On the solemn occasion of Naga National Martyrs’ Day, I pay tribute to our heroes who sacrificed their precious lives for the cause of Naga sovereignty
Dear Naga people,
On the solemn occasion of Naga National Martyrs’ Day, I pay tribute to our heroes who sacrificed their precious lives for the cause of Naga sovereignty. As we observe Naga National Martyrs’ Day on 18 October 2026, we honour and remember the Naga martyrs with profound respect and gratitude for their supreme sacrifices.
Today is also Sunday, the day of worship, making this a particularly sacred occasion for the Naga people. As we solemnly remember our martyrs, let us gather in earnest prayer to our living God. May the Lord bless this day of worship and remembrance in a special way, and may everything we do be to the honour and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On this solemn occasion, the Naga people, and the Naga National Council (NNC) in particular, must rededicate ourselves to our commitment to “Nagaland for Christ” and to the sovereignty of Nagaland. Our political struggle has a history spanning nearly a century, officially beginning with the submission of a memorandum to the Simon Commission of the British Indian Government in 1929. Subsequently, the British Government enacted the Government of India Act, 1935, under which the Naga Hills were classified as an “Excluded Area.” This was followed by the declaration of Naga independence on 14 August 1947, which was acknowledged by the United Nations Organisation (UN), and the voluntary Naga plebiscite held on 16 May 1951, which was witnessed by Indian officials.
These historical events affirm the Naga people’s longstanding political aspirations and their claim to sovereignty. Therefore, the Government of India and the military junta of Myanmar must officially recognise the Naga nation and peacefully leave Nagaland. Both countries have illegally occupied and divided our homeland in 1953 without the consultation, consent, or mandate of the Naga people. Such occupation and division constitute, in the NNC’s position, a grave violation of the fundamental rights of the Naga people and an infringement of their historical and political rights.
On behalf of the Naga people, the Naga National Council appeals to our neighbouring countries to recognise Nagaland’s sovereignty and the identity and rights of the Naga people. Such recognition would contribute to lasting peace, mutual respect, and development in this part of the world. Nagaland deserves its rightful place among the nations of the world, in accordance with the aspirations of its people.
Therefore, any individual or group that compromises the historical and political rights of the Naga people must be held accountable to the people and to the sacrifices of our martyrs. We must remain steadfast in our convictions and faithful to the cause for which so many Naga lives were sacrificed.
Today, as we observe Naga National Martyrs’ Day, let us renew our pledge to stand united, uphold the sacrifices of our martyrs, and continue our struggle for the sovereignty of the Naga people and their homeland, Nagaland.
May God bless Nagaland.
V. Nagi
General Secretary, Naga National Council