[caption id="attachment_201323" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
(L) Tapan Bose sharing solidarity on the occasion of Naga Independence Day, observed in New Delhi. (M) Members from Chakhesang community during the observation of the 72nd Naga Independence Day at the CBCK, Cezo Mepu, Billy Graham Road in Kohima. (R) Akato Chophi speaking on the occasion on 72nd Naga Independence Day on Aug. 14.[/caption]
Dimapur, Aug. 15 (EMN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights commemorated (NPMHR) the “72 Years of the Declaration of Naga Independence Day: Walking the Indo-Naga Political Talk” on Aug. 14 at the India Islamic Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The event was attended by various civil society and student organizations both from Nagaland and mainland India. An update received here on Wednesday from the NPMHR informed about the event.
NPMHR Secretary General Neingulo Krome, in his keynote address, reminded that ‘the Nagas are separate and distinct people.’
“Indo-Naga talks have been going on for too long and the Naga public is losing patience and confidence in the process and if this continues then the time will come for the people to call the leaders back home,” Krome said.
Naga Hoho president, Chuba Ozukum said that the “Nagas should be able to decide our future and further recounted the words of Mahatma Gandhi that the Nagas have every right to be independent”.
The president of UNC, Gaidon Kamei impressed upon the people present by saying “we cannot appreciate the twist and turn policy of the GoI”.
The presidents of Naga Women Union (NWU) and All Naga Student’s Association Manipur (ANSAM) also spoke on the occasion.
The Naga Students Federation (NSF) and Naga Mothers Association (NMA) sent their messages to NPMHR.
Members of Indian organizations such as Tapan Bose, John Dayal and Sanjay Kumar Singh also extended their solidarity.
The event concluded with discussions and feedback from the participants.
The Vice president of NSCN/GPRN (Reformation), Akato Chophi has insisted on ‘Naga unity’ as a pre-requisite towards achieving the goal for political solution and called upon the Naga people to work in unity and in solidarity.
Speaking at the 72nd Naga Independence Day celebration on Aug. 14 as the chief guest, Akato Chophi, stressed on Naga unity to achieve the desired goal of political solution.
According to a press release from the MIP, the chief guest was adorned in different Naga traditional attires to signify, no matter what tribe one might belong, all are the same 'one Naga family.' He called upon the people to stay united so that the Naga family might be a 'mighty fortress' that is formidable and impenetrable by any act of aggression from external forces and adversaries.
Winner of ‘You know you got it’ Aloke Yepthomi enthralled the gathering with a song 'Imagine.’ Hornbill Cultural Club from Lengrijan presented a cultural show.
On the occasion, 'oath of allegiance' to newly inducted tatars and deputy kilonsers was administers by the ‘speaker’ Iheshe Aye.
A short speech was delivered by N Panmei, advisor to the collective leadership.
Also, the Chakhesang Public Organisation observed the 72nd Naga Independence Day at the CBCK, Cezo Mepu, Billy Graham Road in Kohima on Aug. 14.
CPO former presidents, Yesonu Veyie and advocate Timikha Koza shared about the history of the Naga freedom struggle, a press release from the organisation informed.
The programme was attended by nation lovers from across the Chakhesang community.
The CPO president, Kekhwengulo Lea delivered the welcome note while the senior pastor of Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kitsubozou, Rev. Khrotso Mero invoked God's blessing. Shetsuyi Ruho and friends enthralled the gathering with an indigenous song.