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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 14 (EMN): Commemorating the 74th Naga Independence Day, Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) have solemnly pledged to continue striving towards building an honest and God-fearing nation, besides affirming that priceless sacrifices made by brave Naga men and women would not go in vain.
NNC and FGN celebrated the 74th Naga Independence Day at Transit Peace Camp (TPC), Kohima, on Friday.
In his address to the Naga people, FGN Kedahge (president) Gen. (Retd.) Viyalie Metha appealed to the people to thank to God for preserving “our nation through all the past many years.”
"God's plan for the Nagas to be one among the nations is undisputable and our existing today- still together as a people and as a nation- is a perfect testament of God's unfailing love,” he said.
He paid homage to the past torch-bearers, who tirelessly laid the foundation for a "free and just nation". He added that Nagas are indebted to the thousands of brave Naga soldiers and tens of thousands of men, women and even children who laid down their lives for Naga cause.
"Many suffered indescribable pain and humiliation at the hands of our enemy. But they never gave in. They are our heroes; they are our inspiration. We salute them. Their spirit will continue to live in us, guiding us and inspiring us,” he said.
NNC president Adinno Phizo said: “It is unthinkable that India should suppress us for this long, for the very fact that India herself was under the British rule for several centuries and experienced what foreign domination means.”
She stated that if India is wise enough, it should understand the position of the Nagas by setting a good example to the world. On the contrary, she stated that India with territorial ambition invaded Nagaland.
She observed that many educated Nagas have failed to understand the national right and sufferings of the past and inclined towards their own selfish end.
“In doing so, it has weakened the Nagas for the last 40 years. However, NNC and FGN could withstand the storm by staunchly upholding the Naga national rights,” she said.
She has attributed all successes to the love of God on the Nagas. She, therefore said that no Naga should forget the mercy and protection of the Almighty God upon the Nagas.
“Let as not hesitate to ask God for forgiveness for any mistake on our part, at the same time continue to ask for blessings at all times,” she said.
The progranme was led by NNC vice president B Pashen.