Ao Kaketshir Mungdang observes 78th Naga Independence Day
Narrating the genesis of Naga political history in chronological order as the main speaker during the 78th Naga Independence Day celebration organized by the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) in Mokokchung today, Advocate LB Namo stated that the salvation of Naga political sovereignty does not end with statehood.
The celebration was observed at the AKM office premises and featured the hoisting of the Naga flag by AKM vice president Onenpong, as well as greetings from Ao Senden and Watsü Mungdang, and the singing of the Naga national anthem.
In his greetings speech, vice president of Ao Senden, Aowati Ozüküm, exhorted Naga youth and students to safeguard the foundations of Naga nationhood laid by their forefathers. He encouraged scholars to accept the mantle of Naga nationalism and bring the Naga cause to the international community, citing the example of Palestine, a non-member observer state of the United Nations.
President of Watsü Mungdang, S Arenla Longkumer, in her speech, regretted the proliferation of factions among Naga political groups, stating that factionalism is harming the quest for Naga aspirations. She observed that the Naga people today are like a confused group, fragmented and far removed from the goals set by their forefathers. She questioned where the Naga people are headed now, urging various Naga political groups to introspect, and remarked that unity among the Nagas could make anything possible. She also suggested observing the day in a grand manner in the future, so much so that the whole world would take notice.
Meanwhile, Advocate Namo expressed appreciation to those who gathered to observe the day, describing them as Nagas by blood who believe in Nagaism. Reflecting on the course of Naga political history, Namo defined the declaration of Naga Independence on 14 August 1947 as a masterstroke of political maneuvering. Saluting the pioneers for their sacrifice in tears and blood, Namo stated that while many peoples and nations aspire to fight for their right to self-determination, few have the locus standi that the Naga people possess.
Namo noted that the day is being observed across all Naga-inhabited areas and by Naga solidarity groups worldwide, reminding the gathering that the declaration of Naga Independence is not limited to the Indian state of Nagaland. He dismissed the Nagaland state as a ‘political package’ that has fostered a ‘parasitic instinct’ among the Naga people, allegorizing that the Nagas have become ‘beggars’ after statehood, reduced to ‘slaves’ after forfeiting their sovereign political rights.
Having grown up during the turbulent early days of the Naga national movement, Namo challenged the Naga youth to break free from the “Indian political cocoon.” He also criticized the mushrooming of Naga political factions, attributing it to the adversary’s strategy to “divide and rule.”