Naga political groups, students observe Naga Independence Day

DIMAPUR — Different Naga political groups and student unions on Thursday celebrated the 79th Naga Independence Day at the respective headquarters and offices.

NSCN/GPRN (Niki): The NSCN/GPRN (Niki) observed 79th Naga Independence Day at GHQ, Suruhuto designated camp, Zunheboto district, with Mhonbemo Tsanglao, Kilo Kilonser, as the chief guest.

The chief guest, who unfurled the Naga national flag, was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour, the NSCN (Niki) stated in a press release.

Speaking on the occasion, Tsanglao emphasised that unity of all the Naga people is a must in order to achieve their dreams and aspirations which, he said, is an inherent right of the Nagas. He also called upon the national workers to rededicate themselves to the cause of the nation.

The Independence Day speech of NSCN/GPRN President Gen. (Retd) Niki Sumi was read out during the function.

In a show of solidarity, hoho officials, GBs, elders, and members of various civil society organisations turned out in force for the celebration.

The gathering observed a minute of silent prayer to pay tribute to the patriots who made the supreme sacrifice in the struggle for Naga nationalism.

Also read: NSCN (IM) reaffirms Naga unity, freedom at 79th Independence Day

During the programme, promotions of rank and file were announced, followed by a military parade by various contingents. Additionally, PAN presented a patriotic song.

Ikuto Jimo, pastor, GHQ offered invocation prayer while Inovi Naga, Cabinet Secretary, delivered welcome address. Vote of thanks was proposed by Y Asang, Kilonser, Border Affairs, and benediction pronounced by Viheshe Yeptho, Kilonser, Ministry of Religious Affairs.

NSCN/GPRN (Khango-Vusshe): The NSCN/GPRN (Khango-Vusshe) celebrated the 79th Naga Independence Day at CFSB premises with Kilo Kilonser Viniho Kiho hoisting the Naga national flag as the chief guest.

In his address, the chief guest highlighted on the need for unity among various political groups, an update from the group stated.

“No matter how many groups we have today, we all follow one constitution and salute one flag only,” Kiho said.

He also said that as the Government of India will only give one solution the Naga Political groups should collectively work towards this end and mutually come to an understanding so as to facilitate an early solution.

He also said that since the Government of India will offer only one solution, so Naga political groups must unite and reach a mutual understanding to expedite the process.

In his address, Ato Kilonser Hokato Vusshe highlighted the need for Nagas to unite under one umbrella, including political groups, civil society organisations, and common people, to permanently resolve the political issue.

Read more: Kitovi slams NSCN (IM) over ‘lack of sincerity’

“The Naga political dialogue can only be brought to its logical conclusion when all the Naga political groups unitedly stand together and strive towards the goal hand in hand.

The leaders of the different political groups should for once leave aside all their personal differences or different political ideologies and join forces together to find a common ground and collectively engage in political dialogue, keeping the desires and the longing of the Naga people for peace and development above their personal interests,” Vusshe said.

He also maintained that the Government of India must stop giving false promises to the Naga people and take the Naga political issue with utmost sincerity and seriousness.

“The NSCN/GPRN sends this clear message to the Government of Nagaland not to mislead the Naga people but stand true to our struggle. Our cause is sacred and our predecessor has defended this cause with their lives and we will never tolerate the sacred Naga cause to be contaminated by their petty politics,” the update added.

Naga Students’ Federation: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) commemorated Naga Independence Day at its Kohima office, where senior NSF leader Joseph Ngouri hoisted the Naga flag.

In his message, NSF General Secretary Chumben Khuvung highlighted the day's significance, noting it as a milestone in the pursuit of self-determination and freedom, while paying tribute to the sacrifices of Naga freedom fighters, an update stated.

Khuvung stated that the Naga struggle is not only political but also a quest for dignity, justice, and recognition, strengthened by the people’s diverse traditions, languages, and history.

He called upon Nagas to work for a future of peace, prosperity, and equality, and to remain steadfast in safeguarding the common interest and aspirations of the Naga people.

Delivering the concluding remarks Kenilo Kent, NSF Assistant General Secretary, said the day honours the sacrifices and vision of past leaders whose dedication gave purpose to Naga nationhood.

Read more: FGN Kedahge Viyalie Metha invokes spirit of oneness

He urged that the occasion be more than a moment of remembrance, calling for a renewed commitment to unity and coexistence.

Kent stressed that the path to a definite Naga future lies not only in political talks but also in building trust, understanding, and acknowledging the strength of each tribe and region as part of one Naga family.

The programme was led by Kevilelhou Zumu, Games and Sports Secretary, and invocation prayer was said by Imtiyapang Imsong, Tribunal NSF.

Dimapur Naga Students’ Union: The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) commemorated the Naga Independence Day at its office on Thursday morning, which was attended by DNSU office bearers, elders and well-wishers.

Kevitho Kera, member of the Global Naga Forum (GNF), in his keynote address, invoked the enduring spirit of the Nagas as expressed in the historic letter to the Simon Commission in 1929. He challenged the gathering to reflect on whether the passion of the Naga ancestors continues to inspire unity despite both internal and external efforts to divide the Naga people.

“Such was the desire and passion of our ancestors, our fathers. I challenge you today, do we still have that spirit burning inside us? Today, I request all of us to think of ourselves as Nagas in the truest sense and not Nagas from other areas with this and that. We are one and we should always be one,” Kera said.

Acknowledging the tireless efforts and sacrifices of Naga political groups, he expressed his strong belief in future unity, saying, “I know when the time comes, Nagas will unite.”

Kera also underlined the power of non-violence by reminding India’s legacy as the land of Mahatma Gandhi and called for the Nagas’ peaceful, unified rise.

Emphasising the power of non-violence, Kera invoked India's legacy as Mahatma Gandhi's land and advocated for a peaceful and unified Naga movement.

“India has every reason to be afraid of a mass Naga non-violent uprising. When lakhs of Nagas rise up peacefully and non-violently, India will be clueless on how to respond,” he added.

He further thanked the DNSU for its steadfast support in sustaining the Naga movement and preserving Naga identity, stressing that the movement belongs to all Nagas, not just one particular group.

The event began with an invocation by WS Kahor (Women Coordinator, DNSU), followed by flag hoisting and welcome address from Hinoto P Aomi (President, DNSU).

Michael Kath (General Secretary, DNSU) chaired the proceedings, and benediction was delivered by Tsuktilong Jamir (Secretary, Games and Sports, DNSU).