Zhopra Vero, Kedahge, Federal Government Of Nagaland
My Dear Countrymen & women,
It is a privilege and an honour to address you all on my own behalf and on behalf of the Federal Government of Nagaland as well as on behalf of all the true Naga patriots on this historic day, the 14th day of August 2025, as the Nation celebrates the Naga Independence Day. It was on this day, the 14th day of August in 1947, that our pioneers and visionary leaders took the momentous decision to declare the Naga Independence, to proclaim the aspirations of the Naga people to the world. We are grateful to our Almighty God for the guidance, protection and sustenance throughout all these years of our struggle for an honourable existence and to earn a rightful place as a Nation among the Nations of the world.
The Naga struggle for independence is not a historical blunder or a historical accident. It is a miracle in history – a group of warring tribals, living in isolated and independent villages, came together to assert our historical and political rights. The Naga nation is not really our own making; we did not choose to be where we are today by our own wisdom and strength. Our nationhood which was lying asleep for centuries awakened under the divine guidance of God. The Pioneers of our Naga national movement caught the vision of a Naga nation, amidst conflicts and isolation from each other then, and responded to their national call. With almost nothing but that vision, they fought together against all odds with undeterred faith. In turn, they received the united supports, prayers and goodwill of our people then. The spirit of nationalism was kindled even in the hearts of those living in the remotest parts of Naga lands under the leadership of the Naga National Council (NNC).
However, somewhere down the line, we lost the fire of that vision, the vision that united us yesterday. But by God’s grace, not all is lost. We are still here today and that matters. If the same vision could unite our people yesterday, I believe that there is a way to rise up again, to find our strength again. We need to rekindle that kind of vision and commitment today if we truly love our Naga identity and desire to live as free people and nation. We should take courage and pride in the fact that NNC till date remains the only Naga Political Institution to get the mandate of the Naga people to decide and determine the course of the Naga aspirations. We are not lost fighters, without hope or without legitimacy.
Naga Nationalism in essence is a movement for the restoration of what is rightfully ours – our freedom, our land and our future. Nagas being fierce lovers of freedom and equality, our aspiration has always been for self determination. The political history of the Nagas first started with the resistance of the British colonizers and later with Indian imperialism. The Naga people for many decades have been fighting for a free homeland and resisting the oppressive occupational forces of India and Myanmar on our land ever since the British colonialists left the Indian sub-continent. Since the British Government remained silent on the Nagas’ right to self-determination at the time of its departure from the Indian sub-continent, the Naga National Council (NNC) after informing the top Indian leaders of that time, declared Naga Independence on 14th August 1947, a day ahead of India’s declaration of independence from British Rule. To augment and attest this declaration, the NNC conducted the Plebiscite on 16th May, 1951 wherein 99.9% voted for Sovereignty. And ever since its establishment, the Federal Government of Nagaland has always stood for the restoration of “the historical and political rights of the Nagas.” Our struggle is not a secessionist movement. Our struggle is against the enemy of freedom, democracy and humanity, the tyrannical forces which are trying to erase our rights, identity and history as a people.
To fight against these forces that threaten and oppress us, the Federal Government of Nagaland was formed on 22nd March 1956 at the first historic Tatar Hoho (then divided Nagaland under the British rule) jointly convened by the Naga National Council (representing the then Naga Hills District) and the Hongki Government (representing the Free Nagas). The Tatar Hoho unanimously ratified the Articles enshrined in the constitution, enabling the Nagas, thereafter to act with legal authority.
The Nagas as a people are known for our culture of hard work, honesty and integrity. Our ancestors were honourable and trustworthy people and their words used to be their law. The British duly recognized the honor of our people and so despite several conflicts and agreements between the two entities, no written document was necessitated to formalize any agreements. We respected each other for what each was. The respect given to us helped us to maintain our identity and culture as honorable and noble people.
But something went wrong deeply when we encountered the Indian state. Their leaders lacked integrity and honor. They did not trust our integrity. Agreements have to be done on papers. Even so, they neither honoured our customs nor their promises. The first written agreement – the 9 Point Agreement (Hydari Agreement) never saw the light of day. It went into the dark and became symbol of betrayal of trust. That agreement was signed by none other than the tall leaders of the Indian state, Bordoloi and Hydari. This betrayal incident was not an isolated case. Successive Indian leaders have failed to uphold their promises made to the Nagas and that includes their most venerated leaders like Gandhi and Rajagopalachari.
These have made us to wonder what we are up against, a people whose honour is questionable. To cite few instances – India never honoured the Hydari agreement; India betrayed the Peace Mission of 1964; India divided the Nagas even after her promise to bring the Nagas under one political umbrella; India has not even been serious about her commitments to the 16 Point Agreement on all important matters. Coming to the present, it also appears that the GoI has no intention of honouring either the ‘Framework Agreement’ of 3rd August 2015 signed with the NSCN (I-M) or the ‘Agreed Positions’ of 17th November 2017 signed with the NNPGs. It is for all this reason and more that our slogan has been this – honorable and acceptable solution! The slogan has a story behind.
