The Naga Students’ Federation and various Naga Political Groups observed the 80th Naga Independence Day with commemorative programmes.
DIMAPUR/KOHIMA/WOKHA — The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and various Naga political groups (NPGs) observed the 80th Naga Independence Day with commemorative programmes highlighting the Naga people’s history, political aspirations and sacrifices of their forefathers.
Naga Students’ Federation: Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Mteisuding Heraang has urged all Naga political groups to stop recruiting non-Nagas and relieve any non-Nagas currently associated with their organisations.
Addressing the 80th Naga Independence Day celebration organised by the NSF at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima, on Friday, Heraang said the federation’s message to the NPGs was clear: non-Nagas should not be included in the Naga political movement.
“None of the Naga political groups should continue recruiting the non-Nagas in our Naga movement,” he said, adding that the NSF would continue to raise the issue in the days ahead.
He argued that non-locals could not fight for the Naga cause and appealed to NPGs to relieve any non-Nagas from their groups.
Heraang described the 80th Naga Independence Day as a significant occasion for the Naga people, asserting that Nagas were a free people and would not succumb to any force or authority.
NSF mandate extends beyond students
Addressing what he termed public misunderstanding about the NSF, Heraang said the federation was formed with a broader purpose than representing students and youth.
He recalled that visionary Naga leaders came together in 1946, leading to the formal formation of the Naga Students’ Federation on October 29, 1947. He said the NSF was established not only to address students’ and youths’ aspirations but also to carry forward the aspirations and rights of the Naga people.
Heraang maintained that the federation had never shied away from raising issues concerning the general public, students and youth, and had consistently championed the rights of the Naga people.
On the significance of observing Naga Independence Day, he said the occasion commemorated the historical struggle of the Naga people and the sacrifices of their forefathers. He also called on the Government of India and all NPGs to honour their commitments towards a political solution, taking into account the “unique history and reality” of the Nagas.
He called for the finalisation of a settlement based on the principle of coexistence.
‘No justification for division’
Guest speaker advocate Tongpok Pongener said the declaration of August 14 as Naga Independence Day was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but the outcome of a movement whose foundations had been laid years earlier.
He lamented that the Nagas were a “divided house” and asserted that there could be no justification for the prevailing divisions.
Questioning how the Nagas could achieve their aspirations amid splintering and distrust, Pongener stressed the need to rebuild the trust that existed among the forefathers who initiated the movement.
He said trust and the Naga movement could not be rebuilt merely by a few elders coming together, but required the participation of all sections of society, regardless of organisational affiliation.
Pongener urged Nagas to cultivate a sense of brotherhood and belonging, stating that unless people were free within themselves, achieving actual freedom would remain difficult.
Eastern Naga Students’ Federation president Nuheymong Yimchunger said Nagas remained divided by different administrative territories, but their common aspirations had never been constrained by such “artificial boundaries”.
He urged Naga leaders to draw inspiration from the patriotism of their forefathers and work towards their common goal.
Yimchunger warned that if leaders continued to remain in their comfort zones, the future of students would be adversely affected and future generations would hold them accountable.
He appealed to leaders of Naga organisations to stop creating further divisions and organisations and work collectively towards a better Nagalim.
NNC Lotha Region: The Naga National Council (NNC), Lotha Region, commemorated the 80th Naga Independence Day at LTC Hall, Wokha, with members and supporters attending the programme in renewed hope for Naga independence and sovereignty.
Addressing the gathering, NNC Lotha Region president Ekyimthung Patton noted that the Naga political struggle has continued for 97 years since 1929.
He expressed concern over the fragmentation of the Naga national movement, stating that more than 20 groups of Naga national workers had emerged over the years, with several entering into agreements under the Indian Constitution—departures, according to the NNC, from the principle of Naga sovereignty.
Patton claimed that only a few groups continue to uphold the principle of sovereignty, citing Gen. (Rtd.) Thenoselie’s group, Yillow Humtsoe and V Nagi’s group, along with some groups in the Eastern Region.
He emphasised that the Lotha region has remained united under one NNC since 2024 and urged other sovereign groups to first unite, standing firm on the principles of the 1929 Political Memorandum of Naga Hills and the 1951 Naga plebiscite, which the NNC regards as the foundation for a permanent political solution.
