NNC president celebrates 68th anniversary in national service

CHEDEMA — The president of Naga National Council (NNC), Gen. (retired) Thinoselie M Keyho, on Saturday celebrated his 68th anniversary in the Naga national service held at Chedema in Kohima district.

Addressing the gathering, Thinoselie emphasised the critical need for Naga unity, highlighting that despite numerous claims for ‘solution,’ unity remains indispensable for progress towards a solution to the Naga cause. While according the Nagas responsibility for internal discord, Keyho accused the Government of India for perpetuating a ‘divide and rule policy’ aimed at fragmenting the Naga solidarity.

He questioned why the central government has exclusively engaged in negotiations with the NSCN (IM) for a ceasefire and crafted a separate framework agreement without the consent of all Nagas. Expressing concerns over the lack of implementation of the agreement, Keyho reiterated his query regarding the signing of an agreed position between the Government of India and Naga Political Groups (NNPGs), denoting it was a source of confusion among the Nagas.

He lamented the Nagas’ lack of awareness, emphasising the role of the NNC as both the origin and ultimate custodian of Naga aspirations. He recounted how divine providence accompanied them throughout their journey from Nagaland to Pakistan and Burma, emphasising the protective hand of God during their passage through those countries.

Also speaking on the occasion, Chaplee kilonser of NSCN (IM), KK Angami, has hailed Keyho as one of the most esteemed leaders in the freedom movement and termed his 68th anniversary to the national service as historic.

He also lamented the recent proliferation of approximately 20 Naga underground groups and deemed as ‘embarrassment’ to the sacred cause of Naga nationalism.

Angami noted that leaders such as Isak Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah and Gen. Thinoselie have consistently upheld the ‘national principle’ without compromise.

Seyiechütuo Suokhrie, chairman of Chedema village council, described the event momentous. He expressed hope that the Naga legacy would persist through such occasions.