Over the years, our patience and tolerance, our unity and nationhood have been challenged time and again. We had hoped that India would live up to her world image as the largest Democracy in the world by becoming a self-respecting and honourable country. We are also aware of a big threat to our identity and culture due to the imposition of cultural and religious practices of the overwhelming majority of the Indian population on our people which are alien to us. If not resisted, they have the potential to wipe out our identity and culture and of even our entire civilization. That is why we have now more reason to rise up and collectively fight as a people for our freedom and for our identity.
To get our history right, the slogan of our people originally was simply “independence” or “sovereignty”. Sovereignty was understood in its absolute sense, nothing less and nothing more and no confusion whatsoever. It was non-negotiable and non-shareable. A tacit implication was that any agreement short of sovereignty is dishonourable and unacceptable. This was the reason why even significant political milestones achieved through political negotiations like the 16 Point Agreement of 1960 and the Shillong Accord of 1975 were not recognized by the NNC then. These two agreements violated the national spirit which was expressed in the Memorandum of Naga Club to the Simon Commission in1929, the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 and the FGN Resolution of 1974 and not only brought about structural and ideological chaos and divisions but also much bloodshed amongst our own people.
It appears that many of own people in the present time are suffering from some kind of amnesia. Forgetting the past deceptions and betrayals by the Indian state, the honor and sacrifices of our people, many of our people are shouting for “Early Solution”. We can hear the shout of this slogan from the mouths of the respectable tribal bodies and members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. What is even more shocking is the fact that some NPGs are shouting this slogan from the top of their voice. However, we as the caretaker of the mandate of the Naga people passed down to us should remain cautious and remain steadfast. We should uphold the legacy and honor of our people, and not become guilty of betraying the sweat, the tears and the blood of those who fought for the Naga Dream in the yesteryears. A solution that offers mere “packages” without security of history, identity, advancement and self-determination is doomed and is certain to betray our sacred cause. Rather than strengthening and finding solution to the singular goal of the Naga people, it may give birth not only to power houses and institutions that will eventually destroy the Naga democracy and traditional institutions but also engender all modern forms of discriminations.
The NNC-FGN will continue to work for the reconciliation of the Naga political groups and will continue to support the FNR’s endeavour to unite the Nagas as long as the path is charted by the wisdom that comes from God Almighty. Meetings, prayers and paper agreements have to be translated into collaborative actions. The Naga Political Groups have to learn to speak the same political language as one nation and one people. Collective wisdom has to be sought at all times and above all, we must learn to put the cause of the nation and the people as our priority. However, we cannot be a party to any vice that would go against our political vision.
As we celebrate this Historic Day, let us renew our spirit, our commitment and our dedication to the service of the nation. Let us also celebrate with pride and cherish the contributions and sacrifices of the patriots who selflessly chose to bear the hardships and sufferings in the pursuit of the noble cause and gave up their lives for the Nation. I join the nation in paying my homage to all those martyrs and patriots who have willingly sacrificed for our nation. I congratulate all the recipients of the awards and special commendations for their dedication and commitment.
May we all march forward with our heads held high until we find our rightful place as a Nation among the Nations of the world.
God bless us all. KUKNALIM!
Akato Chophi, President, NSCN/GPRN-R (Akato)
Friends, Nagas, compatriots,
The History of Nagas has been passed down to us from generation to generation, by our predecessors to uphold it and to pass it on to our successors and posterity, until it reaches its logical conclusion.
It also serves as a reminder as to who we Nagas really are.
Despite facing unbearable sufferings and challenges against destructible forces and adversaries, the indomitable spirit and formidable hearts of our brave warriors could not be crushed who stood their grounds in defiance, ready to defend to the last man standing.
It is however understood that, considering the contemporary times, the Nagas also acknowledges the narratives of some top leaders from both political and military backgrounds of GoI who opined that, “Military campaign against Naga Issue will be a futile excercise but that which needs to be addressed Politically”
Likewise, as we stand at the thresholds of the modern era of paradigm shift, where ‘Warfare’ is being replaced by political negotiations and diplomatic ties, so does the NSCN, also make our points crystal clear.
That, any kind of solution that is short of “Inclusiveness, National Principles, Traditional Values and without Pragmatic Approach” will never yield any positive vibe but rather, be mired with political ramifications
Any ‘Political Blasphemy’ minus rationality, sincerity and honour can never achieve a means to an end.
In order to substantiate and strengthen the Agreed Position (AP), the erstwhile NNPA (Naga National Political Alliance) which recently merged with the NNPGs did also put forward some of our competency clauses and amalgamated it with the AP to further reinforce it.
Unlike some agreement which still remains hidden and obscure to the public, the AP is an open book and is already laid down in the public domain.
It is a tragic comic for the Nagas, because as oblivious to us, a handful of few self proclaimed saviours, forcefully wants to decide our future without our consent, without our participation and unbeknownst as to what future is at stake.
However, to say the least Nagas are matured and wise enough to dichotomize and to clearly define as to who are the real protagonists and who actually are the antagonists
Nevertheless, the GoI must also understands as to who are being serious and who are being theatrical to procrastinating the issue, yet as long as these infamous and unpopular political rhetorics is allowed to continue, Nagas are being throttled to the brink of suffocation.
