Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 14 (EMN): On the 75th anniversary (76th year) of Naga declaration of independence, Gen. (Retd.) Viyalie Metha, kedahge of Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), said Nagas are able to celebrate a great achievement through God's blessing and protection, while remembering the sufferings, losses and sacrifices endured and given by the Naga people starting from the 1950s till date.
However, he said the challenge is upon the youths of the present generation to come forward to shoulder the national responsibility and “make Nagaland our dream”.
He was speaking during the 75th Naga declaration of independence programme at Chedema village ground in Kohima.
"I am proud to claim that Nagas have done well in giving our all to the Naga rightful cause in our own rustic way," he said.
"Come what may, we are ready to face any eventuality in the years to come. We owe our existence today and beyond to the Almighty God and the patriotic Naga men and women who had given their all for us to live as a nation among nations, which is the envy of people around us," Metha said adding, "Be proud that Nagas had done and achieved all that is proper and legally right."
He narrated that a Naga delegation consisting of Naga National Council (NNC) leaders met Mahatma Gandhi on July 19, 1947, to inform him of the Naga intention to formally declare Naga independence on August 15, 1947, to which Gandhi encouraged the delegation to declare it without further ado.
Acknowledging the good nature and understanding of Gandhi, Metha said nobody has any right to stop "Nagaland Independence. That was how Nagaland Independence was declared by the NNC on 14th August, 1947 in Kohima. From then on it is history, where India is answerable sooner or later," he said.
Quoting Article I of the Yehzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland, which states; "The territory of Nagaland shall comprise all the territories of the Nagas and such other territories as the Tatar Hoho may by law admit on such terms and conditions as it may deem fit," he said that one should not be confused with the "puppet state of Nagaland created by the Government of India with the intention to divide and confuse the Nagas".
Metha asserted that from the very inception of the 16-point Agreement, which created the state of Nagaland by India, was rejected by the then NNC President, AZ Phizo, through a statement dated July 31, 1960, where Phizo stated; "No agreement can be recognised regarding the future of Nagaland except with people who are truly representative of the Naga nation."
Similarly, he mentioned how FGN sent a protest note to the Prime Minister of India on the event of granting full-fledged statehood to Manipur from the Union territory.
"As such, the name of Naga country is Nagaland - no other name. And no other constitution and no other flag except the constitution and flag of the FGN," he said.
Reminding that the occasion is also a day for thanksgiving, Metha stated that Nagas are blessed in many ways, which can be counted both at the individual level and at the national level. However, the most important ones, he said, are "Nagas as a nation with one destiny on this earth and as Christians for eternity."
Earlier, the kedahge unfurled the national flag and took the salute, while Rev. Hotokhu Zhimomi, director of Development and Outreach SABK, and Rev. Neilievi-o Zuyie, pastor of Chedema Baptist Church, read the scripture and offered prayers.
Blowing of trumpet by Shekhopa Venuh was followed with releasing of a souvenir of FGN "Platinum Jubilee of Nagaland Independence Declaration (14.8.1947 - 14.8.2022)".
Awards were presented to midan peyus, former kedahge, C-in-C of Naga army including past generals, organising committee, heads of NNC and FGN besides tatars, Naga army, FGN, national defence advisory board (NDAB) members, mayam riyam judges, while military service medals were awarded to several army personnel and posthumous awards were also given away.
Performances from various cultural troupes including church choir and other artistes marked the event.
Various groups from the NSCN also celebrated the Naga Independence Day on August 14 in their respective camps.
The GPRN/NSCN celebrated the 76th Naga Independence Day at Council Headquarters, Naga Unification Camp, Khehoyi, under Niuland district on August 14.
A GPRN/NSCN’s statement through its MIP stated that its ato kilonser, N Kitovi Zhimomi, and the advisor to collective leadership, C Singson Kuki, graced the occasion as special guest and guest speaker respectively. It stated that two dignitaries spoke at length upon the contemporary political issues affecting the Naga people.
In a related programme, Akato Chophi-led NSCN/GPRN commemorated the 76th Naga Independence Day on August 14 at an undisclosed location with its ato kilonser, Michael Yeptho, as the chief guest.
Michael Yeptho, who hoisted the Naga flag and received the guard of honour from the Naga army, called upon everyone to be rejuvenated and look forward to what God has in store for the Nagas.
He also paid tribute to the fallen heroes, who have neither yielded nor succumbed to adversaries, but stood their grounds at all times, an NSCN/GPRN’s statement through its MIP stated.
The deputy kilonser of ministry of religious affairs (MRA), Wenkai Konyak, invoked God's blessings, followed with observing ‘Silent prayers in honour of Naga martyrs.'
The presidential speech was read by the kilo kilonser, Nokrang Lanu Aier, while a song titled ‘Hero’ was presented by Vivi V Yepthomi followed with Toluvi Azanoqo, who serenaded the collective leaders in Naga folk style.
The vote of thanks was proposed by the collective leader, Viniho Kiho and concluded with a mass benediction.
NSCN/GPRN (Niki) also observed the 76th Naga Independence Day celebration at CFSB office premises on Sunday during which its kilo kilonser, Zheshito Swu, hoisted the Naga national flag.
In his address, Swu stated that nothing can deter the Naga spirit or that no one can deceive Naga people if they remain united and firmly rooted in their beliefs and values. He said it is time for Naga people to rise up together in one voice and demand for what is their ineradicable and God gifted right to live as free people, restoring the future of Naga generations to come.
Messages of its president, Gen. (retd) Niki Sumi, and ato kilonser, Starson Lamkang, were read out during the programme.
The two leaders stressed on the need for unity of Naga people as first and foremost and then to pursue together as one people for what rightfully belongs to Naga people - the right to determine their own future.
The function was conducted by joint secretary of NSCN/GPRN, Hiketo Kiho Swu, and recorded by deputy secretary, Ahovi Sumi.
Declaration of rank promotion was conducted by HoD to Keya, NSCN/GPRN, Viputo Chophi, while its deputy kilonser of ministry of religious affairs, Viheshe Yeptho, pronounced benediction.