The WC NNPGs ( Alezo) marking the 79th “Independence Day” declaration on Wednesday urged the Naga people to “transcend factional agendas or individual ambition” and work together to “determine our shared future.”
“The Independence declaration will remain merely a declaration, though not without significance, unless we actualize it in reality with a pragmatic political approach and a consensus-based solution,” they cautioned.
The joint statement warned that “self-righteousness, pride, arrogance and greed have blinded and shortened our vision spiritually, politically and ideologically as a people and community,” adding that “without political clarity and ideological integrity, our struggle is only doomed to fail.”
Calling for humility and reconciliation, the leaders said, “Our aspiration for a free, sovereign and independent Naga nationhood can only be realized by remedying our shortcomings, acknowledging our weaknesses, and repenting before God and the people we have wronged.”
They also emphasised that the movement’s spiritual foundation must remain central: “A godless people can never prosper or succeed in her national mission of liberation… We must remain steadfast and true to our solemn oath ‘Nagaland for Christ’ in all our endeavors.”
While reaffirming “historical and political rights,” the statement urged the Naga people to adapt to modern realities, saying, “We must also sync ourselves with the dynamics of modern geopolitics and fine-tune our political strategies accordingly… We cannot afford to progress as a people in isolation or to limit ourselves to the narrow confinements of our sole perceived rights in today’s interdependent, globalized world.”
The joint statement was signed by Gen. (Retd.) M.B. Neokpao, Convener; P.Tikhak Naga, Working Convener; and Co- convenors – Alezo Venuh; Wangtin Naga; Puthai Lam; Col (Retd) Isak Sumi; Kihoto Chophi; Shehoto I Yesca; Kiviho Zhimo; and S Kamson, Associate Member.
