Here is speech of V. Nagi, General Secretary, Naga National Council (NNC) - Parent Body) on the occasion of Naga National Martyrs’ Day.
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Dear Naga people,
On this solemn occasion of the 73rd Naga National Martyrs’ Day, observed on 18th October 2025, I offer my heartfelt prayers to our Living God to bless our Nation and every Naga across our land and beyond. Today, we remember with deep reverence our heroes, patriots, and comrades who fought and sacrificed their lives for the Sovereignty of the Naga people.
On this very day in 1952, the Naga people carried out a mass peaceful procession in Kohima to protest the reported torture of a Sumi Naga minor boy by the Indian police in Dimapur. As recorded in the Naga historical document “A Brief Historical Background of Naga Independence” (1st Edition, 1965) published by the Federal Government of Nagaland (page 20):
“On October 18, 1952, Mr. Zasibito of Zotshüma (Jotsoma) village was shot dead on the main road at Kohima by a sub-inspector of the Indian Police. Zasibito was a judge of the Kohima Central Court and was the first Naga to be shot dead by blood-thirsty Indian Government officials. There had been a peaceful public demonstration that fateful morning by the Nagas to protest against the reported torture of a Naga minor boy by the police at Dimapur. Zasibito was not even a demonstrator. He was coming to attend the court from his village four miles away. This incident had touched off the slowly deteriorating relations between the Nagas and Indians to flames.
On October 24, 1952, Prime Minister Nehru referred to this unfortunate incident while addressing a Naga gathering at Mao and expressed his sorrow. He promised a high-powered judicial body to inquire into the whole incident. A memorandum was also submitted to him to leave the Nagas alone in peace. Later, in their report to the Indian Government, the “Jarman Committee” which inquired into the incident, doubted the veracity of the Naga witnesses and completely exonerated the Indian sub-inspector of police.
This unprovoked killing and painful event marked the beginning of Naga National Martyrs, a day of remembrance and reflection for all who have since sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of our Homeland.
Today, as we bow our heads in tribute, let us remember all those who stood, fought, and fell for Naga freedom- from 1952 to the present day. Their courage and conviction continue to inspire us even amidst ongoing challenges and tragic losses.
Let this commemoration not only be one of remembrance but also of renewed commitment. I sincerely appeal to all Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) who have carried the banner of our freedom struggle to set aside differences and come together under a common platform.
The main Naga organisations like the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the Naga Tribal Hohos, and other key stakeholders - have already taken significant initiatives to foster understanding, unity, and collective purpose. Through their resolutions, they have expressed a shared commitment to achieving a just, inclusive, and enduring political solution for the Naga people.
This is the right moment, perhaps the best opportunity in our history, to forge a common strategy and unified approach toward a peaceful and permanent resolution of the Naga political movement. Let us not allow discord or factionalism to weaken our cause. Instead, the National workers must come together without delay to deliberate and formulate the most viable political solution, building upon the resolutions initiated by the FNR, the Tribal Hohos, and the National workers at the gatherings held at Jotsoma, Ungma, and Zunheboto, as a reaffirmation of our shared commitment.
Our struggle has always been a people’s movement, born from the collective will of the Naga Nation. That same spirit must continue to guide us. Every political group must, therefore, uphold discipline, mutual respect, and tolerance- extending peace and solidarity among our people so that we may together reach our ultimate goal of political recognition as a Nation.
I wish to speak directly to our youth- the torchbearers of our future. Too many of our young people, seeking livelihood in distant Indian cities, have faced discrimination, exploitation, and even death. These are painful realities witnessed by our community for many years.
I, therefore, urge our young men and women to seek opportunities within our homeland- to build, create, and serve here where your lives and contributions are most valued. Our future lies in strengthening our Homeland, not in being alienated or mistreated elsewhere.
We have also observed that even within our land, ‘outsiders’ and illegal immigrants are increasingly influencing and endangering our indigenous society. It is time for the Naga people, especially our national workers and leaders, to stand firm in protecting the integrity, safety, and values of our Homeland.
Let us stand together- not in hatred, but in defense of our identity, our dignity, and our rightful place as the original inhabitants of this blessed land.
As we look around the world, we see wars, turmoil, and transitions- yet, in many regions, peace has ultimately prevailed. Let this inspire us in the North East, and especially among the Nagas, to rise with prayer and conviction, seeking peace built upon justice and unity in the Region.
As we observe this Martyrs’ Day, let every Naga, young and old, leader and citizen, pause to honour the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our freedom. Let us renew our commitment to their dream of a sovereign, peaceful, and united Naga Homeland.
May God bless the Naga Nation.
KUKNALIM!