My beloved countrymen,
On this historic 80th Naga Independence Day, I extend my greetings to the Naga people at home and abroad.
First and foremost, let us give all glory and thanksgiving to Almighty God.
Today, I bow in solemn remembrance of our fallen patriots and comrades who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Their blood and sacrifice must never be forgotten, diminished, or traded away.
For eighty years, the Naga people have stood firm. Our founding fathers entrusted us with a national legacy built upon faith, sacrifice, courage, and conviction.
It is now our sacred responsibility to preserve that legacy. We have survived eight decades of struggle against a mighty occupying force.
Humanly speaking, it was impossible for our people to withstand such overwhelming power for so long. Yet we are still standing not by our own strength, but by the intervention, grace, and protection of Almighty God.
Therefore, let us not now abandon the path laid down by our founding fathers. Let us not carve out another path that diminishes, compromises, or betrays the sacrifices they made for our people. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten. Their legacy must never be diminished. And their national conviction must never be surrendered.
Let me therefore state clearly, on behalf of the NNC/FGN, to our people and to the world: We shall not compromise the fundamental national position of Sovereignty of the Naga people. We shall not barter eighty years of sacrifice for any Accord, Agreement, development package, or temporary political arrangement.
Our history is not for sale.
Our sacrifices are not for sale.
Our national conviction is not for sale.
My beloved countrymen, let us remain united, steadfast, and prayerful. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds our tomorrow. It is Almighty God who has brought us this far, and it is in Him that we place our future. In His appointed time, He will accomplish His purpose for our people.Therefore, on this 80th Independence Day, let us renew our faith, honour our martyrs, uphold our national principles, and stand firm in the path entrusted to us by our forefathers.
May God guide our nation.
May God strengthen our people.
May God fulfil His purpose for the Nagas.
Long live the Naga nation.
Kuknalim!