Presidential Address of His Excellency, the President, Lieut. Gen. (Retd.) Khango Konyak, on the 46th Naga Republic Day
As we celebrate the 46th Naga Republic Day, let us reflect on our enduring struggle for self-determination and our aspiration to live as a free people under the sun.
- My Dear Nagas,
- I give all glory and honour to our Almighty God for His
unfailing love and guidance, which has sustained us through difficult
challenges and brought us thus far.
- As we celebrate the 46th Naga Republic Day, let us reflect
on our enduring struggle for self-determination and our aspiration to live as a
free people under the sun. Today, we honour the sacrifices of our martyrs, who
dared to dream of a better tomorrow and cleansed our land with their blood.
Their ultimate sacrifices must never be forgotten, and their ideals must
continue to guide our actions.
- Fellow citizens, in this land where resilience and
determination have always been our hallmarks, we stand united to celebrate the
vision set by our predecessors—a vision of a free nation built on the ideology
of a “Sovereign Christian Socialist Democratic Republic.”
- Our journey toward self-governance and the assertion of our
political rights among nations has never been easy. External forces have
repeatedly attempted to impose their will upon us, using military might to
subjugate our people and undermine our principles. Yet, they have never
succeeded. Today, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to the Naga people’s
right to self-determination. Our inherent rights to preserve our rich
traditions, customs, and unique identity—the very foundation of our
struggle—must be protected at all costs. Without our identity, we are a lost
nation.
- The NSCN will never accept the artificial boundaries imposed
upon us, which have divided the Naga people against our will. We stand firm in
defending our God-given land and its resources. The Government of India’s
decision to revoke the “Free Movement Regime” is strongly opposed by the NSCN.
Any adverse consequences arising from this contrived border fencing will rest
solely on the shoulders of the Government of India.
- The Naga political struggle has traversed a tumultuous
journey marked by armed conflicts, untold hardships, sacrifices, and political
dialogues that have shaped our present political landscape. It is long overdue
that we iron out our differences, unite under a shared vision, and work
cohesively to bring an end to this “state of ambiguity.”
- To this end, the NSCN, as a major stakeholder alongside the
Naga National Political Alliance (NNPA), will relentlessly and vigorously
pursue a comprehensive solution with the Government of India—one that is
honourable and inclusive. Our approach will remain feasible, people-centric,
and rooted in the desires of the Naga people, who must remain at the heart of
all political talks.
