Dimapur, August 17: The 80th Naga Independence Day was observed on August 14 at the Council Headquarters, Hebron, with the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN/NSCN) marking the occasion in the presence of Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah, V.S. Atem, President Q. Tuku and other senior leaders and dignitaries.
The observance featured speeches from various Naga civil society organisations, student bodies and representatives, besides cultural performances and patriotic songs. Speakers reflected on the Naga political struggle, the sacrifices of past generations and the need for greater unity among the Naga people.
In an address delivered on his behalf by V.S. Atem, Th. Muivah highlighted the history of the Naga political talks and the challenges faced by the Naga movement over the years. He reiterated that the Naga political leadership would remain firm on its stated demands and would not compromise on its core political position.
A recurring concern raised by several speakers was the division among Naga political groups and the wider society. H.K. Zhimomi, Advisor to the Naga Hoho, said the political talks had reached a point of uncertainty or deadlock and called upon all Naga political groups to recognise the people’s desire for unity and work towards a common meeting point. He also cautioned against factionalism, which he said was causing further harm to the Naga cause.
Naga Mothers’ Association Vice President Apeuna Iheilung said the 80-year journey had reaffirmed the Naga people’s distinct history, identity and right to self-determination. She stressed that lasting peace could not be built by ignoring history and called for dialogue that is honourable, inclusive and based on political recognition.
Representing the Global Naga Forum, Kevitho Kera emphasised the unity of Nagas across Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Myanmar and other parts of the world. He said unity and solidarity were essential to the survival of the Naga people as a nation amid external pressures and internal differences.
Naga Students’ Federation Assistant General Secretary Veze Tunyi said patriotism was reflected in preserving one’s roots and language, contributing to society and choosing unity over division.
United Naga Council representative Ng. Lorho also called for overcoming factional, political, tribal and personal divisions, stressing the importance of unity, forgiveness and mutual respect in shaping the future of the Naga people.
Naga Council Dimapur President G.K. Rengma paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the Naga cause and called upon churches, civil society organisations and the wider Naga public to rise above divisions.
DNSU President Hinoto P. Aomi, meanwhile, said the Naga political aspiration was rooted in the preservation of identity, homeland and dignity, while paying tribute to the martyrs and generations who had sacrificed for the Naga cause.
Across the speeches delivered during the August 14 observance, speakers emphasised unity, reconciliation, preservation of Naga identity and the need for an honourable political settlement, while remembering the sacrifices made throughout the eight-decade-long Naga political journey.
