Swu calls for unity among people in spirit of forgiveness
NSCN (I-M) yaruiwo, Isak Chishu Swu has called for unity among the people in the spirit of forgiveness and to move forward as one, during the 37th Republic Day celebration at CHQ, Hebron, Monday.
Swu in his speech, read out by the chief guest of the programme, NSCN (I-M) steering committee convenor, Qhevihe Chishi, said that the August 3, 2015 Framework Agreement upheld the recognition of unique history of the Nagas by the GoI.
While stating that the agreement affirmed the universal principle of democracy, that sovereignty lies with the people, Isak maintained that sovereignty of the Nagas and Indians lies with their respective people.
He said the agreement states that there would be “shared sovereignty of the two equals”, in some areas and “co-existence of the two entities” based on the principle of interdependent relationship.
Basing on the agreement, Isak said both the parties had agreed in principle to building bridge between the people instead of walls.
After prolong negotiations, Suw said that the historic Framework Agreement was signed on August 3 between the GoI and NSCN. “The Naga people should say a big thank you to the honorable Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi, his colleagues, Interlocutor Mr. RN. Ravi and the BJP government for the historic agreement”, he said.
Nagas also have to appreciate the efforts of the collective leadership and the negotiating team led by the chief negotiator Th. Muivah, Swu added.
He said, since Government of India (GoI) had now “recognized our sovereign right, the ownership of land and its resources, our unique history and identity, India will no longer be a threat to us and that India and Nagas would closely be interrelated”. “We will be exercising maximum power for maximum development in all fields”, he said, adding, that the agreement would guarantee the rights of the Nagas and also address the security concerns of India to a great extent. (Full text on p-6)
The chief guest earlier hoisted the flag and inspected the parade.
Kilo kilonser, Rh Raising, in his speech said, GoI after recognizing the inherent sovereign right of the Nagas over their land, had agreed that Nagas were owner of their land and its resources, including minerals above and below the land.
Asserting that there was no white or black Naga, Raising said, the word Naga was a natural and political identity which was reflected in the DNA, history, culture, language, social values, beliefs and political will and that Naga was now a recognized entity.
Echoing Isak’s words, Raising said people cannot stay divided for long and that building bridge among the broken Naga family was inevitable and so was building a bridge between India and Nagas, between Nagas and their neighbours was a matter of political necessity.
Nagas cannot keep fighting their enemies, he said, “we must make peace with them through dialogue”.
He said, it was now the “era” of the Nagas and thanked the Lord for bringing the people from confrontation to negotiation.
Raising also called upon all groups to get on board the ‘Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015.’ He said that the proclamation of jubilee by the yaruiwo stated that “we have forgiven the past mistakes committed against the nation and us by other; let them also forgive our past mistakes.”
He further urged all groups to join and move forward together to finish the historic task.
Comperes for the programme were CFMC secretary-John Anal and NJB registrar-George Gonmei while invocation was pronounced by Nagaland Missions Movement (NMM) associate director– Rev Qhevihe Yepthomi.
The celebration was marked with special performances, cultural dances and songs from various groups.
Legacy cannot be washed away: Neokpao
Legacy cannot be washed away: Neokpao
KHEHOI, MAR 21 (NPN): GPRN/NSCN observed its 36th Republic Day at its Council Headquarters (CHQ), Khehoi on Monday. The newly elected president, ‘Gen’ (retd) M B Neokpao Konyak unfurled the flag and also took the salute of parade contingents.
In his brief speech, Neokpao Konyak said that the Naga freedom movement was very sensitive as well as a blessing destiny that every Naga had endured and struggled.
“It is the wisdom of our forefathers and the pure conscious of every Nagas to feel themselves not alienated with any other rule or kingdom which we have inherited and thus follow their footsteps”, he said. Konyak said that the movement and the legacy cannot be washed away with mere propagandas or fancy utterance. “It is purely the right of every Naga’s who has sacrificed enough of blood, sweat and wealth. It is the will of the people that governs and the decision of the people that will destine the future of Naga’s.” he asserted. (Full text on p-6)
GPRN/NSCN ato kilonser Kitovi Zhimomi in his short speech also extended warm greetings and also spoke about the signing of agreements/accords which he said had invited bloodshed and loss of many precious Naga lives.
Envoy to collective leadership Alezo Venuh stressed on the retrospection and introspection of oneself and the leaders too, while maintaining that, “we are steeping over the trying times at present and the quality and dedication of an individual(s) are known during such times”. Senior kilonser Kughalu Mulatonu in his speech, while deliberating on the contemporary Naga political development/crisis highlighted on the differences and confusion between “political and army” surrender. “Signing an accord and laying down of arms” to the superior powers defines the political and army surrender, respectively said Mulatonu.
Earlier the program was moderated by secretary in charge, Law and Justice. The program began with an invocation prayer led by Tatar, Prayer Convenor Hotoli and concluded with Wenkai Konyak assistant Chaplain CHQ who pronounced the benediction. Drill display; “Obituary reference and moment of silence” and reading out roll of honour and promotions was also administered.