viyalie Metha, the ‘kedahge’ of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has said that the Nagas are neither secessionists nor insurgents but simply defending the Naga nation as a result of invasion by India and Myanmar.
He said that the long-drawn Indo-Naga conflict was not an internal law and order problem but an ‘international conflict.’ He said that the conflict can be resolved only at an international level.
Further, he claimed that the NNC and FGN were the only two nationally mandated institutions and established ‘government of the Naga people’ to uphold their historical and political rights.
Metha asserted that the NNC and FGN do not and shall not recognise any other faction or organisation that may commit Naga citizenship to any other country.
On the issue of integration of Naga territories in one political administration: He stated that the Naga people were an integrated nation even before the official proclamation of federal republic on March 22, 1956. The Nagas, he said, have always been an integrated nation occupying a contiguous Naga territory throughout history. These two aspects form the basis of Naga nationhood, he said. He asserted that the NNC and FGN shall consider any act of integrating Naga territory under the constitution of any foreign country as acts of treason.
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The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (IM) observed its 72nd Independence Day at its headquarter, Hebron, on August 14. The outfit’s ‘kilo kilonser,’ Hukavi Yepthomi hoisted the Naga flag during the programme, which saw the attendance of representatives from the Naga Students’ Federation, and Khasi Students’ Union too.
Yepthomi read out the ‘presidential speech’ of ‘gen. (retd.)’ Kholi who could not attend the programme. Kholi paid homage to martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the Naga people. He stated that the declaration of ‘Naga independence’ on August 14 from the British colonialists was because of the ‘timely decision of the Naga leaders of the time.’
Kholi urged every ‘national worker’ to rededicate to the revolutionary spirit and with efficiency.
“The NSCN’s political struggle began with our people and it shall end with the people,” Kholi stated while cautioning that the Nagas must be aware of false organisations and individuals trying to barter Nagas’ rights for personal fame. He said that they had done what they could in the negotiation with the government of India. “Final solution will come as and when God is pleased with us,” he maintained.
Kholi asserted that the Nagas’ position in terms of history and political rights had been recognised by New Delhi. However, he warned that the ‘greatest enemy’ was within the Naga people and that was what they need to overcome to survive as a nation.
Kholi added that the Nagas shall honour and respect the rights of other peoples, nations, and neighbours provided they also have a ‘realistic approach and appreciate the history and the rights of the Naga people.’ “The Naga political solution will be beneficial to them too,” he maintained.
Earlier, Eustar Chishi Swu, wife of the late Isak Chishi Swu, and the president of the Council of Nagalim Churches led the gathering in a minute’s silence as a tribute to martyrs who laid down their lives for the Naga cause. She also led a group of widows, known as the Widows Welfare Forum, in singing a song.
The organisation’s cadres performed a drill. Children from an orphanage also sang a song during the event.