Naga Republic Day Speech of Maj. (Retd.) R.M. Lotha
On this historic day 46 years ago, another golden page was inserted into Naga history when a decision was adopted to make the Naga nation a people’s republic conforming to the basic principles of democracy.
- The lord almighty has never forsaken the Naga Nation despite
the trials and tribulations. It is through God’s mercy and forgiveness that we
bear witness to the present times. On this historic day 46 years ago, another
golden page was inserted into Naga history when a decision was adopted to make
the Naga nation a people’s republic conforming to the basic principles of
democracy.
- I honour the sacrifices of thousands of Naga patriots who
gave their lives for our homeland. We remember and take pride in their deeds
today.
- This is the Era of Democracy where the voice of the people
rules. Democracy prevailing over the rule of hereditary kings and titles are no
more to be inherited, but it is to be earned with sweat and tears.
- The Nagas were governed by hereditary elders and kings in
village-states. Some areas had weak councils led by autocratic kings, while
others practiced a form of democracy. The people highly admired their
traditional kings. However, the national movement eventually challenged and
transformed this old system.
- There was a time when we had to face the Government of India
(G.O.I). Most Nagas, regardless of gender, age, or status, were deeply involved
in the movement, and they paid a high price for their commitment. However, this
did not lead to any clear results. For example, the 16-Point Agreement of 1960
and the Shillong Accord of 1975 were important steps towards solving the Naga
issue and bringing peace to the region. But instead of resolving the Naga
issue, these agreements created more divisions and confusion because they did
not take all the stakeholders on board while signing those agreements. This is
how the Negotiations started and today the GPRN/NSCN partnering with the
WC/NNPGs have successfully signed the “Agreed Position” on 17th November 2017
and subsequently completed the negotiations on 31st October 2019 with the
Government of India without compromising on the core issues of our history and
political rights by taking all the civil societies into consideration in the
form of consultative meetings with various organisations, civil societies in
different occasions.
- “To Everything there is Time and Season” and it is the right
time for the Naga People to come together to find a peaceful solution to the
long-standing Indo-Naga Political conflict, despite their different beliefs. It
is time for all Naga leaders, civil society groups, and National workers to
unite on a single platform. This unity will help urge the Government of India
to create a “Common Draft” that combines both the “Framework Agreement” and the
“Agreed Position” which have been signed between Government of India and the
Naga Political Groups and have concluded since 31st October 2019.
