Speech by Starson Lamkang, Ato Kilonser of NSCN/GPRN aka NSCN-K (Niki), on the occasion of Naga Independence Day.
Greetings in the name of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ on this glorious day of the celebration of the 80th Independence Day. Our Nation pays solemn regard and salute to all martyrs and patriots for their sacrifices. As we celebrate our declaration of independence, let it be a reminder of the golden legacy that we, the present (generation) have inherited and the road ahead.
It is high time for all Nagas, especially the intellectuals, scholars, political and social thinkers to actively work out practical and workable steps or strategies for strengthening, realigning or structuring of our civil society organisations either as Naga Hobo, NMA, NSF or even if a new nomenclature under a unified organisation/forum is to be chosen to represent all Naga tribes from all corners of Naga-inhabited areas. A united voice will always be needed, if we are to exist as a Nation. There is no other way, as Unity is the only way forward.
All Nagas constitute our Nation and have a part to play in building our Nation. Thus, we should in our own ways and means contribute to the Unity of our Nation. No one denies our historical and political rights but when the going gets tough, very few are willing to walk the talk. Therefore, let us all recommit ourselves to the sacred cause of Sovereign Nagaland for Christ and put into practice what we aspire to be. Least, we be judged by posterity as the generation that sowed the seeds of division and harvested the disintegration of our Naga Nation.
On this day, we should seriously imprint in our hearts the saying of our legendary Leader A.Z. Phizo: "I am a Naga first, a Naga second, and a Naga last."
NSCN/GPRN shall and will always stand to defend our political aspirations of a Sovereign Nagaland for Christ.
Kuknalim.
Starson Lamkang
Ato Kilonser NSCN/GPRN aka NSCN-K (Niki)