Independence Day Speech of Gen. Niki Sumi (Retd), President, NSC N/GPRN (Niki), Dated, Oking: 14th August 2025
Greetings in the name of our Redeemer and Saviour Jesus Christ on this auspicious day of the celebration of Naga Independence. Our deepest and solemn respects to all Naga patriots and martyrs.
Our forefathers, despite the numerous odds against them had the fortitude and foresight to courageously declare our Independence and set the guiding principle and political legitimacy for successive generations to follow suit for the attainment of our goals but sadly, today we stand at the critical threshold of relegating or downgrading our political legacy to merely celebrating one day in a year. With little to no education, our ancestors uncorrupted and upright were sprinting ahead when it came to achieving historical and political milestones, yet here we are more educated but barely crawling with matters of Naga Nationalism, due to our overt dependence on Indian crumbs.
Today’s generation has been distracted by the trappings of the modern age of information technology; materialism and superficial needs have taken precedence over the values that once described the Nagas. Nagas with more education and modernization have been found wanting, as we seem hellbent on following only shortcuts to success and total Dependence on foreign occupiers which ultimately only leads to begging, thus, we should remember that Beggars cannot be choosers. It is high time for the Nagas to come together in words and in deeds to recommit and rekindle our Nationalism and move forward with self-reliance in every aspect of our society.
Every nook and corner of Naga lands is occupied by Indian and Myanmar Armed forces operating with impunity under the cover of various draconian laws such as AFSPA; therefore, we should be mindful and guarded against the fact that while being placed under their Military occupation, our adversaries are continually launching a Multi-pronged assault (Indianization) by guilefully promoting their language, customs and religion to subtly brainwash our present and coming generations to instill confusion in our minds and erode our legacy.
We can all agree on the essentials that there is no confusion that our Naga National movement is built on strong historical and political foundations of 1929,1947,1951 and therefore, we should recommit and passionately work on how to our build upon the foundations for the attainment of our political aspirations.
From the darkness of the headhunting days to the revelation of the Gospel, God has been our strength and grace, despite our disobedience and wayward ways; time and again, our Naga National movement has been salvaged only through the Mercy and Grace of our Almighty God.
NSCN/GPRN will stand to defend Naga people’s political aspirations, till such time God deems it fit for achieving our political aspirations.
“Unity under Christ” is the only way out for Nagas to attain our political aspirations, be it now or ever.
Kuknalim.
Gen. Niki Sumi (Retd)
President,
NSCN/GPRN
