Various Naga political groups (NPGs) celebrated the “75th Naga Independence Day” at their respective headquarters and designated camps on Saturday.
GPRN/NSCN: Speaking at “75th Naga Independence Day” celebration at CHQ, Khehoyi designated camp, GPRN/NSCN ato kilonser N Kitovi Zhimomi said that government of India and NSCN (I-M) leaders could not come to an agreement despite 17 years of negotiations including talks in third country.
He said it was only on its 18th year of negotiation that they signed an agreement on August 3, 2015, added Kitovi.
“It took NSCN (I-M) 18 years to sign an agreement, however, it took less than two years for government of India and Working Committee of NNPGs to sign an agreement. Then the negotiating parties concluded the talks on October 31, 2019,” said Kitovi.
Claiming that there was no “enmity” between WC, NNPGs and NSCN (I-M), Kitovi said the two negotiating parties have different style of negotiation approach and expressed hope that the latter’s “charter of demands” would be for the betterment of Nagas.
Maintaining that Naga political groups had already reconciled and signed “many agreements of reconciliation”, Kitovi said, “There is no sense in telling us to unite when we are already united. You cannot ask a sleeping man to sleep.”
Highlighting “agreed position” or “preamble agreement” signed between WC and government of India, said that for the first time in history the government of India officially agreed that Nagas had every right to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity.
Under this principle, Kitovi said the negotiations on contentious issues concluded on October 31, 2019, adding that any remaining issue was to be pursued through “political democratic process”. (Full text on p-6)
Meanwhile, addressing media after the function, Kitovi stated that the political problems had been ongoing for many years with many lives lost. He also stated that there had been “many unrecorded deaths” also.
Kitovi said that all struggles and sacrifices were made so as to pave way for the future generation. He, however, questioned “What if in the midst of paving way for the future generations all were massacred?” “What would be the use of attaining what we have been fighting for, if we are to sovereign over dogs and pigs?” he further questioned.
GPRN/NSCN ato kilonser said that Nagas while fighting for freedom against Indians have started fighting against each other, which he termed as “unfortunate.”
Understanding that the main problem was Nagas and the Indian government, he said that respecting the value of human lives, they started their political negotiations with the government of India.
“This is political issue, and we need only political solution and not military solution,” he stated.
Asked whether solution was expected by this year, WC convenor expressed optimism that solution was expected within two to three months, provided there was no third wave of COVID-19 pandemic. “There is no reason to delay in signing the agreement,” he added.
With regard to move to have “opposition-less” government in the state to expedite the ongoing negotiations for Naga solution, Kitovi maintained that they should demonstrate in support of their declaration. He, however, queried “When are they going to translate their proclamation into a reality?”
Earlier, the programme was chaired by deputy kilonser, Lhokuto Chishi and invocation was offered by chaplain, GHQ, “lieut” Hukavi Assumi.
Highlights of the event included special number by lady member of Naga Army, entertainment by “col.” Hukiye and friends, guard of honor and drill display by Naga Army, while felicitation of senior leaders was conducted by convener, organizing committee and obituary report was read out by ministry of keeya affairs.
FGN: Singnya-led NNC/FGN celebrated “75th Naga Independence Day” in Dimapur wherein, FGN Kedahge “brig. (retd)” S. Singnya, unfurled the “Naga National Flag”.
Singnya, in his speech read out by FGN secretary general Ghuvishe V Zhimomi, said that political negotiations between Government of India (GoI) and the working committee of NNPGs have concluded and the onus now lay with the government of India to set the date and time for the implementation.
He said that NNC/FGN was hopeful that government of India was “sincere in its desire and commitment” to resolve political conflict. FGN kedallo Zhopra Vero highlighted the ongoing talks between the government of India and the WC, NNPGs.
Short speeches were delivered by kilonser Hekhuvi Achumi, kilonser Tingloi Konyak and “maj. gen.” Anito Yepthomi, “GOC, W/C, Naga Army”.
On the occasion, the FGN presented gift to all the “high ranking government authorities and Naga army officers as a mark of honour and dedication towards the national service”,
Earlier, the programme was chaired by kilonser Vepozo Chuzho while Hekuto Sumi, chaplain Sumi Region led scripture reading and prayer.
More than 60 “Naga Army officers” were promoted on the occasion and meritorious medals and certificates were awarded to “those deserving Naga army(s).”
The programme concluded after mass prayer, which was followed by “Independence feast.”
NPGN/NNC(N/A): National People’s Government of Nagaland/Naga National Council—Non-Accord (NPGN/NNC-NA) celebrated the “75th Naga Independence Day” at its headquarters on August 14, 2021.
On the occasion, the speech of group’s president was read out by kilonser Nshumbemo Lotha while and several kilonsers and “army officers” exhorted the gathering.
Earlier, the ceremony began with a mass prayer. The programme culminated with benediction prayer by village elder Santsuo Lotha followed by refreshment.
NSCN (I-M): Greeting the people on the occasion of the ‘75th Naga Independence Day’, NSCN (I-M) yaruiwo Q. Tuccu said that the relationship between India and Nagas “on the basis of peaceful coexistence” must be established to a meaningful level to benefit each other. “We can never do away with each other. That is the political meaning in signing the Framework Agreement to protect our sovereign identity,” he asserted.
Fulfilling the commitment towards executing the FA details would give Nagas the solution that was honourable and acceptable to both the Nagas and Government of India, Tuccu said. Tuccu said that flexibility may be considered as political urgency to hasten the process of negotiation. However, in the case of Naga political issue, he said “we have to draw the line as it matters safeguarding the identity of Naga people’s historical and political rights. The Government of India must show reciprocal sensitivity in the spirit of accommodating the legitimate rights of the Nagas.”
FGN: Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) celebrated its 75th Independence Day at Transit Peace Camp Kohima, Saturday.
Delivering message on the occasion, FGN Kedahge “gen (Retd.)” Viyalie Metha, expressed gratitude to “national workers” of Naga National Council and FGN for their unflinching sacrifices till today. Metha urged the Nagas not to remain complacent and indifferent for personal comfort, but suffer, if they must, to serve and preserve God-given freedom and liberty as a people and Nation.
On the occasion, a total of 15 awards including 13 posthumous army awards and two civil awards were given away to its functionaries by the Kedahge.
Earlier, the event was chaired by killo kilonser, Shevohü Keyho while Rev. Savito Nagi read a bible passages and offered a prayer. while vice president, L Kaiso, pronounced the benediction.
NSCN (R): In his speech on the occasion of the ‘75th Naga Independence Day’, NSCN (R) president Y. Wangtin Naga reminded that both India and the NNPGs/WC, having realized the futile exercises of bloody confrontation, decided to engage political dialogue in 2018 right after signing of the ‘agreed Position’.
Though there were rough surface of political disagreement, Wangtin said they finally worked out workable formula and talks concluded peacefully on October 31, 2019 for final resolution of decades old conflict. Therefore, he said nothing was left to be discussed and the ball was on the Government of India’s court. (Full text on p-7)
Nikki-led NSCN(K): Extending greetings on the occasion of ‘75th Naga Independence Day’, NSCN/GPRN president ‘gen.’ (retd) Nikki Sumi said that as desired by the people, the group had come to peace process with the Government of India towards chalking out a solution. As such, he said the group was firmly committed to the effort.