The Imphal Naga Forum celebrated the 78th Naga Independence Day at its office with the theme “Rejuvenate Nationalism, Lest We Forget.” The event featured well-known personalities from different fields and included prayer and thanksgiving to the Almighty Lord for sustaining the Naga national movement to this day. It was a low-key celebration, with participants paying tribute to the brave and noble souls who made supreme sacrifices for the Naga nation.
The program was moderated by Ambition Anth, Convenor of the Imphal Naga Forum, who took the opportunity to introduce the Chief Guest of the event, Gaingam Gangmei, former UNC President and Convenor of the Peace Committee, UNC, and the Guest of Honour, Daniel Ramsan, Senior Advocate at the Manipur High Court, with the presentation of Naga sashes to the revered guests.
The program was marked by the presence of Johnny Shimray, Vice President of the Naga Christian Forum, Manipur, who led the gathering in an invocation prayer. Well-known human rights activist and Executive Member of the Imphal Naga Forum, Ramthing Kasar, emphasized the immense importance and far-reaching consequences of the Framework Agreement signed between the top leadership of NSCN(IM) and the Government of India on August 3, 2015.
The keynote address was delivered by AS Hongpro Shimray, General Secretary of the Imphal Naga Forum, focusing on the theme “Rejuvenate Nationalism, Lest We Forget.” He stressed that the ideals of Naga nationalism should be passed on to the younger generation to continue the struggle for posterity, as the present Naga struggle is at its lowest ebb with no clear and distinct political roadmap for the Nagas.
The Chief Guest, in his speech, reminded the gathering of the contributions and selfless services of the current Naga leadership in realizing the political aspirations and self-determination of the Naga people. Legal expert on tribal laws and Senior Advocate, Daniel Ramsan, who was the Guest of Honour, spoke about the political negotiation held between the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the NNC delegation led by Scato Swu. He also stressed the importance of the Village Authority Act, 1956, and how its proper implementation could greatly benefit the tribals.
The vote of thanks was delivered by DS Panmei, Joint Secretary of the Imphal Naga Forum, and the benediction was pronounced by Arina Kamei, Pastor of Victoria Church, Lamsang, Imphal.
