78th Naga Independence Day Speech of Hon’ble Ato Kilonser INNO. Alezo Venuh

I thank our Almighty Jehovah, the creator of Nagaland. To every nook and corner, throughout the length and breadth of beloved Naga homeland,I convey Naga Independence Day greetings to all my brethren, friends and comrades from the elevated Council Headquarters of the GPRN/NSCN. [Unification].

We are all aware that on the bright morning of 14th August 1947, upon British departure from the Indian sub-continent, all Naga tribes under British Administered Area, then a small portion within undivided Naga homeland, have declared independence from the British rule and possible Indian control, and merged with theres to free, un-administered Nagaland. This robust decision and declaration did not require the consent and approval of neither the departing British administration northern ascent Indian federation. The telegram was only sent to the United Nations Organisation (UNO). What a glorious indestructible truth and historical record for Naga generations.

I pay homage to our pioneers and those thousands of Naga patriots who, in the process of defending this solemn declaration, have sacrificed their lives at the altar of Naga nationalism in the decades that followed.

After the golden run of fierce resistance against Indian occupation, a communist influenced ideological wave infiltrated in to Naga movement. Differences emerged which fuelled factionalism and tribalism and ultimately a murderous blood bath among Naga brothers ensued for supremacy in eastern Nagaland, which spilled over to India occupied western Nagaland. Four decades on,

this tragedy left a deep scar in the psyche of the Naga people. The wounds are still visible. The formula of vengeance bloodshed has been a curse to our common political objective.

Naga Nationalism is founded on the equal participation and collective responsibility of each Naga. Commitments of leadership on the ideals to the people should not be made a trading commodity for the selfish interests and luxurious life of the top leaders. Nagas will continue to extend their whole hearted support for the cause. Ambitious leadership in their quest for power and accumulating wealth should accept their failures and should desist from creating new groups and arms race. Political negotiations are over. It is time for the revolutionary governments to come clean and make way for political solution to be implemented.

Without fear or favour, I call upon Naga tribes and apex civil societies to mark out these preposterous Naga political groups on view. Nagas have to be blunt and seek answers to the infamy of the present hour.

Naga’s friends and well-wishers, as time passes, leadership changes and evolves, some retire and others phased out by the people. This is the natural phenomenon of humans in every nation. Nagas are no different yet when it comes to true patriotism it is the fire in the belly inherited from one’s grandfather or father. In recent decades corruption, nepotism and self-indulgences have over shadowed the spirit of nationalism in many leaders and followers.

I have been entrusted by the overwhelming majority in theGPRN/NSCN National Tatar Hoho, to partner WC, NNPGs for the continuation and finalisation of Indo-Naga political solution. I trust and believe that WC, NNPGs has the mandate, political pedigree and intellectual quotient to resolve the issue on the basis of practical foundation as envisaged in the Agreed Position of 17th Nov. 2017, and the Status Paper thereafter. I pray that Naga people will continue to support the effort of GPRN/NSCN and the WC, NNPG partners. I am firm that WC, NNPG affiliates will broaden the horizon and remain inclusive to finally complete the entrusted responsibility as demanded by the Naga people.

However great or tall a leader claims himself to be, it all ends once the people find their wrong doings and corrupt practices. Once the cover up becomes exposed, for safeguarding the quality of leadership. This is destroying the core foundation of Naga Political movement. Today GPRN/NSCN (Unification) is going through a cleansing process, correcting the past mistakes of the leadership.

To the Government of India (GOI), I wish to convey the position of the GPRN/NSCN and that of the WC, NNPGs that the Naga people do not want a word or sentence deleted or restructured from the historic “Agreed Position”. The Status Paper is the most practical historical Indo-Naga document to date. Naga political aspiration and the principle of coexistence respecting Naga Political and historical rights is emphasised. Equally it reflects the position of the GOI on maintaining enduring relationship with the Nagas. Time is the essence in the current Indo-Naga issue. All core issues have been resolved and officially announced on 31st October 2019 by the then GOI interlocutor Mr. R. N Ravi. WC,NNPGs and the Naga people are all on the same page when it comes to Indo-Naga political issue. This aspect is more important than the little differences within the Naga family.

Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has recently been given a new mandate by the Indian electorate. Unlike in the past few years, we hope there will be commitment and integrity in the new innings. There is no glory in delaying a historic agreement on the Naga issue. Delay will only tarnish the image of global India and its leadership. As the Nagas celebrate the spirit and essence of sovereignty and self-determination declared on14th August 1947, I appeal to the Indian leadership to walk the talk on the basis of Agreed Position between the two entities. Looking forward for a new era of peace and prosperity.

KUKNALIM!

“Good Bless Nagaland”