Gen. (Retd.) T. M Rhakho, Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland
My Dear Countrymen,
On this historic day, the 14th of August 2025 as we celebrate the 79th years of Naga Independence, I take this privileged to once again address you on behalf of the Federal Government of Nagaland.
It is neither human wisdom nor ability but only by the grace of God that we manage to join in today’s celebration of the 79th Independence day for which we are thankful to almighty God in all humility. Today history reveals that our people had experienced more than fair share of misfortune in the cause of our history due to conflict of ideology and different methodical approach to a common cause and Goal. We must no longer allow personal convictions nor groupism interests to override our national integrity and the law of our land.
Experiences over the past eight decades reveals that the aggressors fail to achieve their design, but we Nagas continue to play in their hand. At no time or under any circumstances will our National cause be jeopardised due to the design of occupational force and their agents nor internal dissidence in our land The infamous shillong accord of 1975 was deeply divisive among the Nagas culminating to mushrooming of different factions and blood-shed among naga brethren. The blood, tears and sacrifices of thousands of Naga patriots will not be barter off for Shillong Accord or any other agreement with Government of India.
The NNC/FGN will never accept any Accord or agreement within the Union of India and will never settle for anything less than sovereignty. Let us be reminded once again that our rights are deeply instilled in historical declaration. The declaration of Independence on 14th August 1947 a day before India attain her Independence from the British.
This is strategic because it speaks of our mind and our preparation knowing what may come upon us. This declaration of Independence finds its attestation in the historic voluntary National plebiscite of May 16th 1951. Nagas at this moment are at Crossroads. With every passing year we are given new talking point other than what we stood for. Our sacrifices cannot be bought and our sovereignty can never be compromised. Our political struggles have come of age. But we must acknowledge that no worldly power or our struggles can compete against the mighty India. It is only through the holy Spirit that our almighty can deliver us to our promised land. Our forebearers have declared our Land and our people to Christ and have Proclaimed “Nagaland for Christ”. We have made a Covenant with ‘Jehovah’ so we must surrender all of our control and trust that he will lead us into light. He has enabled us to over come many hardship in the process of our struggle and brought us thus far. He shall not let us down even in the days to come, provided we too continue to obey his desires and have faith in him.
As we celebrate this historic day, let us renew our spirit, our commitment and our dedication to the service of the nation. Much has been sacrificed but much is still demanded from us. We honour and celebrate the sacrifice of all patriots who gave their all for the nation. I congratulate everyone in service to the nation for standing to our national cause. My salute to the recipients of the awards and commendation. You are the torch and you must hand it down with courage and pride. We must move forward with our head lifted high until we find our rightful place in the history of the world.
Happy Naga Independence Day.
Urra uvie
Kuknalim
S. S. Pongkhu Naga, President, GPRN/NNC (Apex Body)
All glory and honor to our Almighty God, and revolutionary greetings to all my fellow Nagas
Today marks a moment of solemn pride and historic remembrance as we come together to observe the 79th Naga Independence Day a day that reminds us not just of the past we inherit, but the future we must shape with courage, conviction, and unity.
Across every Naga-inhabited area, we lift our voices and hearts to honor the brave sons and daughters of our land who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Naga freedom. Their dreams were not for themselves alone, but for generations yet unborn. Their courage carved a path forward in the face of overwhelming odds. It is because of their vision, valor, and unyielding spirit that we stand today with identity, dignity, and purpose.
As a people, we possess a distinct and ancient history, a culture deeply rooted in our traditions, and a way of life that sets us apart. These are not just cultural ornaments, but the foundations of our political right to self-determination. Like a house built upon rock, our political history is resilient and unshakable. No power, no distortion, and no denial can erase what is written in the blood and soul of the Naga people.
Yet, in the midst of remembrance, we must also reflect on the realities of our present struggle.
It is painful to admit, but we must be honest with ourselves: we are lagging behind in many aspects politically, socially, and even morally. The dream of our pioneers is being slowed by internal fragmentation.
Everyone desires to lead, but too few are willing to serve. This mindset has given rise to factionalism, mistrust, and division. Our disunity has become a weapon in the hands of those who seek to weaken our movement. It is not external pressure alone, but internal erosion that threatens the fabric of our cause.
Let this day be more than ceremonial. Let it be a call to awaken our conscience and renew our commitment to each other as a people. The time has come to rise above personal ambitions, tribal divisions, and political calculations.
The destiny of our people must be greater than the egos of individuals. Only through unity, humility, and sacrificial leadership can we move forward.
As President of the GPRN/NNC (Apex Body), I affirm our unwavering commitment to a united and peaceful resolution of the Naga political issue.
We remain actively engaged in dialogue with other Naga Political Groups (NPGs) through the reconciliation efforts spearheaded by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR). While our methods and affiliations may differ, our ultimate objective remains the same: the fulfillment of the political aspirations of our people and the realization of our rightful place among the nations of the world.
This journey demands more than slogans and ceremonies. It demands discipline, perseverance, and unity. We must walk together not as separate groups, but as one people, one voice, one vision. As we raise our national flag today and sing our anthem with pride, let it be a reminder not just of where we come from, but of where we must go, together.
Let us rise. Let us rebuild. Let us reclaim our future united in spirit, strong in purpose, and fearless in action.
KUKNALIM!
