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People wave the Naga national flag on the occasion of 73rd Naga Independence Day celebration at Katomei in Senapati district on August 14.[/caption]
Dimapur, Aug. 14 (EMN): Secretary General of Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Neingulo Krome, called upon the Naga people to walk together with the past history so that they are constantly reminded of the past mistakes and not repeat them again.
Speaking at the 73rd Naga Independence Day celebration at Katomei in Senapati district on August 14 on the theme “One goal, one destiny,” Krome recounted the past history of the Nagas in their search for self determination and the setbacks following fragmentations of Nagas into various groups. Under the prevailing circumstances, Krome called to walk together with the past history as “Not behind us, but in front of us, so that we are constantly reminded of our past mistakes and not to repeat them.” Samuel Pao from Senapati has stated this in his report.
Despite split and fragmentation of the Naga national political organisations for which people are also celebrating the 73rd Independence Day differently in their respective ways, Krome said the ideal behind the celebration remains the same and the organisations still represent the sentiments of the Naga people as a whole in their own ways.
Talking about the progress of the framework agreement, Krome asserted that the ceasefire opened the opportunity to tell the stories of the Nagas. He stated that after the ceasefire, people could move freely and opened the opportunity of calling to Geneva to attend the UN meetings to share the story, the sufferings of the people of the Nagas to the outside world.
Krome also stated that the Government of India appointed its interlocutor to negotiate the problems with Naga leaders to find out a solution to the long pending issues. Different interlocutors were appointed like Swaraj Kaushal, K Padmanabhaiah, RS Pandey and RN Ravi that led to the progress of having recognised the unique history of the Nagas, signing of the Framework Agreement based on the unique history of the Nagas and even up to the level of shared sovereignty.
In his welcome note, president of Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) of Senapati Solomon Arow urged the gathering to stand united as there are many external forces to divide the unity of the Naga brethren. He also urged the gathering to let the celebration bring true unity and harmony in the land so as to become a strong nation and to call Nagalim for Christ.
The day was celebrated in the presence of a host of civil society organisations under United Naga Council (UNC) including tribe presidents of 20 different Naga tribes of the state, women organisations, students organisations including the Eastern Naga Students’ Association (Myanmar) and NPMHR South Sector.
The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) of Senapati hosted the programme under the aegis of the United Naga Council.
In connection with the celebration, an Independence Day football cup between the four Naga hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul was organised from August 13. The final match DSA Ukhrul defeated DSA Chandel by a solitary goal.
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Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) also observed the 73rd Naga Independence Day in its office in Wokha town where a short programme was conducted 8 am.
Flag hoisting was done by tribunal general Amos Odyuo followed with a short speech from LSU president, Lipemo M Tsopoe. Silent prayer for the departed soul of Naga freedom fighters was also observed.
