My beloved Countrymen and women
The Federal Government of Nagaland greets all Naga citizens on this historic occasion of the 71st Independence Day of our nation. We are grateful to our Almighty God for His continued protection and guidance. I pray that the same spirit of Nationalism that guided our pioneers and forebears will continue to lead us.
On this momentous occasion, I join the Nation in paying my homage and honour to all the martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice and the patriots who are no more with us today. We continue to hold onto the same belief as those true sons of the soil who gave their all in the course of their National duty truly believing that one day Nagas without any territorial limit will be free from the yoke of the powers that sought to throttle the voice of freedom and liberty.
The Federal Government of Nagaland has always stood firm and resolute on the “historical and political rights of the Nagas.” Today we hear the voice of our detractors; many people in the name of modernity and advancement consider us as fools and dreamers in pursuit of an unrealistic and impossible dream. We are willing to be considered as fools for what we believe to be right and called names for the Naga historical and political rights to be protected and preserved. We stand for a sovereignty that will resonate within each one of us, a nation having complete freedom to determine our own destiny. To the NNC/FGN, anything short of political sovereignty would be an act of treachery to our people and a betrayal to the cause and the bloods of the thousands of lives that have been sacrificed for the sake of the Nation.
Our land, without our knowledge or consent has been divided and fragmented and our Nationalist Movement demean to that of a secessionist movement and an insurgency; Obsolete Draconian laws like Disturbed Area Act under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act of 1958 continues to be imposed in the Naga inhabited areas to suppress and throttle the cry for freedom and under the protection of these laws, the Indian army continues to perpetrate inhuman atrocities on our people.
The actions of India in employing divisive policies and using its might and power to suppress and forcefully occupy a small neighboring nation are contrary to expectations from the so called largest democracy in the world.
However, a word of caution to our oppressors, the desire of the Nagas to live in peaceful coexistence with our neighbors should not be construed as a sign of weakness.
Today, our religious practices, our food habits and our very existence appear to be in danger of being inundated and supplanted by alien ethics, cultures, food habits and religious belief and practices. About 145 years ago Christianity came to our land transforming our lives. Our pioneers coined the slogan “Nagaland for Christ” but today our religion faces threat of imposition of Hinduism and RSS ideology as even our food habits are being dictated.
We have willingly chosen to follow in the footsteps and the path of our great and visionary leaders, pioneers and predecessors. The historic declaration of Independence of 1947 on this very day and the momentous action of the Plebiscite of 1951 have clearly exhibited our historical and political rights to the world. We regard these twin planks as the basis and foundation pillars of our political movement. The NNC/FGN stands to preserve the long cherished dream of the Nagas. The present talk is only between the GOI and NSCN-IM and not between India and the Nagas. We are made to question the wisdom of India in seeking solution to the Indo-Naga problem by giving too much attention to only one Naga political group, one whose legitimacy to represent the Nagas has often been questioned by many Nagas. An honorable settlement can be evolved only if the talks are held with the legitimate and rightful entity.
You are all aware of the formation of the NNPGs recently. We believe this to be a step forward in the right direction. The NNPGs have come together because Nagas are one and have a strong desire to remain together as one. We also realized that without this basic unity, it is inconsistent, dishonorable and shameful on the part of the Nagas to talk about our common goal.
Today, we celebrate with pride and honor those who have made the supreme sacrifice for the National Cause. I congratulate all those who have stood resolute and steadfast. My special salute goes to the recipients of the awards and commendations for your dedication and sacrifice.
Let us rededicate ourselves today to what we all hold dear till we reach our destination and attain our rightful place among the Nations of the world.
