NSCN calls for strengthening spirit of Naga nationalism
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 13 2021:
The NSCN has called for strengthening "the spirit of Naga nationalism and self-determination and prove ourselves as a hard nut to crack when it comes to defending our God's given rights" .
In a press release issued on Monday, NSCN stated that "Nagas have consistently asserted their separate identity with collective will to be identified as a 'People' .
The Government of India (GoI) in fact through its Amsterdam Declaration dated 11.07.2002, officially recognized it by declaring the history, and situation' of the Nagas as Unique history' in the sense that Naga nation has never signed any documents of accession with India during the process of the formation of the Indian Union, and thus, 'unique situation' signifies that Naga issue' is not a case of secessionist insurgency and these historical facts were given personal stamp of approval by the then Deputy Prime Minister of India, LK Advani.
Thus, there is hardly any dispute with regard to the established status of the Nagas as a People' and the same has also been recognised by other sovereign nations including international bodies such as Unrepresented Nations and People's Organization (UNPO)" .
"Significantly, the UNPO promotes the importance of self determination as fundamental human rights that are often misunderstood.
The right to self-determination is at the heart of true implementation of all other human rights.
The inevitable conclusion is that the Nagas being a People under colonial and alien subjugation are undoubtedly entitled to the right to self-determination.
The history of armed suppression and immensity of war crimes and human rights violation committed by the Indian Armed Forces under the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 would unquestionably entitle the Nagas to assert their rights to fight back to safeguard their identity as people," it asserted.
NSCN continued, "In any case, if East Timor in the similar case of Indonesia occupation is entitled the right to self-determination as held by the International court of justice, Naga people's right cannot be treated under a different yardstick.
Naga history with land and its resources with distinct culture is a source of legitimate pride for Nagas since time immemorial.
Throughout history we have stoutly protected our lands and customs tooth and nail against all external forces and remain fiercely independent as a nation.
Nagas have endured the worst military atrocities inflicted upon the people not seen anywhere in the world.
Many lived long enough to witness how simple Nagas were craftily exploited by the mainland politicians.
Nagas were at a loss how to counter them benttingly for lack of moral and spiritual commitment that could have acted against political tyranny.
"On the 16th May 1951, Nagas, young and old, exercised their sovereign power with an aspiration to determine and secure their own political destiny.
The Naga Plebiscite, in which 99.9% of the people voted for an Independent Naga nation is an affirmation of the Naga declaration of Independence on the 14th August 1947 from all alien domination, subjugation and exploitation.
This collective truth demonstrates the moral and political consensus of the Naga struggle for self-determination and reiterates the uniqueness of Naga history and situation.
The spirit and aspirations of the Naga Plebiscite continues to guide the Naga political movement" .
"If we as a Naga people fail to defend and protect our dignity and humanity, then a time will come when we would be transformed into Miniature tiny creatures'.
Proclaiming our Independence itself is an act of self-determination.
It is the choice of the people and it is a virtue of all people reflecting that the Nagas have their own culture, land, common heritage and history, which describe the Nagas as a People.
It is not up to an alien country to decide whether the Nagas are a people's or not, which is a part of the right to self-determination," the Naga outfit further said.
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