Kiumkhum Yimkhiung
President, NNC/GDRN (NA)
Dear fellow Nagas,
On this auspicious and historic occasion of the 69th Naga Independence Anniversary, I extend my warm greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Today, as we celebrate, let us not forget to thank our forefather, pioneers and visionary leaders who sacrificed their everything not in vain, but to lay down a firm political foundation for our generation, upon which today, as we celebrate we stand with pride and dignity.
I also salute and pay my rich tribute and homage to all the fallen heroes and martyrs for their supreme sacrifice.
On a day such as today, it would be befitting to remind ourselves of the path of our forefather, their sufferings and their sacrifice. And to cherish and uphold them. But today it is now our responsibility to pave a clear road-map for our kids and their future generation.
Well, as aware as we all are, history has it all.
• The Memorandum submission to Simon Commission of 10th January 1929
• The Declaration of Naga Independence Day of 14th August, just a day ahead of India’s Independence
• And the Historic Naga Plebiscite of 16th May 1951
All of these events speaks for itself, the magnanimous thoughts of our elders for our liberation and self-determination.
The NNC/GDRN (NA), today I’m proud to mention that, under the aegis of Working Committee, Naga National political groups (WC, NNPGs) and under the charismatic convenorship of N Kitovi Zhimomi, had had the honour of signing the historic ‘Agreed Position’ on 17th November 2017 and subsequently a successful conclusion of talks on 31st October 2019.
However, today as we stand at the crossroad of our dialogue and political negotiation with GOI, in the pursuit of a real time practical implementation of these signed agreements. It is unfortunate, however, that in the recent past, we have witnessed a mushrooming growth of many a self-styled grandiose individuals and groups trumpeting themselves as national workers all for their selfish agendas and personal gains, trying to jeopardize our efforts and to hijack the legitimate public mandated government of the Naga political groups. Thus, creating chaos in our Naga society at large. For which I would urge every Naga society to be vigilant at all time from such rogue elements. Here mention may be made also of a significant event that unfolded before our very eyes which need to be viewed with utmost seriousness and must be paid due importance- the coming together of all the Naga youths in the form of Fed-up Nagas now known as Naga Youth Movements. And without hesitation I may say that the sincerity and the commitment of the government of Nagaland, who often portrays itself as a grand facilitator, as well as that of the government of India, are both questionable to an extent. All of these chaotic situations we are faced with today are the result of their insincerity and the lackadaisical attitude of both the State Government and the Government of India.
Nonetheless, honouring the sanctity of this auspicious day, I once again affirm that an honourable and acceptable solution of the Indo-Naga political conflict is paramount. I therefore urge every Naga citizen to thoroughly contemplate to keep aside our differences, shed our egos and rise above all adversaries as one united force unstoppable and unyielding in pursuit of our ultimate goal by emphasizing on forgiveness, love and peaceful resolution amongst all Nagas and amongst all Naga Political Groups.
Lastly, I acknowledge the unwavering support of all the stake holders, the apex organizations, tribal bodies, civil societies, student bodies, women organizations and the churches of all denominations.
May Gods Grace be upon us all.
Long live Nagaland, Kuknalim