Needless to say, unless the GoI pick up the pace and up the ante, both Nagas and GoI are on the verge of missing the bus and if it is so, we will have none to blame but ourselves.
KUKNALIM
“God Bless Nagas, God Bless Our Nation”
Ato Kilonser Shitoho Chophi, NPGN/NNC
Dear esteemed leaders, comrades and fellow Nagas,
Today, we gather to commemorate the 79th anniversary of our Naga Independence Day. This sacred day reminds of us of the sacrifices, struggles and unwavering determination of our forefathers who courageously declared our independence on August 14th, 1947.
As we stand on the shoulder of our rights, we honour their memory and reiterate our commitment to the Naga cause. We remember the bloodsheds, the tears and the hardship endured by our people in pursuit of freedom and self-determination. Throughout our history, we have faced numerous challenges from colonialism to occupation and from division to oppression. Yet, our resilience and resolve have remained unbroken. We have preserved, adapted and evolved, always keeping our eyes fixed on the horizon of a free Naga people.
Today we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of our independence: self-determination and the inherent rights of our people. We reiterate our call for a negotiated settlement based on “AGREED POSITION” which was signed on 17th November 2017 and completed the political negotiations on 31st October 2019 with Government of India (G01).
To our comrades, leaders and people, I urge you to remain united, steadfast and vigilant. Let us continue to work together across party lines, Factions and Affiliations to achieve our common goal, let us also strengthen our bonds, foster greater understanding and promote mutual respect.
To the international community, we extend our gratitude for your solidarity and support. We appeal to you to recognize our legitimate right, acknowledge our unique history and advocate for a just and lasting solution to the Naga issue.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us draw inspiration from our past, strength from our present and hope for our future. Let us march forward together with faith, courage and determination to build a brighter tomorrow for our people.
KUKNALIM
Gen. (Retd.) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland
My dear Countrymen,
Greetings to you all in the celebration of our Independence Day, I thankfully acknowledged Thenyizumi Village, Chakhesang Region for enthusiastically hosting this historical day of our Nation today at the local ground. Three score and eighteen years ago, on this day the 14th of August in 1947, we declared our Independence as colonialism was drawing to a close. By this very declaration we have become a sovereign nation to live and to decide our own future.
As we went ahead to mind our own business as a sovereign nation our neighbouring country India invaded our country with her armed might in 1955 and continues her illegal occupation till date. In spite of this we continue to survive and exist as a nation. However, mere survival and existence doesn’t promise a vibrant future. The younger generation is the future of our nation and it is the duty of every Naga to begin creating a ground and atmosphere for our nation to have a thriving and vibrant future. To create such a future as a sovereign nation our constitutional rights and duties are of utmost importance as citizens and to ensure the rights and duties of each citizen constitutional order must be implemented. This is the very character of a sovereign nation that under such constitutional order its citizens are secure and their freedom as individuals are guaranteed. Thus we as a nation must move towards our own future as enshrined in our Yehzabo.
We have come thus far, as a sovereign nation, in spite of all hurdles and sufferings and many a brave soldier and civilian, both men and women, have given their lives in our nation’s defence. Today, we remember their supreme sacrifice and honour them. We must not forget our past lest we drown in irrelevant narratives and ideologies unfit for our nation’s future. The sacrifices of our forebears must rekindle the patriotic fervour of the Nagas to rise as one nation and people under God. Our situation as a nation defending itself against occupation is not an easy one but the spirit of patriotism borne of our God-given sense of nationhood should not be undermined by our petty differences of opinions.
The legitimacy and legal foundation of our sovereignty as a nation lies in the historical continuity of the mandated Naga National Council and the Federal Government of Nagaland. Therefore, whether we have political differences or personal dislikes of one another does not matter when we are gathered in one mandated national platform and institution that has its foundation in historical continuity with a legal basis bound by mandate.
Our Declaration of Independence is not without ratification or the people’s mandate for it was ratified by the Naga voluntary Plebiscite of 1951 in which 99.9% wished to remain independent as we had been all along. Therefore, to keep alive this very historic milestone this year on 16th of May 2025 we celebrated our 75th Naga voluntary Plebiscite Day organised by the Naga Plebiscite Commission.
On this note I would like to thank the Chairman of the Commission and his colleagues for their tireless effort in the grand and successful conduct of the celebration of the 75th Naga Plebiscite Day. I would also like to thank the Khiamniungan cultural troupe who gave such a special performance reminding us of their undying loyalty to the nation. It is on such occasions that we are brought together as one and it is my belief that we are here again today to celebrate our Independence Day as one people and nation under God.
In conclusion, I take this opportunity to state that we must henceforth, move ahead by forging a oneness of national principle, integrity, values and character as Nagas. It should be as strong as iron and steel forged in the strongest of heat and hammered by the heaviest of hammers.
May God continue to bless us with the strength, ability and discernment to value our God-given uniqueness as a sovereign nation.
KUKNALIM.