“Presidential Speech”
Friends, Nagas, Comrades and Compatriots.
First and foremost of all, my ‘Revolutionary Salute’ to one and all on this auspicious occasion, the 44th Naga Republic Day.
The Naga History and its cause has been handed down to us from generation to generation, from fathers to sons, from predecessors to successors, from oral history to documentations, books, texts, records, events, etc.
Yet it will seem unfair if the contributions made by our founding fathers are left in the back burner, but which needs to be appreciated and acknowledged and to also serve as a reminder to this contemporary age of young upcoming generations.
The commendable but selfless acts and extreme sacrifices made by our pioneers and visionary leaders that took shape on this very day, the 21st of March 1980 under the banner and flagship of NSCN, cannot be ignored but need to retrospect and be recognised with due honour.
The legacy of this benchmark left by our pioneers also did prove to be a stepping stone for future posterity, that as a result reignited and rejuvenated the spirit of nationalism and patriotism.
The fact is, Nagas are generally known for bravery and chivalry, yet simple natured. A proud race, yet naive and gullible people and who were unfortunately coaxed and coerced, into empty pep talks of nothing but just empty vessels of political rhetorics.
The Nagas were made believe and lured into the era of doom by certain malicious masterminds, under the guise of sugar coated appeasement policies, which in reality were actually insidious schemes.
Thus, in these whirlpool of confusions, chaos and fuss created by the brainchild of our adversaries, the opportunist minds, right away jumped into the fray of the political mess and unrest and who blatantly took advantage of the situation and forged weapons of political ‘Whiplash’ to counter and subdue the Nagas.
As unfortunate as it seems, many Nagas (including few opportunistic leaders) were bedazzled into these obnoxious political hypnotism with diabolic designs which slowly but gradually began to breed inside Naga society from both outside and within, pushing Naga’s rights over the horizon to be nearly damned into obscurity and oblivion.
However, the intrinsic intellect of some of our visionary leaders and perhaps even backed and guided by the instinctive ‘Divine Intervention’ were able to smell a rat, and were positive that ‘All Is Certainly Not Well’ in the aura of air, that was literally polluted with the foul stench of subversive forces coming into play, and who were hell bent to derail the Naga Political Journey and hold the Naga issue and the Naga people at ransom.
This, as a result instigated, constrained and compelled, yet propelled our leaders to take necessary steps and create a launching pad to take this mighty leap, to counter and to defend our legitimate rights.
Notwithstanding, I too, on behalf of my Government, proudly take advantage of this privilege, in bringing you greetings and good tidings of our Political endeavours.
I also appreciate and acknowledge each and every individuals, be it Nagas or non Nagas, sympathisers or friends, my peers or my brothers-in-arms, for the sacrifices, prayers, supports and solidarity, and all those of you who had contributed in your own individual potential capabilities.
On this day, let us feel grateful and appreciate all those veterans who are now honourably retired from National service and those few who are still serving, voluntarily.
Let us also pay our richest tribute to all our fallen heroes, who from since day one, had struggled, suffered and faced trials and tribulations and who went down fighting and paid with their own precious lives for the people’s cause.
We also remember, honour and pay homage to all those Naga warriors and defenders of Naga homeland, and with my deepest respect and humble self, I hail and glorify the honour of our legendary pioneers (both living or departed), our pathfinders our torchbearers, our forerunners, and our “UNSUNG HEROES AND WARRIORS” for your unfathomable chivalry, valour, courage and undaunted selfless services for the Nations.
Having said all, the issue of the protracted Naga imbroglio is neither of social cause, nor economic, nor military, nor religious, but purely ‘Political’ in nature and as such, if any solution, that is acceptable and honourable to all is to be achieved or arrived at (sooner than later), it can be facilitated, addressed and hammered out only through the ‘Political Pathway’ and none other.
Last, but not the least, I beseech and call upon my fellow Countrymen and women to remain grateful and wait upon the Lord in prayers and anticipation to pave us ways for the enlightenment of the Naga’s quest for peace and stability.
KUKNALIM
GOD BLESS THE NAGAS
Akato Chophi
President NSCN/GPRN
