Here is Presidential Speech of Lieut. Gen.(Retd.) Khango Konyak, President of NSCN/GPRN on the occasion of the 47th Naga Republic Day.
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My dear countrymen,
Today, we gather to commemorate Naga Republic Day, a historic occasion that holds profound meaning for the Naga people. It is a day that reminds us of our history, our collective struggles, and the aspirations that have guided our people through generations
The story of the Nagas is a journey of courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. Long before the modern political landscape emerged in this region, the Naga tribes lived as proud and self-governing communities, guided by their traditions, customs, and deep respect for freedom and dignity.
Throughout history, our forefathers stood firm in protecting their identity and way of life. Their sacrifices and struggles were not driven by personal ambition, but by a profound sense of responsibility toward the future of the Naga people.
Naga Republic Day, therefore, is not merely a ceremonial occasion. It symbolises the political awakening of a people who sought to assert their identity and secure a future where their history, culture, and rights would be recognised and respected.
As we remember those who walked before us, we pay tribute to their vision, courage, and sacrifices that laid the foundation for the Naga political movement.
Today, the Naga political issue continues to remain one of the most complex and unresolved conflicts in the region. Decades of dialogue and engagement have taken place with the aim of finding a peaceful and honourable solution. While progress has been made in certain areas, the aspirations and expectations of the Naga people remain deeply rooted in the principles of dignity, recognition, and respect for their unique history and identity.
The present reality demands patience, wisdom, and a clear understanding of the historical realities that have shaped the Naga political journey and any lasting solution must address the concerns and aspirations of the Naga people in a manner that ensures justice, stability, and lasting peace.
In recent times, The NSCN government and leadership have been tested repeatedly through various challenges and adversities. Yet through every trial and tribulation, we have emerged stronger—both in our mental resolve and in the strength of our institutions. These experiences have re-sharpened our understanding of the political realities around us, and today we are more aware than ever of the forces that seek to influence or shape the course of our future.
At this crucial moment in our history, unity among the Naga people must remain our highest priority. Differences in opinion or political approach should never overshadow the greater cause that unites us as one people. Our diversity of tribes and communities is not a weakness but a strength that enriches our identity.
Leaders, civil society organisations, tribal bodies, churches, and the youth all have an important role to play in safeguarding the future of our people. Only through cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility can we ensure that the aspirations of the Naga people continue to move forward.
As we look toward the future, our vision must be guided by wisdom and accountability. The young generations deserve a future that is peaceful, stable, and full of opportunity. They must inherit a society where their identity is preserved, their culture respected, and their dignity upheld.
Our task today is therefore not only to remember our past but also to build a future worthy of the sacrifices made by our forefathers. This future must be built upon the foundations of unity, justice, and collective ownership.
On this historic day, let us renew our mutual obligation to the values that have sustained the Naga people throughout history—resilience, unity, dignity, and hope.
May the memory of our ancestors continue to guide us and may the Naga people persist to move forward with unity and determination toward a future of peace and shared prosperity.
GOD BLESS NAGALAND
KUKNALIM
Lieut. Gen.(Retd.) Khango Konyak
President, NSCN/GPRN