Maj (Retd) RM Lotha
President, GPRN/NSCN
My Dear Countrymen! I give all glory and honor to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for his gracious love, mercy and sustenance of our people. On this auspicious occasion, I convey my profound revolutionary greetings to each and everyone who have assisted, contributed in positive words and action towards the greater good of our common cause.
I acknowledge the ever unforgettable Naga patriots who are no more with us today, having given their lives and completing their tasks for the Naga Nation. We honor them today.
Dear friends and comrades, we recall the dawn of Naga nationalism, sacrifices, failures and achievements of the Naga people since the formation of Naga Club in 1918. To this day the aspiration of the Naga people to live with dignity and honor remain a pivotal goal. The oppressors are mighty and strong but the political and historical right of the Naga nation cannot be wiped out by a sheer military might. Without compromising on the people’s political aspiration, a peaceful progressive Naga society has become a dire necessity for the younger generation. In a fast pace changing world we must retain the core values of our freedom struggle while enabling our children to cohabit with the best minds in the best institutions. GPRN/NSCN believed that the righteousness and transparency can built the trust and confidence among the people which will certainly restore the peace and advance in all round of human needs. Let us all contribute to built peace and harmony in our land for the sake of the younger generation.
The Naga Republic Day is a celebration of each citizens responsibility in nation building. The power and authority directly or indirectly is in the hand of the Naga people. Every citizens have equal responsibility to take forward the idea of Naga republic as was envisaged by our brave and wise Naga pioneers. Today as we commemorate the historic date of our struggle and establishment of a People’s Republic Government representing a distinct race and nation called the “NAGA”, we are glad to see that spirit of unity and brotherhood among various Naga NPGs have returned to Naga people wishes and that has strengthened the Naga National core political values.
Naga Republic day symbolizes maturity of our struggle, cohesiveness of our people, uncompromising goal and vision for our common future. We believe that Government of India (GOI), in the course of Political talks with the Working Committee (WC), Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), have clearer understanding of the Indo-Naga Political problem in its correct perspective.
The GOI must seriously realize the long term danger of harboring and legitimizing the mushrooming obstructive elements forming new groups. The wayward, unprincipled wealth diggers, status and position addicts do not auger well for either GOI! or the Nagas, because their sole aim is to garner wealth by any means and stay relevant. Politically immature and unproven, restless leaders cannot convince the Naga people on the Naga political front. Creating fear psychosis through arms and burdening the public is a crime. A deliberate misinterpretation of the already agreed upon principle by some vested individual with an intention to prolong the Naga Political issue without a logical conclusion.
The “AGREED POSITION” and the negotiated status paper are a sacred political document widely known and accepted by all Nagas. The hard work of GOI interlocutors, representatives and Convener and Co-Convenors of WC, NNPGs have earned the appreciation of the Naga people. | am hopeful that the GOI, WC, NNPGs will not be distracted by activities of defectors and opportunists desiring to be noticed through threats and intimidation against politicians, contractors, traders and commercial outlets in Nagaland.
I appeal to all the Apex Naga tribal bodies, the Village Headmen and elders, the Churches, the concerned Civil Societies and the common citizens not to stay silent on the primary task of resolutely standing for honorable and acceptable solution to the Indo-Naga political problem. As we celebrate our Republic Day, we owe it to our forefathers, the fallen patriots, we owe to our children and our grandchildren and those after them. They deserve a better future.
Kuknalim. God bless our Nagaland!
