Commemorating the NSCN Raising Day at the Central Headquarters (CHQ) in Hebron, NSCN-IM Vice Chairman Tongmeth Wangnao reflected on a pivotal moment in Naga history, 45 years ago, when the Naga nation faced a critical turning point.
“45 years ago, the Naga nation and history were placed on the brink of vanishing in the hands of the NNC (Naga National Council),” Wangnao said. He pointed out that certain members of the NNC/FGN failed to stand firm when pressured by the Indian government, choosing instead to surrender and accept the Indian Constitution without conditions, a move that Wangnao described as “creating a dangerous terminus.”
Wangnao noted the shock that this incident caused within the Naga community. “It was the most shocking incident that caught the people of Nagalim and the bona fide national workers off guard,” he remarked. At the time, NNC Vice-President Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th. Muivah were in China.
The Vice Chairman recounted how the Chinese expressed their surprise at the betrayal within the NNC, advising Swu and Muivah to return and reorganize the Naga political movement. “The Chinese were no less shocked by the traitorous elements among the NNC. They expressed their empathy and advised Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah to go back and reorganize the Naga political movement,” Wangnao said.
Despite significant pressure on the NNC leadership, led by AZ Phizo, to condemn the Shillong Accord, there was no response. Wangnao emphasized that the lack of decisive action led to the formation of a new political organization. “It became a matter of political exigency that a new political organization with a new concept must be put forth,” he said.
As a result, on 31 January 1980, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) was founded to continue the Naga political struggle. Wangnao noted that Isak Chishi Swu was elected Chairman, SS. Khaplang as Vice-Chairman, and Th. Muivah as General Secretary, marking a new chapter in the Naga political movement. (Read full text here)
“This day the Nagas marks seven decades of brutal occupation and oppression”: Yung Aung
Yung Aung, president of the NSCN-K (YA) on his Raising Day speech recalled the historic establishment of the NSCN/GPRN on 31st January 1980, saying, “It was on this day, the 31st of January, 1980, the NSCN/GPRN was established with a clear vision to mantle the responsibility of the Naga national struggle and to save the nation from destruction.”
Yung Aung emphasized that the day marked seven decades of “brutal occupation and oppression in the hands of repressive colonial countries,” adding that, “our genuine movement and sacrifices has been undermined and disregarded to the core.”
Despite enduring years of suffering and injustice, he affirmed, “the Nagas’ quest for freedom remains unbroken.”
Reflecting on the NSCN/GPRN’s stance, Yung Aung highlighted the organization’s unwavering resistance to both India and Myanmar, stating, “Since the very inception, NSCN/GPRN have resisted India and Myanmar aggression through every possible means.”
He asserted that the NSCN/GPRN will continue to assert its position, warning, “We will continue to remind our occupiers that Nagas will never be bullied into silence.”
He further emphasized the NSCN/GPRN’s role as the “lone and authentic political organization defending the freedom of the entire Naga country.” Yung Aung drew attention to the shared struggles of Nagas and others in the WESEA region, declaring, “The story of the Naga liberation is intrinsically linked to other struggles in the WESEA region because of our shared goals and visions.” He added, “We have overcome past challenges together and Nagas will continue to stand in solidarity alongside them and echo their fight for justice – not just today, but everyday.”
The NSCN-K (YA) president also criticized India’s policies, describing the country as a “modern-day imperialist and an aggressive power” responsible for “annihilating the WESEAN revolution” through repressive laws and policies. He accused the Modi-led BJP government of using Hindutva to transform India into an autocracy, stating, “BJP is deliberately fuelling the communal and religious tensions that already existed in India to advance its own dirty politics.” Yung Aung condemned the growing discrimination and persecution against religious minorities, particularly Christians, under Hindu nationalism.
He expressed concern that the militarization and human rights violations in the WESEA region were no longer India’s “so-called internal issue,” but had garnered global scrutiny. “This reflects that the joint struggle is getting its due recognition beyond WESEA region,” he said.
Yung Aung also criticized the Government of India’s manipulation of the Naga peace process, asserting that the NSCN/GPRN had objected to the collusion between the GOI and certain Naga political groups seeking to resolve the Naga issue within the Indian constitution. He warned, “If these groups of Nagas think that they can protect the unique history and political rights of the Nagas by staying within the Indian constitution, then they are badly mistaken.”
Yung Aung stated that the NSCN/GPRN would not allow the Naga political future to be “diluted” due to political short-sightedness, adding, “NSCN/GPRN will not hesitate to nullify any sell-out agreement which serves as an apparatus of the adversaries.”
Myanmar Junta-Naga proxy alliance poses direct threat to Naga struggle: Yung Aung
Yung Aung, President of the NSCN-K (YA) expressed profound gratitude toward the Eastern Naga people, commending their “undying national spirit, commitment, courage, and rightful stand on the Naga issue.” The leader acknowledged that, while the Eastern Naga people have yet to fully embrace modernity, they have “continued to be patient, longing to finally see the glimmer of hope that they have long been awaiting.”
At a time when Myanmar is embroiled in conflict, Yung Aung stressed that “the situation has never been more critical for the Eastern people.” In this context, the NSCN/GPRN has “maintained a clear non-interference stand on the current Myanmar conflict due to the unique political condition and situation of the Nagas.”
Yung Aung further warned that the alliance between the Myanmar Junta and their Naga proxies presents a “grave threat not only to the status quo of Eastern Nagaland but also a direct attack on the Naga struggle.” He called on all to recognize that “they will be responsible for any serious consequences in Eastern Nagaland.”
In a call for unity, the leader implored, “Dear Nagas, let us rise above our differences and restore peace and unity within our Naga family. Let us free ourselves from the painful past that only serves to cloud our minds and impede our path towards our Sovereign dream, which is our only destiny.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, the leader emphasized that the pursuit of freedom is “a long, complex, and arduous journey, but our hope and spirit endures.” He reminded the gathering that the Naga people’s very existence is owed to “God, our protector, and to the everlasting love, support, and prayers of the Naga people.”
“We will fulfill the mission entrusted to us by the Naga people,” he added.