78th Naga Independence Day Speech of Hon’ble Ato Kilonser Inno. Alezo Venuh, 14th August 2024

I thank our Almighty Jehovah, the creator of Nagaland. To every nook and corner, throughout the length and breadth of our beloved Naga homeland, I convey Naga Independence Day greetings to all my brethren, friends, and comrades from the elevated Council Headquarters of the GPRN/NSCN (Unification).

We are all aware that on the bright morning of 14th August 1947, upon the British departure from the Indian subcontinent, all Naga tribes under British-administered areas—then a small portion within undivided Naga homeland—declared independence from British rule and potential Indian control, merging with the rest of free, unadministered Nagaland. This robust decision and declaration did not require the consent or approval of either the departing British administration or the nascent Indian federation. The telegram was sent solely to the United Nations Organisation (UNO). What a glorious, indestructible truth and historical record for Naga generations.

I pay homage to our pioneers and the thousands of Naga patriots who, in the process of defending this solemn declaration, sacrificed their lives at the altar of Naga nationalism in the decades that followed.

After the golden era of fierce resistance against Indian occupation, a communist-influenced ideological wave infiltrated the Naga movement. Differences emerged, fueling factionalism and tribalism, ultimately leading to a murderous bloodbath among Naga brothers for supremacy in eastern Nagaland—a tragedy that spilled over into India-occupied western Nagaland. Four decades on, this tragedy has left a deep scar in the psyche of the Naga people. The wounds are still visible. The formula of vengeance and bloodshed has been a curse to our common political objective.

Naga nationalism is founded on the equal participation and collective responsibility of each Naga. Leadership commitments to the ideals of the people should not be traded for the selfish interests and luxurious lives of the top leaders. Nagas will continue to extend their wholehearted support for the cause. Ambitious leaders in their quest for power and wealth accumulation should accept their failures and desist from creating new groups and arms races. Political negotiations are over. It is time for the revolutionary governments to come clean and make way for the implementation of a political solution.

Without fear or favor, I call upon Naga tribes and apex civil societies to confront these preposterous Naga political groups. Nagas must be blunt and seek answers to the infamy of the present hour.

To Naga friends and well-wishers: as time passes, leadership changes and evolves. Some retire, while others are phased out by the people. This is a natural phenomenon in every nation. Nagas are no different. Yet, when it comes to true patriotism, it is the fire in the belly inherited from one’s grandfather or father. In recent decades, corruption, nepotism, and self-indulgence have overshadowed the spirit of nationalism in many leaders and followers.

I have been entrusted by the overwhelming majority in the GPRN/NSCN National Tatar Hoho to partner with the WC, NNPGs for the continuation and finalization of the Indo-Naga political solution. I trust and believe that the WC, NNPGs have the mandate, political pedigree, and intellectual quotient to resolve the issue on the basis of practical foundation as envisaged in the AGREED POSITION of 17th November 2017, and the STATUS PAPER thereafter. I pray that the Naga people will continue to support the efforts of the GPRN/NSCN and the WC, NNPG partners. I am confident that WC, NNPG affiliates will broaden their horizon and remain inclusive to finally complete the entrusted responsibility as demanded by the Naga people.

However great or tall a leader claims to be, it all ends once the people uncover their wrongdoings and corrupt practices. Once the cover-up is exposed, safeguarding the quality of leadership becomes crucial. This is destroying the core foundation of the Naga political movement. Today, the GPRN/NSCN (Unification) is undergoing a cleansing process, correcting the past mistakes of leadership.

To the Government of India (GOI), I wish to convey the position of the GPRN/NSCN and the WC, NNPGs that the Naga people do not want a word or sentence deleted or restructured from the historic “AGREED POSITION.” The Status Paper is the most practical historical Indo-Naga document to date. Naga political aspiration and the principle of coexistence, respecting Naga political and historical rights, are emphasized. Equally, it reflects the GOI’s position on maintaining an enduring relationship with the Nagas. Time is of the essence in the current Indo-Naga issue. All core issues were resolved and officially announced on 31st October 2019 by the then-GOI interlocutor Mr. R. N. Ravi. WC, NNPGs, and the Naga people are all on the same page when it comes to the Indo-Naga political issue. This aspect is more important than the minor differences within the Naga family.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has recently been given a new mandate by the Indian electorate. Unlike in the past few years, we hope there will be commitment and integrity in this new innings. There is no glory in delaying a historic agreement on the Naga issue. Delay will only tarnish the image of global India and its leadership. As the Nagas celebrate the spirit and essence of sovereignty and self-determination declared on 14th August 1947, I appeal to the Indian leadership to walk the talk on the basis of the AGREED POSITION between the two entities. We look forward to a new era of peace and prosperity.

KUKNALIM!

“GOD BLESS NAGALAND”