Naga Independence Day observed at all Naga inhabited areas
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukl/Spt/Non, August 14 2021: Although the Nagas declared independence on 14th Aug 1947, one day before India got her independence, the Indian Government forcibly suppressed 'our political rights through militarisation forcing us to live in political bondage for long,' alleged Gardner Raping who is a leader of the NSCN(IM).

Member of the Steering Committee of the NSCN (IM), Gardner Kaping hoisted the rainbow coloured Naga National flag as the chief guest of the 75th Independence Day celebration at Harkuikathe, an isolated location in Ukhrul town.

Issuing a clarion call to all Nagas living across the border to stand firm, G Kaping urged the people to be prepared to give their best for safeguarding the inalienable rights of the people and restore the political legitimacy of the Nagas.

The chief guest further enlightened all on the Naga political movement and struggle for self determination to be free from political subjugation.

He said, "Nagas will decide our own political destiny and Nagas were never a part of the Indian Union".

Recalling the Paris agreement, he said late Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, after realising the facts of the Naga issue, approached the NSCN (IM) collective leadership and offered the olive branch for political dialogue in 1995.This resulted in the historic Indo-Naga ceasefire agreement in 1997 and culminated in the Framework Agreement of 2015 to resolve the Naga political problem honourably.

After the ceasefire agreement was inked, NSCN (IM) instituted a regional office each in all the Naga inhabited areas to co-ordinate and look into the affairs of 'our community,' he explained.

He urged the cadres manning the regional offices to establish good relations with the civilian population and urged them not to tarnish the credibility of NSCN (IM).

Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed to show respect and honor to the 'martyrs'.

A special prayer for early settlement of Indo-Naga political dialogue was also held.

Hundreds of NSCN (IM) cadres of all rank and file working in Tangkhul region including ex-National workers attended the Independence Day celebration hosted by Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR), Ukhrul.

According to a source, all the Tangkhul villages today hoisted the Naga National flag to show support to the movement for self determination while the commercial areas and the streets of Ukhrul town were seen adorned with the Naga National flag.

SENAPATI: The day was celebrated at (L) Sanyi Dahrii Memorial Sports Complex, Karong with a volleyball tournament.

The Naga flag was unfurled by president of Naga People's Organsation, Solomon Arow while a group of youth rendered the number 'God bless my motherland' .

Solomon Aro read out a five paged speech of the president of NSCN (IM), Q Tuccu.

One team each from 5 tribes under NPO namely, Mao, Maram, Poumai, Thangal and Zeliangrong competed for the trophy, which was won by the Poumai Naga Students' Union in the men's section.

Mao Students' Union bagged the runners up title.

In the women's section, Maram Students' Union emerged the champions while Zeliangrong Students' Union bagged the runners up title.

The champion teams were awarded cash incentives of Rs 11,000 each while the runners up teams bagged Rs 7000 each.

Noney: The Naga Independence Day was also celebrated today at Khumji-2 village in Noney district.

The program was jointly organised by Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) Longmai Luangrian & Villages Council Longmai Area.

Th Pamei, former president of RNCM hoisting the Naga National flag.

Addressing the fucntion Th Pamei, detailed the history of the Naga issue from days of the British rule till date.

Kenan Kamei, former president, RNCM, Adai Dangmei, chairman VCLA, Chamdanliu Kamei, president, Rongmei Luh-Phuam and other CSO leaders also spoke on the Naga issue.

A silent prayer session' was also held to remember all the National workers who have laid down their lives in the course of the struggle.

Longmai area villages leaders, CSO leaders, women leaders & Church leaders took part in the occasion.

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