Naga Political Groups (NPGs) celebrated “Naga Republic Day” on March 21 across the state.
NSCN/GPRN-K (Niki): NSCN/GPRN-K (Niki) celebrated their 44th Naga Republic Day at GHQ, People’s Army of Nagaland Suruhuto designated camp on March 21. The celebration was graced by president NSCN/GPRN ‘Gen.’ Niki Sumi (Retd) as the chief guest. Delivering his speech, Niki Sumi stressed on the importance of unity amongst both the over ground Nagas and underground for all Nagas to become one as a nation.
Commenting on the many factions in Nagaland, he said it was all due to personal interest of the leaders. He alleged that it was also in the interest of India to create more factions in Nagaland thus making the water murkier. Niki Sumi also wondered why the Naga civil societies could not remain united under one organization like the different tribal hohos under Naga Hoho, different mother associations under NMA and the students under NSF. This, according to him shows how they as Nagas lack unity everywhere.
He further said that seeing such disunity in the over ground, it is very easy for the underground to have several factions. Blaming the over ground leaders for the mess in Nagaland, he said that it is now time to change all this and look forward for a brighter and better future.
Earlier in the day, the chief guest upon his arrival unfurled the National flag while the chief of Army took the salute from the parade contingents of the Naga army. The program also witnessed the rank declaration of its cadres who got promoted to various ranks.
A minute of silence was observed in honor and memory of the martyrs before proceeding. ‘ato kilonser’ Starson also addressed the gathering on the topic “Unity and Inclusivity”. Meanwhile, short solidarity speeches were delivered by president Naga Hoho, NMA, NSF, Eastern Nagaland Students Association Myanmar, president USLB and Chang Kulei Setshang. The programme also witnessed the presentation of special songs by various artistes and folk-dance performance by Angangba Village Council. (Correspondent)
Apart from main celebration held at its designated camp, in Suruhoto, the NSCN/GPRN-K (Niki) observed the 44th Naga Republic Day at CFSB office premises, Padumpukhuri and PAN, Eastern Command, Burmese occupied Naga inhabited areas on March 21.
NSCN/GPRN-K (Niki) through its MIP stated that Kilonser Chaplee Ministry, Nikato Pilot Sumi unfurled the Naga National flag and graced the celebration at CFSB office premises as chief guest. Kilonser, Kughalu Yeptho exhorted the gathering, deputy kilonser, Kamsei Vaiphei enthralled the occasion with melodious songs. UT Secretary, Toshika Awomi, said the invocation prayer while joint secretary, Toshiho Aye, pronounced the benediction and function was recorded by additional secretary, Kuoshutho Joshou.
NSCN/GPRN (Luyanba-Isak): NSCN/GPRN celebrated its “45th Naga Republic Day” at CHQ. Toluvi Village with unfurling of “Naga Flag” by NSCN/GPRN president, K Luyanba Yimkhung.
Highlights of the celebration included the Republic Day speech by the president, and declaration of awards and rank.
The celebration was chaired by GPRN chief secretary, Kiqheho Zhimo, invocation was said by GPRN assistant head chaplain, ‘Lt. Col.’ Sheito, exhortation by GPRN NTH speaker, Kaino, special number by Kupuka Y Chihsi, a vote of thanks by GPRN UT-I chairman, Avi Chishi and benediction by GPRB MRA secretary I/C, Honivi.
NSCN (Khango): NSCN/ GPRN (Khango) celebrated the “45th Naga Republic Day” at CFSB premises with hoisting of the “Naga National flag” by the chief guest, kilo kilonser, Visheto Yeptho, who also read out the presidential message.
The ministry of keeya affairs also observed obituary moment in honour of the martyrs and heroes who have fought and sacrificed for the “Naga nationhood”. The welcome address was delivered by MIP kilonser, Hokashe Murru.