Nagas Have Every Right to Be Independent — Mahatma Gandhi

On this auspicious occasion of 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and commemorating the International Day of Non- Violence 2nd October by United Nation in honor of the great leader of India Independence movement and the pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of Non-violence as a weapon to fight against oppression and injustice .

We are also reminded once again the UN assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007 which established the commemoration of International Day of Non-violence stated that”. The resolution reaffirms the universal relevance of the principles of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.

Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India Minister of State for external affairs, Mr Anand Sharma , said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s on his words he said: “non-violence is the greatest force at disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.

The Naga Solidarity Group (NSG) saluted the great Indian leaders Mahatma Gandhi and urged the Government of India (GOI) and Indian Arms forces to respect the UN General Assembly resolution and the Father of the Indian nation while dealing with the Naga political issue. Taking the opportunity the Naga Solidarity Group once again expressed that; this day has a special significance for all of us because we are reminded once again of the ideal and principle of non-violence to build peaceful and just societies for ourselves and for our future generation. For the Nagas, it also a day when we are reminded of the solemn commitment made by mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Nation to the delegation of the Naga leaders on 19th July 1947 at Bhangi colony,Delhi, where he said “ Nagas have every right to be Independent . I believe in the brotherhood of man but I do not believe in force Unions. If you (Nagas) do not wish to join the Union of India, nobody will force you to do that. Sir Akbar is wrong. He cannot do that. I will come to the Naga Hills; I will ask them to shoot me first before one Naga is shot.”

Unfortunately, Gandhiji views could not be taken into account as he “was assassinated before fulfilling his solemn commitment made to the Nagas”. However , the Naga Solidarity group strongly felt that there is a compelling need on the part of the Union of India to fulfill its commitment as the primary political step in order to usher in new hope, peace and new relation between India and the Nagas. We firmly believe that India shall deliver justice to the Nagas that has been denied and suppressed for more than 70 years.

Although, it is a big regret for all peace loving people that even after 22 years of discussion and Frame Work Agreement in 2015 the Indo-Naga talk is still yet to come to fruition. However in the same spirit of non-violence espoused lifelong by Gandhiji, we appeal to both the Govt. of India and Naga leadership to continue to practice and adhere to the policy of non-violence in upholding the democratic process of dialogue. And also we urged the Govt. of India to show seriousness with sincerity and fulfill the Prime Minister Narendra Modi commitment to finalize within this October/ November to bring about a meaningful and honorable solution based on the uniqueness of the Naga history including Naga flag and a constitution. Gandhi understood the rights of the Nagas to be independent and hence, “he did not believe in forced unions”.

Therefore, we call upon Govt. of India, Indian Arms forces and Indian civilians to respect and honor the commitment made by Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nations.

We also call upon the Naga leadership and Naga civilians to respect and adopt the principle and ideal of Mahatma Gandhi if Govt. of India ever betrays the Nagas again. In his words “non-violence is the greatest force at disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man”.

Publish on behalf of Naga Solidarity Group (NSG),
R. John, Human Rights Activist.