Kohima/WOKHA, AUG 14 (NPN): Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN, )Naga National Council (NNC), Lotha Region and Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) on Friday observed the 80th Naga Independence Day with programmes marked by renewed calls for unity, sovereignty and remembrance of Naga forefathers.
FGN observed the Naga Independence Day at Oking, Kohima, where ‘Kedahge’ Kezha Angami reaffirmed the FGN’s position on Naga sovereignty and called upon Nagas to remain steadfast to the foundational principles of the national movement.
Delivering the Independence Day address after unfurling the Naga National Flag, Kezha recalled that 79 years ago, on August 14, 1947, the Naga National Council (NNC) had formally declared Naga Independence in Kohima and immediately informed India, His Majesty’s Government and the United Nations Organisation. He paid tribute to the conviction and sacrifices of pioneering leaders, stating that nation building remained a continuous process guided by truth and God’s providence.
Reaffirming the guiding principles of the Naga nation, Kezha said Nagas were a free people, a nation and a republic, asserting that they had never consented to be part of the Indian Union. He maintained that the legitimacy of Naga sovereignty was mandated by the voluntary May 16, 1951 Naga Plebiscite, rooted in the traditional village republic system. According to him, the NNC, founded on February 2, 1946, provided the institutional platform, authority and leadership that enabled the village republics to unite as a nation and declare Naga Independence under the presidentship of T. Aliba Imti on August 14, 1947. He traced the proclamation of the Federal Government on March 22, 1956, when the Naga National Flag was hoisted and the Yehzabo (Constitution) adopted, marking the birth of what he described as the Naga Republic.
Highlighting the principles of the Yehzabo, Kezha said supreme authority rested with the people, with every village recognised as a republic exercising full authority over its affairs. Referring to the Indo Naga ceasefire of 1964, he noted that it was facilitated by the Peace Mission and the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, recognising that military aggression was not a solution. Paying homage to pioneers and national workers, Kezha honoured those who sacrificed for the Naga cause. He described the Indo Naga issue as one of occupation and aggression, maintaining that Nagas sought India’s respect for their position while coexisting as neighbours and equals. He urged Nagas to cast aside fear, materialism and self interest, remain faithful to the covenant of the Naga vision, and actively participate in building the nation through unity, justice and truth. The programme was led by ‘kilonser’ N.R. FGN Aito Zhimomi, with Bible reading and prayer from Psalm 37 led by Head Chaplain ‘Brig.’ Vephi Dozo. A special song was presented by TPC Youths.
At LTC Hall, Wokha, members and supporters of NNC Lotha Region attended the programme in renewed hope for Naga independence and sovereignty.
Addressing the gathering, NNC Lotha Region president Ekyimthung Patton said the Naga political struggle had continued for 97 years since 1929, while expressing concern over the fragmentation of the national movement. He noted that more than 20 groups of Naga national workers had emerged over the years, alleging that several had entered into agreements under the Indian Constitution, which the NNC views as a departure from the principle of sovereignty.
He maintained that only a few groups continue to uphold the principle of sovereignty, referring to Gen. (Rtd.) Thenoselie group, Yillow Humtsoe and general secretary V. Nagi group, along with some groups in the Eastern Region. He further stated that the Lotha Region had remained united under one NNC since 2024 and urged other sovereign groups to first unite, standing firm on the principles of the 1929 Political Memorandum of Naga Hills and the 1951 Naga plebiscite, which the NNC regards as the foundation for a permanent political solution.
The NNC Lotha Region reiterated its policy of non violence, non cooperation and opposition to forced taxation. He appealed to citizens and political factions to come together on one platform to work towards resolving the Naga issue.
He further alleged that the Government of India was using ceasefires and financial inducements rather than armed conflict to weaken the Naga national movement and undermine what the NNC describes as the sovereign rights of the Naga people.
Meanwhile, LSU observed the 80th Naga Independence Day with reverence and pride at its office,Wokha. The programme began with the hoisting of the Naga National Flag by the president, followed by a brief address highlighting the significance of the day and the sacrifices of Naga forefathers.
Members later proceeded to Lakhuti village to pay homage at the resting place of (late) Khodao Yanthan, remembered as a towering leader who stood firm for the rights, identity and future of the Naga people. A wreath was laid at his memorial, and the programme concluded with a silent prayer seeking strength to uphold his legacy and aspirations.
LSU called upon the Naga people, particularly the student community, to remain steadfast in preserving history, identity and collective spirit.