Here is speech by V. Nagi, General Secretary of the Naga National Council, on the occasion of Naga Independence Day.
Dear Naga people,
In the name of our Living God, I extend my greetings to the Naga people and to all those residing in the Naga Homeland and beyond, on the solemn occasion of the 79th Anniversary of Naga Independence Day.
As we commemorate 14 August, we remember with profound respect the Naga patriots who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of the political rights, dignity and aspirations of the Naga people. The declaration of Naga Independence on 14 August 1947, and its official acknowledgment and recording by the United Nations Organisation a day before India’s independence, marked one of the most significant political milestones in modern Naga history. It remains deeply significant and continues to hold an important place in the collective consciousness of the Naga people.
The question of the political rights and aspirations of the Naga people has endured through generations. Thousands have sacrificed their lives for the legitimate and inalienable political rights and sovereignty of the Naga people. Their sacrifices impose upon the present generation a solemn responsibility: to preserve our identity, uphold our aspirations and pursue a just and honourable political settlement.
No individual, organisation or group should lose sight of the larger interests of the Naga people. At this critical juncture, we must remain firm in our commitment to our political rights while also demonstrating wisdom, restraint and a willingness to work towards a peaceful and lasting solution.
Above all, Naga unity is indispensable. We must come together before our differences deepen further. The national workers, leaders and the people must recognise that continued division will only prolong uncertainty and suffering. It is therefore imperative for all Naga political groups and leaders to rise above differences, engage sincerely with one another and work collectively towards a political settlement that reflects the genuine aspirations of the Naga people.
The present circumstances in the region make such unity even more urgent. The political and social challenges confronting the North-East require responsible leadership, democratic values and respect for the rights and dignity of indigenous communities.
The situation in Manipur, in particular, has caused immense suffering, displacement, and insecurity among different communities. In the face of these challenges, the Naga people must continue to stand firmly for the protection of our indigenous rights, land, identity, and traditional way of life. At the same time, the issue of illegal immigration must be addressed firmly, with stringent measures and laws. Those found must be identified immediately and repatriated to their respective places of origin. Addressing these concerns decisively and fairly can contribute to restoring peace, security, and stability and help create a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflicts affecting Manipur and Nagaland.
The wider political developments in India and Myanmar also remind us of the vital importance of democracy, constitutional governance, freedom of conscience, the rule of law, and the protection of minority rights. Myanmar continues to face a grave political and humanitarian crisis under prolonged military rule, which has severely weakened governance and contributed to widespread instability and suffering. In India, despite its claim as the world’s largest democracy, growing concerns over the weakening of constitutional institutions, the rule of law, democratic checks and balances, and the rights of minorities must not be overlooked. The concentration of political power under a single ruling party also raises concerns about the health and resilience of India’s democratic institutions.
As people from the Northeast, we must therefore remain committed to democratic values and to the protection of our distinct identities, cultures, faith and political rights. Our strength must not be measured merely by our ability to resist, but also by our capacity to remain united, principled and peaceful in the pursuit of freedom of recognition.
The changing geopolitical landscape of the world, including the continuing conflicts in the Middle East, demonstrates the devastating consequences of prolonged political divisions and the failure of leaders to pursue meaningful and peaceful solutions. These developments should remind us, as Naga national workers and leaders, that political problems ultimately require political solutions. Dialogue, reconciliation, mutual understanding, and unity are therefore essential to achieving a just and lasting peace.
We also take note of international developments concerning the protection of religious freedom and the rights of Christian communities. Any genuine commitment by governments to protect religious freedom and minority rights is a welcome step. For the Christian communities of the Northeast, including the Naga people, the protection of freedom of faith and conscience remains deeply important.
The American missionaries brought the good news of Christianity and education to the North-East region in the 18th century, long before India became an independent country. The people of the North-East remain grateful for their missionary work and for the values of humanity, love, education, and the Gospel that they brought to the region.
The Naga National Council, on behalf of the people of the North-East Christian community, appeals to the people and Government of the United States of America to continue and complete the work of promoting and defending religious freedom for the people of the North-East, and for the Nagas in particular. As one of the world’s strongest democracies and a nation that upholds the principles of freedom and faith in the Living God, we believe that the United States has a rightful and meaningful role to play in standing with oppressed and suppressed religious communities in this part of the world.
Once again, in conclusion, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all the people in the Naga homeland and abroad on the occasion of the 79th Naga Independence Day. May we remember with gratitude and honour those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Naga people and continue to uphold the values of freedom, peace, and justice.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Naga Independence Day. Kuknalim.
V. Nagi
General Secretary of the Naga National Council