NSCN/GPRN-K (Niki) marks 44th Naga Republic Day with call for unity and nation building

Mokokchung Times News | Suruhuto | 21 March

The NSCN/GPRN-K (Niki) celebrated the 44th Naga Republic Day on 21 March, at GHQ People’s Army of Nagaland, Suruhuto Designated Camp with Gen. Niki Sumi (Retd), President as the chief guest.

Niki Sumi in his speech said that Naga people are more focused on individual interests rather than national interest, which is the cause for the rise of many factions in Nagaland aided by the government of India’s divisive policies. He, however, said that factionalism was the Naga people’s own doing due to personal interests.

Addressing the issues of unity, he drew his focus towards social organizations such as tribal leaders, student leaders, church leaders and political leaders, and further questioned the motives of the organization whether they were for the people or to compete with each other.

He also reminded that overground leaders should work together and “dictate” the underground leaders to unite. He said that disunity among the overground leaders made it easy for formation of new factions.
He also urged the tribal leaders to contribute towards nation building by cooperating with each other and bring all organizations under one umbrella such as the Naga Hoho, Naga Students’ Federation and Naga Mothers’ Association.

He further urged the veterans, Naga leaders, bureaucrats and intellectuals not to dwell on the past but rather guide and advise the people in taking Nagas a step further ahead.

Concluding his speech, he stated that the NSCN-K (Niki) will always defend and protect the Nagas principle, ideology and identity, and further added that “before the British arrived, Nagas were sovereign people.”

Ato Kilonser Starson Lamkang in his address, speaking on the topic ‘Unity and Inclusivity’, said that the Naga people should be united as one, adding that solution can be found “only if all the four corners of Nagaland come together and work as one.” He further added, “Until and unless the Nagas are united, we will never move forward.”

The program was moderated by Major Viputo Chophi, Additional Secretary (on deputation) GPRN, and Hikheto Kiho Swu, Joint Secretary, Head of Department to Keeya, GPRN. The welcome address was delivered by Inovi Naga, Cabinet Secretary, GPRN; the rank declaration was read out by Hikheto Kiho Swu, Joint Secretary, Head of Department to Keeya, GPRN. Solidarity notes were delivered by social organizations including President, Naga Hoho; President, NMA; NSF; and President ENSA.

Apart from main celebration held at its Designated Camp in Suruhoto, the NSCN/GPRN-K (Niki) observed the 44th Naga Republic Day at its CFSB office premises, Padumpukhuri in Dimapur, and PAN, Eastern Command, Burmese occupied Naga inhabited areas, a press release issued by the group’s MIP said.

Kilonser Chaplee Ministry, Nikato Pilot Sumi unfurled the Naga National flag and graced the celebration at CFSB office premises as chief guest. Kilonser Kughalu Yeptho exhorted the gathering while Deputy Kilonser Kamsei Vaiphei enthralled the occasion with melodious songs.