Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) observed the 61st Republic Day at Chedema peace camp
NNC president Adino Phizo, FGN kedahge ‘gen.’ (retd) Viyalie Metha addressed the gathering attended by public, NGOs, former national workers, ranks and files of FGN and NNC.
In her speech, Adinno reminded that for centuries, Nagas never yielded to their enemy but fiercely defended and protected the country, which has been handed down to the present generation.
She said even during the British colonial rule, as changes were taking place in 1929, Nagas were not afraid but asserted their right not to join India and remained in the “excluded area” till the departure of the British in 1947.
Adino reminded that even during the shift in power by the Britishers in South Asia, NNC on behalf of the Nagas declared their independence one day ahead of the present India on 14th August 1947.
Recalling the past, Adino said FGN had gone through many crises and handle it. The most unexpected was the invasion of Nagaland by India that devastated the country. But the strong village background discipline and resilience, our people stayed united and controlled the situation under FGN, she added.
It was only because of the initiative of the peace mission that the cease-fire agreement was signed between FGN and Government of India in May 1964, she said.
She asserted saying only the original stand could save the country. Nagaland is surrounded by sea of people and if our right is lost, we could possibly become a minority in our own land and that we should never allow it to happen, she said.
FGN kedahge ‘gen.’ (retd) Viyalie Metha lamented that while people mark the founding of a nation’s republic as a joyous occasion in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, however in the case of Nagas, the founding of government was done amidst the sound of gunfire, bombs, destructions and deaths.
He further said that even before Nagas could establish a government, after the declaration of Naga Independence on August 14 1947, with goodwill to all neighbors, Indian troops started to invade the country from 1954 onwards.
Recalling the past, Metha said the movement of Indian troops into Naga areas caused the Indo-Naga conflict and compelled the Nagas to establish their government amidst blood and tears.
He said though many were on the run and always relentlessly pursued by the India troops, both leaders of the British district of Naga hills and the then free Nagaland of the British un-administered territories joined together and established the federal government on the historic day of March 22, 1956.
Metha called upon all the Nagas to rededicate their selves to protect the national sovereignty through non-violence.
The programme was led by Shevohü Keyho killo kilonser FGN, recorded by Avika Shohe secretary natural resources FGN and bible reading and prayer by Rev. Savito Nagi. Other highlights include songs and dance while the vote of thanks was proposed by Lhouvitsü speaker tatar Hoho FGN and the closing prayer by Razouvolie pastor Chedema Baptist church.