NPGs observe ‘74th Naga Independence Day’

DIMAPUR, AUG 14 (NPN) : DVarious Naga Political Groups (NPGs) observed the 74th Naga Independence Day on August 14 through functions at various places in Nagaland. Speeches from the heads of various political groups commemorating the day was also released to the media.

Not asking for flag or constitution, we already have them: Muivah– NSCN (I-M) ato kilonser. Th. Muivah in his ‘74th Naga Independence day’ speech asserted that Nagas were not asking for Naga national flag and constitution from the government of India, saying whether government of India recognizes it or not “we have our own flag and constitution.”

In his speech, which was read out by kilo kilonser (Home Minister) of GPRN, David Mero at CHQ Hebron, Muivah asserted that flag and constitution were ingredients of “our recognised sovereign entity and symbols of Naga nationhood”, stressing that the Nagas must keep their flag and constitution.

He claimed that the interlocutor for peace talks, RN Ravi had on October 31, 2019 stated, “We respect and honour your flag and constitution. We do not say Government of India has rejected them, but let us finalise them at the earliest time”. He said NSCN (I-M) had reiterated its stand stating that it saw no honourable solution without a flag and constitution.

Muivah also said that the Nagas would co-exist with India sharing sovereign powers as agreed in the Framework Agreement and defined in the competencies but would not merge with India.

WC, NNPGs ready to sign agreement anytime: Kitovi– In an important announcement, ato kilonser of GPRN/NSCN N Kitovi Zhimomi has declared that the Working Committee (WC) of Naga Nationalist Political Groups (NNPGs) was ready to sign the Indo-Naga agreement any day and time.

In his message on the occasion of 74th Naga Independence Day, Zhimomi said after more than 50 rounds in three years, negotiations had concluded with unresolved matters to be pursued and settled through democratic political process.

He claimed, “We have touched, negotiated, sorted out and documented all negotiated points for posterity.”

Recalling that the Government of India (GoI) and WC, NNPGs, of which GPRN/NSCN is an integral part, had on November 17, 2017 signed the “Agreed Position” that reinforced the political and historical rights of the Nagas to self-determine their future in consonance with their distinct identity, the ato kilonser said all apex Naga tribal bodies, GBs, legislators and intellectual groups were on board and proved to be a constant source of strength.

Mentioning that the status paper was with the apex Naga civil societies and would exist for a thousand years, Zhimomi asserted that the WC, NNPGs had the courage to listen to the people and pursue practical approach to resolve the Indo-Naga issue.

Live up to the legacy of martyred patriots: Metha– Federal Government of Nagaland Kedahge, ‘gen’ (retd) Viyalie Metha called upon the Nagas to remember and live up to the legacy of the martyred patriots and continue to live, thrive, succeed and pursue happiness in freedom.

He asserted that God’s given inalienable historical National rights made Nagas richer by the blood, sweat and tears of the patriots, and upon which Naga nation was built.

Addressing at the 74th Naga Independence Day celebration at Kohima Friday, Metha said Nagas were eternally indebted to the thousands of brave Naga soldiers and tens of thousands of men and women and even children who laid down their lives for the cause.

He recalled that many suffered indescribable pain and humiliation at the hands of the enemy yet they never gave in and said “They are our heroes; they are our inspiration”.

While paying homage to the brave Naga soldiers, Metha said their spirit will continue to live in guiding and inspiring and vowed that Nagas shall not let their priceless sacrifice go in vain but continue to build and strife towards an “honest and God fearing Nation”.

Adinno: Also speaking on the occasion, NNC president Adinno Phizo in her message said Nagas had suffered much for years due to the invasion of India. “It is unthinkable that India should suppress the Nagas for this long for the very fact that India herself was under the British rule for several centuries and experienced what foreign domination means,” she said.

Therefore she said if India was wise enough she should understand the position of the Nagas by setting a good example to the world.

The programme was chaired by NNC vice president B. Pashen while bible reading and prayer was pronounced by Homaki Kilonser FGN Akho Meru.

NSCN (I-M) affirms stand on Naga flag: Asserting that the “Rainbow flag is a God given political identity of the Naga people”, the NSCN (I-M) has said that without the Naga flag given its due status there can be no solution that was honourable and acceptable for the Nagas.

NSCN (I-M) through its MIP stated that passion ran high among the Naga people as they “hoisted the Rainbow flags all over Nagalim including Eastern Nagalim in Myanmar” as they commemorated the “declaration of Naga Independence on this day the 14th August, 1947.”

Further, stating that the flag was a Covenant between God and Naga people, the NSCN (I-M) said that it was, therefore, “unthinkable for the Nagas to sideline the Naga flag in the Naga solution that both the NSCN and Government of India is trying to find a way out.”

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/npgs-observe-74th-naga-independence-day/220558.html