Nagas today are fragmented, though we profess to be fighting for the common Naga cause and honour.
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My beloved Naga people,
I greet my people in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ with humility and all due respect on the historic milestone of the 70th Anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Nagaland; I salute our patriots, martyrs, pioneers and visionary leaders for sacrificing their everything for the political foundation on which we stand today. I also would like to mention the common Naga people on whose trust, confidence and prayers our political journey is sustained hitherto.
Reminiscing on the past seven decades, we have been through hell and high water, hunger and pain, sweat and tears, blood and sacrifice; every Naga contributed some and there are some who gave all!
Our initial years as a Democratic Republic were marked by brotherhood and mutual respect for the commonweal of Nagas. We had a common voice striving for a common cause with a common soul. Very regrettably the Nagas today are fragmented, though we profess to be fighting for the common Naga cause and honour, our division is one contributing factor prolonging the much sought after negotiated political settlement.
In the quest of our right to self determination and to exist as an indigenous people rooted to the hills, valleys, rivers and forests with our own system of governance second to none, our leaders have also made it known to our people and our neighbours in the Indian subcontinent that the Nagas too are civil enough to understand the history, geopolitics and contemporary political realities. Subsequently, the Government of India acknowledged the unique history of the Nagas culminating in the signing of the Agreed Position of November 17, 2017 followed by conclusion of the political talks on October 31, 2019. NNC/GDRN, (N-A Shilu-Shehoto) a constituent member of the WC-NNPGs since inception remains steadfast in the political principles and stand committed to protect the Naga people's interest to live as a 'Nation' in the comity of nations.
Last, but not the least, I appeal to the leaders in different political groups for a concerted effort for genuine reconciliation so that posterity may remember us for leaving behind a legacy worth protecting and fighting for.
Kuknalim.
L Shiludi Longkumer
President NNC/GDRN (N-A Shilu-Shehoto)