Hebron: Members of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) on Friday celebrated its 46th Republic Day at Council Headquarters, Hebron in Nagaland.
The event was graced by Vilanuo Angela Yhome, president of the Naga Mother’s Association (NMA) as the guest of honour.
All ranks and files of the NSCN-IM, including its chairman Q Tuccu, deputy Ato Kilonser VS Atem and Longvibu Ningkhan Anthony, leaders from Naga civil organisations, leaders of neighbouring villages and delegates from Naga communities across borders were part of the celebration.
In his Republic Day address, Q Tuccu, the Yaruiwo (chairman) of the organisation, said that the Naga Republic Day marks the establishment of their government as dictated by their political right in accordance with the international political system and ethics that respect the freedom of the indigenous people. “Significantly, this is a day of pride and determination of the Naga people to keep on asserting the God-given rights as a people and as a nation with our own government system based on the sovereign rights,” he said.
The Chairman also expressed that ever since we assert our sovereign rights we have never bow down to our aggressor at the cost of surrendering our dignity and pride as a nation. Let us continue to uphold the national principles under which we have reach this far.
According to the NSCN-IM leader, the Naga Republic Day is a symbol of Naga transition to becoming a free country with our rights respected and honoured in keeping with making a true meaning of the Naga Independence declaration on 14th August, 1947 & Naga plebiscite of 1951.
“This historic Naga documents are still with the UN archives in New York. Such indelible testament before the UNO is a proof of the Nagas being subjugated and suppressed for more than 70 years by India,” said the Chairman.
While paying tribute Naga soldiers and their great freedom fighters and every Naga who had contributed towards the Naga nation making process, Chairman Tuccu stated that their dedicated services and sacrifices, determination and courage shaped the Naga freedom movement as we find today. With gratitude and acknowledgement, let us put them into our hearts as we continue to follow their footprints of nationalism and patriotism, it said.
Commenting on the Government of India’s alleged mining move in Nagaland, Tuccu said that for quite a long period the Government of India has been casting covetous eyes to explore our natural wealth, mainly petroleum but under no circumstances should we allow our mineral wealth to be exploited by our aggressor when they refused to respect the political rights of the Naga people.
“The new attempt made by the Government of India to intrude into our sovereign ownership rights in Mokokchung district to explore, drill oil and extract the petroleum. India is simply testing our nerves without respecting our history and culture. By our Naga culture we are possessive of our God given wealth with strong attachment to our national identity that provides a sense of legacy and pride as God’s chosen people,” said the NSCN-IM leader.
Chairman Tuccu also lauded the stand taken by the Ao Naga community, stating it is an exemplary manner of asserting the Naga national identity and they have courageously given the statement against exploration of petroleum in the land that belongs to them and not to the Indian government.
“Let us be greatful to God as Nagas were bestowed with rich natural wealth. This demanded from us to tread very cautiously by not allowing others to take away our God given sovereign wealth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tuccu alleged that the delaying of the Naga political solution is not by the NSCN, but the truth in delaying Naga solution lies with India and it makes no political sense crying foul against NSCN.
“For more than 27 years when Indo-Naga political talks started India has gone deep into playing divisive politics to keep the Nagas divided on factional lines. The truth is, India wants to lessen the weight of NSCN in the negotiation table for Naga political solution,” he said.
For this very purpose Naga National Political Party(NNPGs) was created to counterweight the NSCN’s prized possession, Framework Agreement of 3rd August, 2015 using the Agreed Position of NNPGs. India wants to confuse the Nagas through Agreed Position, he added.
Meanwhile, a drill display was demonstrated by the Naga Army showcasing their skills and discipline.
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