One of the most feared, revered and honoured by friends and foes alike, S.S. Khaplang, the Supreme Commander, the President and Chairman NSCN/GPRN and the legendary revolutionary patriarch and patron of the revolutionaries of West South East Asia peacefully departed for his home heavenly home at the Council HQ,Taka on 9 June 2017.
The ablest and the staunchest and the most consummate patriot ever who led thousands and inspired millions across the region and international arena with his undying spirit of nationalism, all the ranks and files of NSCN/GPRN pays our deepest respect and bow down in honour of our departing “Supreme Commander”.
The incredible journey spanning more than half a century in leading the Nagas towards national deliverance is indeed outstanding and unparalleled.
Late.Shangnyu Shangwang.Khaplang was born on April 7,1940 to Mr.Langngee and Mrs.Khapvi of Waktham Village, Tangshang Naga tribe, at the age of 23, he was elected as the President, Naga National Convention in the year 1963 and was instrumental in signing Naga-Kachin peace agreement with KIO/KIA Chairman late.Zautu in October 1968 and with late Brangseng in 1977 thus ending the misunderstanding between the two brothers that arose during 1964 to 1968 and since then the relationship between the Nagas and Kachins had been peaceful hitherto.
In the year 1965, April 7,the nomenclature Naga National Convention was changed to Eastern Naga Revolutionary Council where Mr.Choboh was elected the Chairman, S.S Khaplang the Vice-Chairman and Mr.Kitiwon as the General Secretary, later in the year 1972 ENRC was again changed to Eastern Naga National Council with Nuri as the Chairman as the Chairman and S.S.Khaplang as the Vice-Chairman.
In January 1975 S.S.Khaplang was elected as the Chairman, ENNC with Brig.Thungbo as the Vice Chairman and on March, 1979, the Naga National Council and Eastern Naga National Council signed a merger agreement and S.S.Khaplang was elected the President FGN and T.Venuh as Vice President, FGN respectively. It was through S.S.Khaplang’s sincere endeavour that the artificially divided Nagas were united under the same political banner of Naga National Council. In the subsequent year 1980, 31st January, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland was formed under the Chairmanship of Isak Chishi Swu, S.S.Khaplang as the Vice-Chairman and Th.Muivah as the Gen.Secy.
In the year 1988 a political crisis erupted within the NSCN, however, due to S.S Khaplang’s resoluteness, the NSCN could withstood all the turbulence and sailed past the crisis safely and later became the Acting Chairman and Chairman of the NSCN with late Mongro Dally as the General Secretary respectively in the year 1988 and 1989 and remained the Chairman till his last breath on June 9, 2017.
Various accomplishments of NSCN/GPRN under the Chairmanship of S.S.Khaplang-
1. In 1990,Indo-Burma Revolutionary Front compromising of NSCN,ULFA and UNLF was formed.
2.In 1996 S.S.Khaplang attended UN Working Committee on Indigenous Population at Geneva.
3.In 2001, the NSCN/GPRN under S.S.Khaplang’s leadership entered into bilateral ceasefire agreement with India.
4.In 2012, upon the invitation of the Myanmar Government, S.S.Khaplang signed a ceasefire agreement with Myanmar Government.
5.On 27 March 2015, the NSCN/GPRN abrogated ceasefire agreement with India due to insincerity and divisive policies of GOI.
6.On 17 April,2015, Under S.S.Khaplang’s leadership, United Liberation Front of WESEA
His entire life, from dusk to dawn, winter to summer and for decades till his last breath was woven to the Naga liberation struggle choosing to live a pious revolutionary life in the jungles and make shift camps along with comrades and followers rather than being swayed away by comforts, luxuries and materialisms unlike many of his contemporaries.
Overcoming every political storm, overwhelming temptations and controversies during the tumultuous decades of political sojourn of 54 years in the Naga national service, S.S.Khaplang was the lone Naga leader to have had firmly stood his ground uncompromisingly, salvaged the national struggle from demolishment on many occasions and raised the hopes of our people from nadir to higher level keeping thus the aspirations alive till today.
While we mourn our great leader’s demise, with pride and glory, the NSCN/GPRN shares the testimony of our selfless, courageous and visionary leader in the person of S.S.Khaplang who left us at the ripe age of 77 and is survived by wife, three sons and a daughter. May his soul be at peace with God.
The NSCN/GPRN once again pledges to carry on forward the unfulfilled dreams and hopes and visions of our great leader and appeal to every Naga to uphold the spirit of nationalism exhibited by our departed leader during his life time and to walk together in the everlasting footprints imprinted upon the rock of ages.
The NSCN/GPRN also extends our heartiest gratitude and indebtedness to all the members of UNLFW and other revolutionary fraternities of the region, various Civil Societies, Hoho’s, NGO’s, Churches, Faiths, Student’s and Women Organisations, Individuals, businessmen and especially the youths from various towns and cities who held candle light vigil in honour of our departed leader, the Naga Yuya, CNA, TNSA, NMA, NSF, NSO, ENSA, Poumai Students’ Union etc for sacrificing physically, materially and for going all the way out without any reservation in ensuring a successful grand funeral for our departed leader. We regret our inability to acknowledge each and every person or organisation in name but it is our earnest prayer that Almighty God would bless each of you abundantly and we look forward to your cooperation even in the days to come.
