78th Naga Independence Day Message of His Excellency the President Lieut. Gen (Retd.) Khango Konyak, NSCN/GPRN (K)

My Dear Countrymen,

On this sacred day, the 78th anniversary of our Naga Independence Day, we gather in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has sustained our people through trials and tribulations, and who will continue to guide us until we break free from the chains of oppression.

History can’t be distorted, nor can it be erased; it is forever etched in the sands of time.

We remember with heavy hearts the sacrifices made by our brave sons and daughters who fought valiantly for our rightful place among sovereign nations. We remember the elders, the youth, even innocent children, who faced the brutality of oppression with courage and resolve, their sacrifice fuelling our struggle for freedom. No words or actions can ever truly honour their unwavering dedication to the Naga cause.

Since time immemorial, the Naga people have thrived as a sovereign, democratic nation, our distinct culture and identity shining brightly. It was through forced encounters with the outside world that we were subjected to the yoke of colonialism, first by the British, and later, by Indian imperialism. Yet, the Naga spirit never faltered. We have resisted tirelessly, fighting for our homeland against the forces of oppression that seek to deny us our birthright.

Sovereignty is our birthright, which will be defended at all costs. We will continue to strive to reclaim our stolen heritage and restore our rightful place in the world.

My brothers and sisters, we all know the struggles of our past and I do not see the need to articulate and justify our assertion for self-determination as a free nation.

The path has been fraught with challenges, testing our resolve and forcing us to confront both external forces and internal divisions. But through these trials by fire, we have emerged stronger, our commitment to the Naga nation solidified. We carry the torch of freedom passed down by our forefathers.

We are a people who understand the value of peace, but our pursuit of a peaceful resolution must not be mistaken for weakness.

The Government of India has acknowledged our inherent political rights, and as a consequence, most Naga political groups are engaged in dialogue with the Government of India.

The NSCN also stands ready to engage in dialogue with the Government of India, seeking an honourable and just solution to the long and complex Naga political issue. However, we remain vigilant, ready to defend our principles and our people against those who would exploit our desire for peace and we will not be swayed by hollow promises or attempts to undermine our unity.

The present reality is that the NSCN faces battles on two fronts. We fight against the forces of imperialism and oppression, but also against the insidious threat of factionalism and opportunism that seeks to divide our people from within.

Let us be clear, we will not yield to those who would exploit our struggle for their own gain. We will defend the integrity and principles of the NSCN with unwavering resolve. Our commitment to lasting peace, tranquillity, progress, and stability in our land remains absolute.

I urge you all to place your faith in the NSCN and lend your unwavering support to our cause. Let us work hand-in-hand, with courage and determination, to secure a brighter future for all Nagas.

God Bless Nagaland!

KUKNALIM