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DIMAPUR — We are still inside the cage that obeys dictates even after the 77th year of Naga Independence Day, but I hope we overcome the confusion and find a path away from manipulation and oppression. These were the words of Athong Makury, a scholar, who was also president of the Council for Naga Affairs in Myanmar.
Makury expressed this sentiment via Zoom at the 77th International Naga Independence Day commemoration organised by the Global Naga Forum on Monday.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Makury, in his keynote speech "Unity and resilience: A Naga leader's perspective on independence and cultural preservation," echoed the success story of Canada's first citizens, who he said were focused on their goals, knew who they were, believed in their strategy rather than might, were rooted in their culture and experts in interpreting it, were able to overcome decolonising forces from within or outside, and persuaded the Nagas to look into themselves as people and not factions for a shared future.
In his solidarity message, Vijayan MJ, representing the Pakistan India Peoples' Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD, India), emphasised progressive politics, saying that being progressive necessitates leaving aside status quo diplomacy and fighting injustice and oppression.
Social activist Vitono Haralu stated that the role of women in trust-building is critical and that stakeholders are required in every action for peacebuilding.
Also read: Starson Lamkang hopes Naga Independence Day celebration in Naga parliament one day