Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, Aug 14 : In a historic and unique event, the 64th Naga Independence Day was celebrated at a jam packed Ukhrul Town Hall here today.
The function was attended by over thousands of people from all walks of life including representatives from Naga civil societies and high ranking representatives from NSCN/ GP- RN.
Retired Commander in Chief of Naga Army and emissary to the collective leadership, NSCN/GPRN Lt Gen Wungmatem Vashum (VS Atem) was the chief guest of the function.
VS Atem in his speech said that the Naga on August 14, 1947 under the leadership of the then president of Naga National Council (NNC), AZ Phizo proclaimed the Independence of Nagalim unifying all Naga areas including a free Nagalim and also sent copies to the United Nations and Govt of India.
Elaborating that the desire of the Nagas to live as an independent country was not a new one, Atem said that this desire was sown by the forefathers by resisting tooth and nail any designs initiated by the British to subjugate the land of the Nagas.
He added that the Nagas love and respect their land and culture and any alien rule that try to penetrate had been resisted with all its might.
Nagas had made it clear to MK Gandhi that they would not join the Indian union to which he responded that the Nagas are free to choose their future.
VS Atem added that the time has come for the Naga people to say a big no to the pseudo-patriots as well as reactionary traitors straight away.
Speech of Yaruiwo of the People’s Republic of Nagalim Isak Chisi Swu was read out by the Secretary of the Steering Committee Eno Imcte Longumer greeting all in the name of God to all the dear citizens of Nagalim on the historic day by saluting all sons and daughters of the soil who have performed act of greatest courage in circumstances of extreme danger and have laid down their lives for the Nagas and the motherland.
He also paid tribute to all the parents all those people who have sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Nagalim.
Yaruiwo also thanked public leader, churches, national workers, various civil societies, soldiers and other national workers who are in the field, hospital, enemy’s prison and so on.
In addition to the proclamation of independence, the Naga people expressed their will through a free and fair plebiscite that 99.9 pc of Naga people wish for a free and sovereign Naga nation, he said and added that the result of the referendum was communicated to the United Nations, British Government and Government of India.
The Nagas took the right decision at the right time which set the course of the Naga nation to the right direction, the Yaruiwo added. He assured that NSCN would never betray the national principle, Naga people and God.
Earlier in the function, two minutes silence prayer was attributed to all the departed souls of the national workers.