Dimapur, August 14 : Expounding that freedom is an inherent right of an individual and people to be recognised, Kilo Kilonser Rh. Raising today reaffirmed that NSCN (IM) is undoubtedly for the freedom that chooses future of the Nagas.
“Freedom that chooses peace and progress in the land, not war; and the freedom that builds bridges among people and nations, not walls.
He said, NSCN has chosen the freedom to worship the living God, not idols, the freedom to live together as one people and the freedom to decide the future of the Nagas by the Nagas themselves, not by others.
Addressing the large gathering of national workers and civil societies on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day celebration at Camp Hebron, Raising termed the day as ‘Landmark in Naga history’ as it is the stamp of Naga nationhood and the legacy of free Nagas to be remembered by all generations.
Dismissing the false preaching that ‘Nagas are asking for sovereignty from India’ and ‘sovereignty is indivisible,’ Raising said for the first time in history, Government of India, based on the universal principle of democracy has recognised the sovereignty of the Nagas.
He said, the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, is the official agreement signed between the Government of India and the Nagas represented by NSCN on the basis of mutual respect and recognition of rights.
He said, the Framework Agreement speaks of co-existence of two recognised entities, adding the architect of the Framework Agreement foresaw that both of them would be placed in a secured position politically, militarily and commercially when they walk and act together as partners.
On ‘shared sovereignty,’ Raisng said, it is a matter of mutual agreement founded on the objective reality of national necessity of the two people. In this context, he said the future lies in the principle of interdependent relationship of the two entities. ‘Like or not, India and Nagas are unavoidably interrelated and interdependent,’ Raising asserted.
Indicating that it is still holding on to the integration of Naga contiguous areas, Raising said integration of all Naga territories is a natural necessity and not a choice. He said, addressing only the present grievances of the Nagas overlooking the future is no solution because that does not touch the heart of the matter.
‘Integration of all Naga territories under one political umbrella is the legitimate right of the Nagas, which no power can stop,’ Raising said.
Raising recounted that ‘No Tax’ campaign against the British government launched by Haipou Jadonang, submission of Memorandum to Simon Commission, declaration of Independence Day and conduct of plebiscite are all self-assertion of the right and political stands of the Nagas. He, therefore, said problem will ever persist until and unless the aggressors recognise our identity, sovereign right, history and land.
On the occasion, Raising also lashed out at some people who are still being ‘infected with the virus’ of tribalism and divisionism, which according to him is a ‘psychological roadblock’ to the oneness of Naga people. He said, such persons do not see the Nagas as one people of the same country, same culture, same identity, same history and same political concept but viewed from enemies’ perspective. To the NSCN, he said the Nagas are one and there is no adjective to qualify them and that ‘there is no white Nagas or black Nagas.’
Stating that Nagas are now at the final phase of negotiation, he called upon all Nagas to be prepared politically, mentally and spiritually. ‘No force on earth can stop us from moving forward because the era of the Naga people has begun,’ he affirmed.
The kilo kilonser hoisted the flag and took the salute from Naga army contingents.
Representatives from Naga Hoho, Nagaland GBs’ Federation, Naga Students’ Federation, United Naga Council and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights delivered short speeches.
Cultural troupes from Konyak and Phom communities presented dance and patriotic cultural song was presented by Liyai Baptist Church.
