Metha urges Nagas to preserve ‘God’s given freedom’

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Aug. 14 (EMN): The Kedahge (President) of Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Gen. (Retd.) Viyalie Metha, on Saturday called on the Naga people not to ‘remain complacent and indifferent for personal comfort but suffer (if we must), to strive and to preserve the God-given freedom and liberty as a people and nation’.

He was addressing the 75th Independence Day programme at Transit Peace Camp (TPC) in Kohima.

 “Naga people celebrate in commemoration of their historic independence declaration on August 14, 1947. And today, Nagaland exists as a nation among nations by unceasingly upholding our national rights, which was meticulously laid down by our ancestors. We are thankful to God Almighty, for His blessings and protection all through these years of hardships and toils,” he asserted.

The Kedaghe also paid homage to the fore-bearers and leaders for their sacrifices and expressed gratitude to the present national workers of the Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) for their ‘unflinching sacrifices’ till today.

Ruminating into the history of Nagaland and the wise decision taken by the pioneers, he said, “With all humanity they attempted to keep a good neighbourly relationship between Nagaland and the upcoming independent country — India. They went to Delhi and met most of the Indian leaders including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Muhammad Jinnah and Mahatma Gandhi.”

Meanwhile, he stated that back home the leaders, in order to clear any future doubt or confusion, declared Nagaland’s independence one day before India was given hers by the British rulers.

“Ever since her independence, India started to invade Nagaland vying for our wealth of rich natural resources. India’s forced occupation in Nagaland by its armed forces supported with promulgation of its black laws and applying the policy of ‘divide and rule’ in Nagaland – the worst policy they themselves suffered in the hands of their British masters yet used against others; this had prolonged the suffering of our people,” he said.

“Today it is encouraging to see the outcome of the FGN’s policy to maintain peace in the land by honouring our commitment made on  September 6, 1964 — Indo-Naga International Ceasefire Agreement — for which our children could acquire their proper education and people’s economy improved by God’s grace,” Metha added.

Stating that Nagas have survived as a nation by the grace of the Almighty, he urged the educated elites of the society ‘to share the burden of our nation’.

Metha said, “Our path is however dark and dreary because of the enemy, it is strewn with stumbling blocks of political divisions, treachery, greed and insecurity. This is because of the aggression, treachery and unwillingness to understand the Nagaland stand by our neighbour that professes to be the largest democracy in the world.

“Whereas, some of our so-called educated elites have conversely obfuscated the truth of our history by conjuring up narratives based on alien ideologies and dogmas using all sorts of irrelevant terminologies. This has given birth to empty rhetoric and impractical ideas devoid of relevant values. Meanwhile, some of us have become parasites by living and feeding off the aggressors and its agencies in the form of the puppet government set up by India and also in the guise of Naga nationalists”.

He further maintained that the infernal state of affairs has further created ‘confusion and attitude of despondency’ towards the national well-being and has become leverage to the aggressors to bring their laws upon Nagas, infringing its liberty and sovereignty.

“This graphic description is in no way meant to discourage anyone nor is it meant to further confusion and despondency but to move forward unflinchingly for the glory of our nation,” he added.

He asserted that ‘there should be no reason why any Naga should be confused as to who speaks the truth with reason and who is not’.

Furthermore, he highlighted that prior to the formation of Naga National Council (NNC) in 1946, each and every Naga region was a small republic.

“It was when AZ Phizo became the president of NNC and brought all Nagas together as one by bringing together NNC (areas which were under British administration) and the free Nagas (areas which were never administered by any foreign power) formed the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) on March 22, 1956, at Parashen in Rengma region.

“The NNC/FGN passed the resolution known as Takhuti resolution at Lakhuti in Lotha region to protect the federal government and Naga unity. No Naga shall challenge or violate this solemn declaration. These are the foundations and the truth of Naga Unity and Naga Nation; nothing more”, he added.

Earlier, the Kedaghe unfurled the national flag and took salute while Rev. Savito Nagi read a scripture and offered prayer. Songs were presented by SRM task force and Bayie Kro-u, while closing prayer was said by NNC vice president, L Kaiso.

On the occasion, ‘Nagaland Star,’ the highest award, was conferred to NNC president Adinno Phizo and Tubu Kevichusa, while 13 other awards were also conferred to the Naga army posthumously.

In a related programme, the FGN under the leadership of its president Brig. (Retd) S Singnya, celebrated 75th Naga Independence Day in Dimapur on August 14.

An update from FGN ministry of Rali Wali Affairs stated that its president unfurled the Naga national flag. The programme chaired by its kilonser, Vepozo Chuzho, began with reading of the Scripture and prayer by Hekuto Sumi, chaplain of Sumi Region. It added that the speech of its president was read out by Ghuvishe V Zhimomi, FGN secretary general.

On the occasion, the government presented gifts to all high ranking authorities and Naga army officers as a mark of honour and dedication towards national service. It stated that more than 60 Naga army officers were promoted to higher ranks and also awarded meritorious medals and certificates.

Short speeches were also delivered by kilonsers Hekhuvi Achumi and Tingloi Konyak and Maj. Gen. Anito Yepthomi, GOC, W/C, Naga army.

It stated that the ongoing talk between the GoI and the NNPGs was highlighted by FGN Kedallo Zhopra Vero.