Kohima: Celebrations for the 78th Naga Independence Day took place across parts Nagaland with enthusiasm, but what truly set this year’s observance apart was the Naga Students’ Federation’s (NSF) “The Naga Morung” event.
Reviving the concept of ancient learning centres, the event, held at the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) hall in Kohima, drew thousands of students. The attendees engaged actively with speakers who shared insights on the Naga people’s struggle for freedom and discussed the way forward.
The event commenced with NSF Vice President Mteisuding introducing the student body’s new initiative aimed at engaging students in understanding Naga history. He explained that the Naga Morung has historically been a cornerstone of Naga society, serving as a crucial institution where young Nagas learned about their customs, traditions, and history.
However, modern times have seen a decline in this tradition, leading to generational gaps in understanding among the youth about their historical and political heritage. To address this issue, he said that the NSF proposed the Naga Morung with the theme “Kuknalim,” meaning “Victory to the People and Land” to instill dignity in young Nagas by educating them about their history.
Addressing the students, Human rights activist Neingulo Krome, narrated how Nagas in the past have been shattered with nightmares and never-ending stories of human sufferings, death and destructions, because they wanted to remain as an independent.
He narrated how Nagas were tortured, executed, women were raped, villages were burnt by Indian forces. Citing the metaphor, ‘nothing under the sun and moon’, Krome said that Nagas then made it clear to the Indians that nothing would be accepted besides the Naga sovereignty.
As he cited historical incidences, Krome also share about how the Naga political movement shaped over the recent years. The government of India, he alleged, is once again back tracking the Naga people by delaying an honourable and acceptable solution to the Naga peace talks.
Professor Rosemary Dzuvichu, shared that the Naga people now stand at a critical juncture in the Naga history where the wisdom of the past meets the promises of the future.
The challenge for the youth, she said, is to involve in peace building and peace-making process in the society. “Naga elders must learn to guide and teach in the naga Morung tradition which will create better understanding,” she said.
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Dzuvichu challenged the Naga youth to read and write about the Naga struggle and its history. She encourged the students to speak up and voice their aspirations for the Naga unity.
As nearly 3000 students took part, NSF President Medovi Rhi urged, “As the generation who will be inheriting the solution, I plead to you all not to be swayed away by the various misinformation pertaining to the Naga movement floating around in the air and beyond. Instead, dig deep and ensure that your perspective towards the Naga movement is defined and shaped by the realities of our sacrifices, struggle and everything that defines our nation”.
Also Read | As a Naga, what does the 77th Naga Independence Day mean to us?