Pfutsero, Aug 14: The NSCN (IM) today appeared to have gained a firm footing in Chakhesang territory as it made history by openly celebrating the 58th Naga Independence Day at Pfutsero here today.

The successful celebration, in which thousands of citizens of Pfutsero participated, is seen as a milestone achievement for the NSCN (IM) as Pfutsero and the major part of the Chakhesang region have been dominated for long time by the AZ Phizo's Naga National Council (NNC).

Significantly, all shops and business establishments of the town remained closed while the citizens also refrained from attending to their fields to mark the Naga Independence Day.

A visibly-overwhelmed Venuzo Zholia, Deputy Kilonser for War Victims' Welfare, who was chief guest on the occasion, also remarked that the NSCN (IM) never expected such a huge turnout of the public of Pfutsero and described the celebration as a historic day for the outfit.

Speaking on the occasion, he also urged the Chakhesangs to change their old mindset and to come to terms with the changes taking place at such a fast pace throughout the world.

"The world has become a global village and we have to come to keep up with the rest of the world.

We can no longer afford to be isolated and bound with old beliefs and ideologies", he exhorted the gathering.

Speaking on the same lines, K.K Angami, PRO, Ministry of Kilo Affairs appealed to the Chakhesang people to support the goal of Naga sovereignty, explaining that the NSCN (IM) is the only organization that has been able to take the Naga issue to the international level and that it is on the verge of making a breakthrough.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Dingulo Khutsoh, Chairman of the Pfutsero Town Council and Meyielo Kapfo, Councilor, PTC.

David Mero, Secretary, Tatar Hoho, GPRN chaired the function.

The celebration was followed by a grand community feast.

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