Naga Solidarity Walk from Kohima to Senapati next month

Dimapur, June 13 (EMN): Several civil bodies have come together to organise a two-day Naga Solidarity Walk on the theme “One People, One Destiny”, to bridge the divisions and boundaries and “celebrate our being Nagas together”.

The Naga Solidarity Walk will begin in Kohima on July 28, cross Angami, Mao, Maram, and Poumai territories, before converging at Tahamzam (Senapati) on July 29, informed an update from the co-ordination committee.

While maintaining that it is not an anti-India programme but a pro-Naga movement and a non-violent one, the update also said that “it will be a joyous cultural enactment of Naga sisterhood and brotherhood, reinforcing our community bonds as a people across the states in India and Northwest Myanmar, as well as Nagas around the world”.    

“Nagas of the 21st century need to step into the soles of our ancestors and walk the length and breadth of the Naga homeland across the artificial boundaries that are dividing us,” read the press release.

It added that Nagas’ fight to live in an undivided homeland has been a long and arduous struggle, with thousands of people giving their lives for the cause, but “our homeland remains divided and our right to a self-determined future has been stalled by external and internal roadblocks” including extra-judicial laws like the Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

It went on to say that Nagas in Myanmar in going through lot of hardship under the rule of a country against the wishes of the people.

“The peoplehood of the Nagas has reached a critical point. Somewhere on the difficult journey, some Nagas grew weary and lost focus. Our adversaries infiltrated the ranks of the Naga cause and sowed seeds of discord and hatred amongst us. Unimaginable things happened from which we have not recovered.

“But deep down, given the right moment and opportunity, the resilience of the Naga people and the spirit of camaraderie in our character will sustain us. We will walk and converge in a common path of healing and peace for a shared journey to an undivided homeland: One People, One Destiny,” it said.

The co-ordination committee has sought the help of every Naga, every leader, every organisation and CSO throughout the Naga homeland to make the event a success.

“We believe Nagas will step forward and help out in your respective capacities and with your resources, whether that is participating in the walk, giving financial assistance, working on the planning and logistics, providing goods, or serving the community. Every Nagas is invited to be a part of our journey.” it said.

The event is co-ordinated by Global Naga Forum, All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur, Angami Students’ Union, Arunachal Naga Students’ Federation, Eastern Naga Students’ Association, Rengma Naga People’s Council, and Western Rengma Students’ Union Nagaland.