On the eve of Martyrs’ Day, Gen (Rtd.) Thinoselie M. Keyho, President of the Naga National Council (NNC), paid tribute to the thousands of Naga patriots who sacrificed their lives for the Naga national cause and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to the 1951 Naga Plebiscite.
Gen Keyho said the martyrs shed their blood so that future generations of Nagas may live in freedom and their sacrifices must never be in vain. He recalled that many who laid down their lives were simple villagers who became victims of the brutality of Indian armed forces, stressing that their memory must be preserved and honoured by all Nagas.
Highlighting the distinct identity of the Naga people, he cited the 1929 memorandum to the Simon Commission, noting the concerns of a small population facing pressures from larger neighbouring populations.
Quoting the words from the 1929 memorandum to the Simon Commission, he said, “Our population is small, and if we join the Indian Reforms, we will disappear, because the Indian population is too numerous.”
He urged the community to safeguard the land, natural resources, and cultural heritage, calling these blessings from God that must be protected from exploitation or occupation.
Gen Keyho said that the NNC remains firmly committed to the 1951 Naga Plebiscite and stressed that the NNC’s stance is not anti-India. “We are not against India. We wish to live in peace with India as good neighbours, because that is in the best interest of both peoples,” he said.
“We wish to live in peace with India as good neighbours, because that is in the best interest of both peoples. The Nagas are different-culturally, socially, linguistically, ethnically-and above all, we are Christians,” he said.
He concluded by urging Nagas to renew their commitment to the martyrs and their ideals, and to carry forward the struggle with determination, unity, and without hatred.
(Read full speech hereAMP)