Speech by Akato Chophi on the Occasion of Naga Independence Day

Friends, Nagas, comrades and compatriots,

First of all, my revolutionary salute to you all on this 80th Anniversary of Naga Independence Day as we give all glory to the good Lord for having sustained the Nagas all through these years of our tumultuous odyssey though marked with both ups and downs.

We specially honour and exalt our founding fathers for whose unfathomable faith and courage and upon whose platform, we still continue to stand firm to proclaim and profess our inherent rights as a Nation.

Let us also remember each and every one of our fallen heroes, who chose to die than yield, whilst in defense of our beloved Nation.

Today, as we all stand at the crucial stage to trying to arriving at an honourable Indo-Naga political solution acceptable to both entities, the top priorities of the NSCN is always to fulfilling the aspirations of the Naga people as a whole and hence we have left no stone unturned in pursuing a pragmatic approach

Today, it is the bounden duty of educated young Nagas to shoulder the gigantic task of this legacy that our fathers left behind for us. It is their duty to analyse and scrutinise the past mistakes and to bring it back to the right track.

Until then, let us all look forward to a bright future wherein every Naga shall once again be proud to call ourselves a Naga in the true spirits of our ancestors with our heads held high, but at the same time let us also remember that, we are Nagas by birth and not by choice and so as we stand at the threshold of our future doorway, let us be clear that our past and our present must lead us to a future that is secure for all.

The NSCN also with no dearth and paucity acknowledges the immense contributions of the Naga civil societies, churches, Naga public, patrons, protagonists, supporters, sympathisers and every individuals for without whose valuable advises, prayers and supports, we could not have come thus far.

Last but not the least, I call upon all Nagas everywhere, "To raise your hands into the air and proclaim that we are Naga Warriors by blood and by birth and the progeny of our fearless and brave ancestors." Let it also be made known to the world that, by clinging on to our forefathers' legacy and perseverance, and for the safeguard of future posterity, we did also unfalteringly and unwaveringly made our stands and stood our grounds, with pride.