The NNC Lotha Region reiterated its policy of non-violence, non-cooperation, and opposition to forced taxation. Patton appealed to citizens and Naga political factions to come together on one platform to work towards resolving the Naga political issue.
He further alleged that the Indian government was using ceasefires and financial means rather than armed conflict to weaken the Naga national movement and undermine what the NNC describes as the Naga people’s sovereign right.
The programme commenced with a minute of silent prayer for past members, chaired by Thungchanbemo, secretary, with a welcome address delivered by Yantso Murry, president of Tiyi Region.
NSCN/GPRN-K (K-V): The NSCN/GPRN-K (Khango-Vusshe) observed the 80th Naga Independence Day with a commemorative programme at the Council Headquarters (CHQ), Thamsao.
The organisation’s ato kilonser, Hokato Vusshe, attended the celebration as the chief guest and hoisted the Naga National flag, according to an update.
The programme began with an invocation by Langphong, pastor of Yeangmai Baptist Church, followed by the presidential address and an obituary report presented by the Ministry of Keeya Affairs.
The youth department of Yongkhao Baptist Church presented a special song, while the Ministry of Keeya Affairs also presented the rank declaration. Patriotic songs performed by members of the Naga Army, GHQ and CHQ, along with folk songs presented by women from Tamkoang village, marked the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Hokato Vusshe spoke on the significance of the day and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the ideals and aspirations of the Naga people.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hokashe Muru, kilonser of Alee Affairs, followed by a benediction pronounced by Shinok M, chaplain, CHQ. A celebratory feast was served after the programme.
NSCN/GPRN-K Michael: The NSCN/GPRN-K Michael observed the 80th Naga Independence Day at its central office, with kilonser and CAO-UT as the chief guest.
According to an update issued by the organisation, the chief guest, in his speech, said the Naga people are blessed with a unique history, rich culture and strong aspirations.
He stressed the importance of unity and discipline among the cadres, urging them not to be distracted by confusion, impatience or any elements that could undermine the trust built through the peace process.
He further said the Agreed Position and the positive developments between the Naga political groups and the Government of India have given the Naga people hope, which must be protected through discipline and sustained unity.
The programme was attended by members from all ranks and files, along with dignitaries and well-wishers from various sections of society.
Meanwhile, regional authorities of the NSCN/GPRN-K Michael also observed the 80th Naga Independence Day at their respective regional offices.
FGN (Singnya): The midan peyus of various regions under the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), led by Brig. (Retd.) S Singnya, Kedahge, observed the 80th Naga Independence Day on Friday in their respective regions in accordance with government directives.
The Khiamniungan Region observed the occasion at Longdon Range, with K Thanghiu, secretary to the kedahge, attending as the chief guest. He unfurled the Naga National Flag and delivered the message of the kedahge.
The programme was chaired by S Langoi, deputy secretary of the Khiamniungan Region, while the sanctification prayer was led by LK Pishen, head chaplain.
The observance was attended by N/A and regional authorities. The proceedings were initiated by the GOC E/C, N/A FGN, and the midan peyu of the Khiamniungan Region.
M Mechu, speaker of the leacy hoho, Khiamniungan Region, delivered the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with a mass prayer.
Lotha Students’ Union: The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) solemnly observed the 80th Naga Independence Day with reverence and pride, honouring the sacrifices and vision of Naga forefathers.
The day’s program commenced at the LSU office in Wokha, with the hoisting of the Naga National Flag by the union president, followed by a brief address highlighting the significance of the day and the enduring struggle for Naga identity and rights.
Following the formal observance, LSU members proceeded to Lakhuthi Village to pay homage at the resting place of late Khodao Yanthan, former vice-president of the NSCN (IM). Remembered as a towering leader who stood firm for the rights, identity, and future of the Naga people, the union laid a wreath at his memorial and offered a silent prayer, seeking strength to uphold his legacy and aspirations.
In its message, the LSU called upon the Naga people, particularly the student community, to remain steadfast in preserving the history, identity, and collective spirit of the nation.