May God bless Nagaland
Kiyelho Wokhami Ato Kilonser NPGN NNC (MK)
I thanked our almighty God for his mercy and blessing upon the Nagas and preserving all the Naga and the Nagas identity On this auspicious day of 14th August the Naga Independence Day I convey my warm greetings to all the citizens of the Naga nation. On this day we remember our fallen heroes who sacrificed theirprecious lives for the cause of the Naga independence, we pay homage to the thousands patriotic heroes. The present Naga leaders of the political groups, NGOs, and citizens of the Nagas need to retrospect and introspect how we have been struggling for the freedom of Nagaland since from the beginning of the movement. We must also remember how the Naga plebiscite of 16th may 1951 took place where 99.9 Nagas voted in favour of the naga independence. The Nagas still remain as a warrior and will remain forever. Even the britishers treated the Naga people as honourable people so why don’t we all humble before our creator and come closer to each other and unite as one to bring peaceful and lasting solution for the future of the Nagas generation as desired by our people No settlement can be done or achieved without unity and integration among us, unity is the only way on which our right and aspiration are embedded.
It’s never too late to wake up from slumber and this is the perfect moment for the Nagas to decide our destiny. Will never give up to defend our right, though there are so many inexplicable miseries and hardship that we faced but still we believe in ourselves that we will achieve our cherished dream. I give my deepest respect to all the Naga Political groups irrespective of faction for the courage and support to defend the right of the Nagas I on behalf of NPGN NNC(MK) appeal to all the politicalgroups, NG0s, Church leaders, citizens of the Naga nation to forgive each other as believer of Christ and stand united and work cohesively under one platform so as to bring a vexed protracted Naga solution at the earliest.
GOD BLESS NAGALAND! KUKNALIM
MIP
NPGN NNC/NA(MK)
V. Nagi, General Secretary of the Naga National Council (Parent Body)
My dear Naga people,
I give thanks to God as we commemorate the 79th Naga Independence Day- a most significant occasion marking our people’s historic political declaration and right to sovereignty. This day stands as the foundation of our democratic aspiration for freedom, a right acknowledged by the United Nations even before India attained its independence in 1947.
The political declaration made by the Naga National Council (NNC) and its acknowledgment by the United Nations at that time remains a historic and foundational moment. It is for this reason that the NNC and the Naga people have continued to celebrate this day annually, reaffirming our identity as a people and as a nation. We urge the international community and friendly nations around the world to recognize this political right, so that justice may finally be served- especially as our political struggle has now continued for 79 long years.
To achieve our full and rightful sovereignty, all genuine Naga national workers and civil society organizations must unite. We must come together with a shared vision and strategy to find a conclusive and lasting resolution to the political conflict that has burdened our people for more than seven decades.
On behalf of the NNC (Parent Body), I remember and honor the countless Naga martyrs who laid down their lives for our freedom. We offer our prayers to God Almighty as we remember their sacrifice on this solemn occasion.
It must also be said that the root cause of our political suffering lies with the British Government. The colonial administration divided our land and people without our knowledge, consent, or consultation. This injustice was further perpetuated by the Government of India, which redivided our homeland into different states within the Northeast.
The present-day Government of the United Kingdom must take responsibility for these historical wrongs. As the political architects of our division, they must now stand up and support the restoration of Naga sovereignty. The long-standing political struggle of the Naga people must be addressed and settled in the spirit of justice.
I would like to acknowledge and express my sincere gratitude to the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples’ Organisation (UNPO) for raising the Naga political issue during the recent session of the United Nations in Geneva. The Naga National Council (Parent Body) deeply appreciates the UNPO’s unwavering support and the concern demonstrated at such a significant international forum.
This act of solidarity marks an important step in amplifying the voice of the Naga people in the global arena. We remain hopeful that the matters presented will yield constructive outcomes in pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the Naga political struggle.
On behalf of the Naga people, I extend heartfelt thanks to all those who have stood with us and contributed to this important effort during the session.
I also must reiterate that the NNC, along with thousands of Naga people, observed the 75th Naga National Plebiscite Day on 16th May 2025 at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground), just below Naga Club the historic site where the voluntary plebiscite was held on 16th May 1951. In a united mass gathering, the NNC and the Naga people reaffirmed the sovereignty of Naga freedom with one voice. This recent historic event holds global significance. We, the NNC, thank our Living God, the Naga people and the organising committee in particular for this meaningful celebration and reaffirmation of our sovereign right.
The Naga people are one race, with one identity, one history, and one homeland. We cannot and will not accept division or separation. It is our democratic and natural right to live together as a united people and nation.
The NNC (Parent Body) also raises its voice against the growing threat of illegal immigration into our indigenous homeland. We, the Nagas, have every right to protect our land and communities from outsiders whose presence has contributed to rising incidents of social crimes such as rape, robbery, and land-grabbing and encroachment. Their intention to dominate our society, economy, and land is dangerous and unacceptable.
Before the situation worsens, we must act decisively to remove all illegal immigrants from our land. We have witnessed their actions and intentions, and we cannot afford to allow our hard-fought homeland to be overtaken.
Today, as global geopolitical shifts draw closer to our region, the Naga people must stand united and firm in defense of our ancestral land and our inalienable rights. We have fought together in the past, and we must continue to do so in one voice and in unity -to achieve the sovereignty we seek and fought for.
Our struggle for freedom has never been merely political. It is deeply spiritual. We believe that the living God has a divine purpose and plan for the Naga people. May His will be fulfilled in our time.
KUKNALIM.