Struggle recalled on Naga Independence Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, August 14 2019:
The 73rd Naga Independence Day was observed at Katomei, Senapati under the theme, "One Goal, One Destiny" .
The main function was graced by Neingulo Krome, secretary general of Naga People's Movement for Human Rights as the special guest in the presence of a host of civil society organizations under United Naga Council (UNC) including tribe presidents of 20 different Naga tribes of the State, women organizations, student organizations including the Eastern Naga Students Association, Myanmar and NPMHR, South Sector.
The Naga People's Organization (NPO) of Senapati hosted the program under the aegis of the United Naga Council.
While bringing the welcome note, Solomon Arow, the president of the NPO said that 72 years ago that was in 1947, August 14, Nagas declared their Independence one day ahead of India.
The ceasefire agreement was signed in the year 1997 between the Govt of India and the GPRN, recognised the unique history of the Nagas in 2002 and basing on that recognition, Framework Agreement was signed in 2015 .
Both the parties are in the process of signing/inking the final solution based on the Framework Agreement.
There are many external forces to divide the unity of the Naga brethren and the NPO president asked all Nagas to stand united.
He urged the gathering to let the celebration under the theme, "One Goal, One Destiny" bring true unity and harmony in the land so as to become a strong Nation under the slogan Nagalim for Christ.
Speaking as the special guest, Neingulo Krome, urged all to walk together with the past history not behind the people but in front so that people are constantly reminded of the past mistakes and not repeat them again.
73 years ago, when the Naga leaders met Mahatma Gandhi on July 19, 1947 at Delhi and told him that Nagas were about to declare their Independence on August 14 the same year, Gandhi replied why wait until August 14 .
When they further told him that Sir Akbar Hydari, the then Governor of Assam was threatening to use force against the Nagas if they refused to join the Indian Union, Gandhiji again replied Sir Akbar was wrong, he recalled.
The Naga leaders came back assured and declared Naga Independence on the 14th of August 1947 .
Sadly, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30 in 1948.Thereafter, the political situation started changing repeatedly and unthinkable acts of genocide and atrocious human rights violations were committed on the Naga people since then.
But the unwavering Naga National Movement did not budge and firmly stood its ground as an Independent people, refused to join the new Indian Union and went on to demonstrate all kinds of nonviolent and non-cooperation movement to all attempts of the Government of India, to forcibly occupy Nagaland and boycotted anything that was Indian during the past.
To show to the world that Nagas are not Indians, the Naga National Council conducted a Plebiscite on May 16, 1951, where 99.9%% voted for an Independent Nagaland.
The first Indian general elections of 1952 was completely boycotted.
The second general elections of 1957 were also boycotted barring some few individuals, who participated to enjoy the luxuries of Indian gifts to any person who was willing to go against the cause of the Nagas, thus openly sowing the first seeds of divisions among the Nagas, said Krome.
On progress of the Framework Agreement, Neingulo Krome asserted that the ceasefire opened the opportunity to tell the stories of the Nagas.
In connection with the Independence Day celebration, the organizers organised Independence Day Cup Football between the four Naga hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul since August 13.The final match was played between DSA Chandel and DSA Ukhrul where the latter team could bag the Championship with a lone goal.
Special prayer was led by Rev G Thuimai, Pastor, Zeliangrong Baptist Church Senapati and one minute silence was observed in remembrance of the martyrs.
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