Muivah says Nagas have only themselves to blame for not taking ‘rightful share seriously’
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People carrying ‘Naga flag’ arrives at the 40th Naga Republic Day celebration at Hebron, some 40 kms away from Dimapur in Nagaland on Thursday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, March 21: The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) celebrated its 40th Republic Day at the outfit’s headquarters in Hebron on March 21.
Thuingaleng Muivah, the general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) in his speech said that Nagas have failed to take their rightful share ‘seriously.’
“We are a lost people; the problem is with us, Nagas ourselves, not with God or others,” said Muivah. He said this in the context of Naga land being occupied by the British for long, and currently by India.
“When we know our right and position, we will be the strongest and we can defeat any challenge,” said Muivah. He said that the “danger of self-destruction was evident” now that an “inclusive peaceful coexistence between two entities (India and Nagaland)” is at hand.
“Our land, our right and our history is all clear with the Indian government,” Muivah said.
The recently inducted chairman of the NSCN (IM), Q Tuccu also spoke at the celebrations. While stressing about the two core foundations—Nagalim for Nagas and Nagalim for Christ—Tuccu said that it was because of those two principles the Nagas have come this far. “The world is in the process of constant change and we have seen the waves of imperialistic force one after the other in our land,” said Tuccu while expressing pride that even though these forces came, “they were not allowed to subjugate us.”
“It took decades for the government of India to admit that the Indo-Naga issue is a political matter and not military, which brought the two parties to the negotiating table,” Tuccu said.
“It is beyond doubt that our existence and our future have been threatened by the so called 16-point agreement and the 1975 Shillong Accord,” said Tuccu maintaining that nothing is final on the Naga issue until an honourable negotiated political settlement is agreed upon based on the frame work agreement signed on August 3, 2015.
“It is the foundation based on which a new relationship between the two entities will be established where both parties are committed to abide by this agreement.”
The chairman further appreciated the Naga people, the civil society organisations, churches and others for their contribution and commitment towards the Naga cause. “As we continue to endeavour to realise the Indo-Naga political solution, your continued support and collective commitment is deeply valued,” he said.
Tuccu also paid homage to leaders who have left their legacy to the future generation. “The future of the Nagas is alive and secured on account of their sacrifices,” maintained Tuccu.
The president of Naga Hoho, Chuba Ozukum in his speech appreciated the NSCN (IM) functionaries. He said that while the content of the framework agreement is being questioned, it recognises the unique history of the Nagas.
“It also recognises the universal principle that sovereignty lies with the people,” said Ozukum and acknowledged that India and Nagaland share sovereign power.
A member from the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights stated that there is no room to be “weary and complacent” at this crucial stage of negotiation, and all must walk together towards the goal.
The general secretary of Naga Students’ Federation, Imtiyapang said that the Naga society has been “fragmented into many pieces” for which the future generation will not forgive their predecessors. “The NSF rededicates and reaffirms the sacrifice for the cause of the Nagas and trust in the collective leaders.”
Other features of the celebration included a Naga Army drill display by the general field training headquarters, Naga folk dance by a Lotha dance troupe from Dimapur etc.
