Speech of V. Nagi, General Secretary of the Naga National Council (Parent Body)

My dear Naga people,

I give thanks to God as we commemorate the 79th Naga Independence Day- a most significant occasion marking our people’s historic political declaration and right to sovereignty. This day stands as the foundation of our democratic aspiration for freedom, a right acknowledged by the United Nations even before India attained its independence in 1947.

The political declaration made by the Naga National Council (NNC) and its acknowledgment by the United Nations at that time remains a historic and foundational moment. It is for this reason that the NNC and the Naga people have continued to celebrate this day annually, reaffirming our identity as a people and as a nation. We urge the international community and friendly nations around the world to recognise this political right, so that justice may finally be served- especially as our political struggle has now continued for 79 long years.

To achieve our full and rightful sovereignty, all genuine Naga national workers and civil society organisations must unite. We must come together with a shared vision and strategy to find a conclusive and lasting resolution to the political conflict that has burdened our people for more than seven decades.

On behalf of the NNC (Parent Body), I remember and honour the countless Naga martyrs who laid down their lives for our freedom. We offer our prayers to God Almighty as we remember their sacrifice on this solemn occasion.

It must also be said that the root cause of our political suffering lies with the British Government. The colonial administration divided our land and people without our knowledge, consent, or consultation. This injustice was further perpetuated by the Government of India, which redivided our homeland into different states within the Northeast.

The present-day Government of the United Kingdom must take responsibility for these historical wrongs. As the political architects of our division, they must now stand up and support the restoration of Naga sovereignty. The long-standing political struggle of the Naga people must be addressed and settled in the spirit of justice.

I would like to acknowledge and express my sincere gratitude to the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples’ Organisation (UNPO) for raising the Naga political issue during the recent session of the United Nations in Geneva. The Naga National Council (Parent Body) deeply appreciates the UNPO’s unwavering support and the concern demonstrated at such a significant international forum.

This act of solidarity marks an important step in amplifying the voice of the Naga people in the global arena. We remain hopeful that the matters presented will yield constructive outcomes in pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the Naga political struggle.

On behalf of the Naga people, I extend heartfelt thanks to all those who have stood with us and contributed to this important effort during the session.

I also must reiterate that the NNC, along with thousands of Naga people, observed the 75th Naga National Plebiscite Day on 16th May 2025 at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground), just below Naga Club historic site where the voluntary plebiscite was held on 16th May 1951. In a united mass gathering, the NNC and the Naga people reaffirmed the sovereignty of Naga freedom with one voice. This recent historic event holds global significance. We, the NNC, thank our Living God, the Naga people and the organising committee in particular for this meaningful celebration and reaffirmation of our sovereign right.

The Naga people are one race, with one identity, one history, and one homeland. We cannot and will not accept division or separation. It is our democratic and natural right to live together as a united people and nation.

The NNC (Parent Body) also raises its voice against the growing threat of illegal immigration into our indigenous homeland. We, the Nagas, have every right to protect our land and communities from outsiders whose presence has contributed to rising incidents of social crimes such as rape, robbery, and land-grabbing and encroachment. Their intention to dominate our society, economy, and land is dangerous and unacceptable.

Before the situation worsens, we must act decisively to remove all illegal immigrants from our land. We have witnessed their actions and intentions, and we cannot afford to allow our hard-fought homeland to be overtaken.

Today, as global geopolitical shifts draw closer to our region, the Naga people must stand united and firm in defense of our ancestral land and our inalienable rights. We have fought together in the past, and we must continue to do so in one voice and in unity -to achieve the sovereignty we seek and fought for.

Our struggle for freedom has never been merely political. It is deeply spiritual. We believe that the living God has a divine purpose and plan for the Naga people. May His will be fulfilled in our time.

Kuknalim