Speech of His Excellency Q.Tuccu, Chairman, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) On the 45th NSCN Raising Day Celebration, the 31st January, 2024.

My dear countrymen and comrades in arms!

On this historic day I greet you all in the name of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Today we are reminded of how our history of Naga political movement took a different turn when the trust of the people was treacherously thrown down the drain by NNC after signing the infamous Shillong Accord in 1975. The exigency that arises tested the nerve of the bona fide Naga nationalists who are determined to save the nation from political oblivion and carry forward the Naga revolutionary struggle. This is how National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) showed up with new political concept to give hope and inspiration with the renewed spirit of patriotism and commitment necessitated to keep alive our God given Naga nation. What are of vital ingredients for national survival NSCN was not found wanting. The spirit of heroism, sacrifices and dedication became the trade mark of NSCN. Thank God for being with us throughout the period that has touched 45 years.

Looking back into the pages of Indo-Naga history, Nagas have always stood the ground against all odds. After the declaration of Naga independence on 14th August, 1947, we have never wavered but stood by our political principle that defined the Nagas as a nation. The Constituent Assembly invited the Nagas to join the Union of India in 1950, but it was flatly rejected by the Nagas. Out of 552 princely states in India after Independence, 549 agreed to join India. Nagas stood still refusing to join the union of India who even sent its representatives to Kohima to persuade the Nagas.

In 1951, 16th May, Naga Plebiscite was conducted to reaffirm the sovereign will of the Nagas.

99.9% of the Nagas voted in favour of sovereign Naga independent state.

We have this proud and unique history. During the course of Indo-Naga political talks the historical narratives that constitutes the uniqueness of Naga history was convincingly presented to the government of India and finally official recognition was given by government of India on 11th July, 2002. It was a milestone in the Indo-Naga political dialogue. Significantly, this was followed by signing the historic Framework Agreement of 3rd August, 2015 based on unique history and situation.

God has never led down NSCN as He guides us to go through the rigours of statecraft and international campaign to show that Naga political struggle was a product of a country with a unique history. History is behind us to testify our identity and we shall never betray our history.

We are proud that the world at large has come to know better about the Naga political issue that was zealously guarded by NSCN. The signing of the Framework Agreement with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi doing the spadework signified the importance of the much awaited agreement. For the record, NSCN was placed in the centre stage as the world watched in amazement the high profile signing ceremony of Framework Agreement between the government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) that was broadcast live to enable the world to bear witness of such historical magnitude.

Prior to the 1997 ceasefire NSCN has proved itself as a mighty fighting force to reckon with as testified by the top military generals of India, advising the political boss to seek political solution as the Naga issue is a political issue that must be settled across the negotiating table and not in the battle fields. This prompted the government of India during the Congress rule under Prime Minister of India PV. Narasimha Rao to initiate peace mission when our top leaders were abroad and negotiated for ceasefire to pave the way for political dialogue to explore peaceful means for Naga political solution. The five prime ministers of India that followed after Narasimha Rao continued to stand by NSCN led Naga political movement. They never fail to voice their concerns about the legitimacy of Naga issue that was animatedly defended by NSCN.

NSCN was also never found wanting in the diplomatic front as it went far enough to internationalize the Naga issue. After getting Nagalim admitted as a bona fide member of UNPO in 1993, January 23, it started making regular foray into the UN forums for Indigenous and human rights. Late Chairman Isak Chishi Swu used to deliver fiery speeches in many a times in Geneva and everyone stood to applaud his unforgettable act of courage. Let us remain grateful to our living God for giving us the indomitable spirit to stand by our historical and political rights. We have proved our credibility as the torch bearer of Naga political issue and national principle. We have stood the ground to stand by our flag and yehzabo that symbolize our history and national identity. Ever since NSCN came into existence we have given many heroes for the Naga national cause and we shall never betray their sacrifices. They will always be remembered for their patriotism and love of Naga nation.

My dear countrymen and comrades in arms,

Today, on this auspicious occasion I am proud to say that NSCN has stood the test of time. In the face of the rapidly changing times our commitment to Naga political cause has remain steadfast. We have shown remarkable resilience and loyalty to Framework Agreement despite all the difficulties, because it is our stand that the implementation of the political and peace agreement that Framework Agreement stands for remains the only viable and ideal solution to the long delayed Naga political solution. Above everything, let us be faithful to our Almighty God as we have adopted the slogan “Nagaland for Christ”. Let us give honour to God in letter and spirit. Remember that He will never leave us when confronted with the hardest times. Let us trust Him as we connect our political struggle under His guidance and promises.

Kuknalim

Q. Tuccu