Naga Students’ Union Shillong celebrates Naga Independence Day

DIMAPUR — Naga Students’ Union Shillong (NSUS) on August 14 celebrated the 79th Naga Independence Day at KC Secondary School with Donald V Thabah, general secretary of Khasi Students' Union (KSU), as the special guest and Neingluo Krome, general secretary of Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), as the guest speaker on the theme “To celebrate Naga Independence Day is our rights, not a privilege.”

Speaking on the occasion, the special guest underscored the need to stand together in addressing the issue of discrimination faced by the northeast people in mainland India. He also mentioned the oppression faced by Naga villages in Manipur and stressed the importance of remembering one’s history.

Stating that Nagas have their own form of governance, he called upon the students to preserve them and to never forget their history.

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An update from the union stated that the Independence Day speech of Th. Muivah, chief political negotiator and general secretary of NSCN (IM), was read by its general secretary, Bokalu Yeptho.

In his speech, Krome acknowledged the friendship and brotherhood between Nagas and the people of Meghalaya and shared that the love shown by the people of Meghalaya towards the Nagas would never be forgotten.

He mentioned the emergence of militancy and 50 years of oppression in Nagaland after the British left India. He also narrated on Naga leaders’ visits to China and their fight for independence.

He recalled how the first ceasefire began in 1964 and allowed the Nagas to share their stories globally. He also mentioned about a British journalist, Gavin Young, who reported on Nagaland after secretly entering the region.

It stated that speeches were delivered by representative from the Naga Elders’ Forum Shillong (NEFS), Eastern Naga Students’ Union Shillong (ENSUS), Naga Research Scholars’ Forum, NEHU Shillong (NRSF) and Naga Post Graduate Students’ Coordination Committee (NPGSCC). 

It further stated that awards were given to winners of essay competitions.