Nagas never joined Indian Union: VS Atem
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul/Imphal, August 14 2025:
Nagas never joined the Indian Union nor accepted the Indian Constitution, and to live freely without any political dominance is the will of the Naga people.
This was stated by NSCN (IM) Deputy Ato Kilonser VS Atem during the celebration of the 79th Naga Independence Day at Phungyar headquarters.
Kamjong.
Braving the rain, thousands of Tangkhul folks from different villages thronged to Phungyar ground to celebrate the 79th Naga Independence Day.
Lt Gen (retd) VS Atem, who is the Deputy Ato Kilonser of NSCN(IM) who attended the function as the chief guest hoisted the rainbow printed Naga national flag at Phungyar headquarters ground in the presence of Captain (retd) Samsom Jajo, CAO WTR, GPRN, Brig LK Reisang, Commander, Phungtha Brigade, Naga Army, Maj Gen Honreishang Shadang, Convener CFMO, NSCN and Francis Ningshen, Auditor General, Accounts & Audit, GPRN .
Speaking at the gathering, VS Atem said that Nagas are peace loving people and they want to live freely without any political suppression from the stronger communities.
Before the Britishers left 'Nagalim', Nagas submitted a representation in 1929 stating their aspiration to live freely without any political interference from any Nation.
However, the Government of India tried to annex Nagas and started political suppression in the most inhuman manner by imposing draconian Acts, he said.
The barbaric act of the Indian Army inflicted immense hardship to the Nagas during 1953- 1955, Atem said and claimed that the Indian Army killed and tortured innocent civilians, burned down many villages, built concentration camps to herd the public.
"NSCN(IM) stands steadfast for the political rights of the Naga people and we will always uphold, and we will never compromise our political principle for self determination", VS Atem said.
The Deputy Ato Kilonser slammed the present BJP-led Government, which is backed by extremist RSS group and has failed to honour the hard earned peace accord.
Atem urged the Naga people to abandon all thoughts that may damage the feeling of oneness but pray for the collective leadership particularly for Ato Kilonser Th Muivah for his health.
A moment of silent prayer was led by pastor Dr Wungmaling R Shimray for those persons who have laid down their lives (Naga Martyrs) for the Naga Nation.
Meanwhile the 79th Naga Independence speech was read out during the celebration.
As a part of the celebration, blowing trumpet, cultural shows, special songs from Masot-khon and body show were presented.
On the other hand, NSCN(IM) collective leadership member Kraibo Chawang has asked how Kukis who came very late to Manipur can be indigenous people of the State.
Kraibo Chawang was speaking at the 79th Naga Independence Day celebration held at District Sports Complex, Chandel.
The event was organised by ANSAM together with several Naga CSOs based at Chandel.
NSCN(IM) collective leadership advisor Puni Mao opened the function by hoisting the Naga flag.
Apart from march past parades by several contingents, cultural dance and music items were also presented at the function.
Kraibo Chawang said that the Kukis came quite late to Manipur after the arrival of British imperialists in the region.
All the outrageous claims being made by Kukis including the claim of being indigenous to Manipur are all baseless and unacceptable, he said.
All the areas where Kukis are living today belong to Nagas.
Kraibo Chawang asserted.
Construction and expansion of roads by Kukis in Naga areas were also permitted but doing whatever they want without consent of the Nagas will not be allowed, he said.
If the Government of India takes sides and acts in a partisan manner with regard to the existing issues, Nagas will not remain silent.
The NSCN(IM) collective leadership member asserted that they will fight till the last breath to protect their rights and identity.
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