Q Tuccu urges Naga unity, says ultimate goal remains same

Kohima, October 18 (MExN): NSCN (IM) president Q Tuccu on Sunday called on Naga leaders and national workers to rise above their differences and prioritise the common interests of the Naga people, asserting that the ultimate goal of the national movement remains unchanged.In his message on Naga Martyrs’ Day, Tuccu paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the Naga people and their political cause, while urging the Government of India to approach negotiations on the Indo-Naga issue with sincerity, respect, transparency and political will.He said the Naga struggle was rooted in the desire to protect the people's identity, land, culture and sovereign right to determine their future.Recalling the killing of Zasibito Nagi on October 18, 1952, in Kohima, Tuccu said the incident occurred during a peaceful rally against the alleged torture of a young Sumi boy by the Assam Armed Police.He described the incident as the beginning of a period of violence and human rights violations against the Naga people by Indian armed forces.In his address, Tuccu recounted several incidents of alleged atrocities in Naga areas, including the burning of 520 homes and granaries between Khonoma and Lungkhum, the reported bombardment of Chingmei village, and the killing of 64 Nagas at Yengpang.He also referred to repeated raids on Mangmetong village, which he said was attacked 37 times before 600 Indian soldiers set it on fire on April 25, 1955.Recalling another incident, Tuccu said five church leaders were publicly executed in Khensa village on April 22, 1956, by troops led by a police officer identified as Phukan. He also alleged that two persons, Chonimong and Shemshemong, from Chemong village in the Tuensang region were tortured, nailed to a cross and shot dead.Tuccu further claimed that more than 40,000 Naga people were confined in around 180 concentration camps in 1958 and that more than 49,000 Sumi Nagas were killed by the Indian Army between 1957 and 1960.He referred to the reported massacre at Matikhru village, the destruction of villages through aerial bombardment in several Naga regions, and the resistance mounted by volunteers from Huker village on March 24, 1955.He said the subsequent Longtukrü war lasted nearly seven years, during which the Naga Army established the Home Guard Eastern Division at Haphu camp under Major General Hothrung. He alleged that Indian military units repeatedly attacked the camp but failed to capture it despite their superior numbers and weaponry.The NSCN (IM) president also recalled the alleged atrocities during Operation Bluebird following the battle of Oinam, claiming that more than 30 villages were affected, 27 civilians were killed and more than 300 people were tortured. He alleged that women were raped, churches desecrated and schools destroyed.He also referred to the December 27, 1994, incident in Mokokchung, alleging that personnel of the 16th Maratha Light Infantry, commanded by Major Deepak Sharma, shot dead nine Nagas and burned six others alive.Tuccu paid tribute to Haipou Jadonang, describing him as a courageous leader of the Zeliangrong people who resisted British colonial rule and was executed in 1931.He also recalled the killing of 14 people in the Oting incident, which he attributed to personnel of the Army's 21 Para Special Forces.Tuccu said the sacrifices of the martyrs should not be forgotten or regarded merely as historical events, adding that their legacy imposed a responsibility on the present generation to uphold truth, justice, integrity, unity and the rights of the Naga people.Calls for dialogue and peaceful resolutionEmphasising the need for a peaceful political solution, Tuccu said the Naga movement chose dialogue over violence and negotiation over bloodshed.He said this approach did not signify weakness but reflected the maturity of a people who had already paid a heavy price.“Peace without freedom is only silence. Peace without justice is only a pause before another wound, and peace without principle is unsustainable,” he said.Tuccu urged the Government of India to engage in the negotiations with sincerity and a willingness to resolve the Indo-Naga issue, while stating that the NSCN (IM) would also engage openly for an honourable settlement.Addressing the youth, he called on them to learn Naga history, protect their land, language and culture, respect every tribe and community, and refuse to become instruments of forces seeking to destroy their land.He urged elders and church leaders to guide the people away from vengeance and reminded leaders that authority should serve the people rather than control them.“If my life is taken, do not answer death with revenge. Do not allow my blood to become a reason for another mother to weep,” Tuccu said, calling for discipline, unity and peaceful political action.He also appealed to Naga leaders and national workers to place the common interests of the people above individual and organisational considerations.“Differences may arise, but they must not destroy our unity. We may follow different paths, but our responsibility toward the cause of the people and the ultimate goal remains the same,” he said.Tuccu further called for a society founded on justice, equality, accountability, human dignity and freedom, and acknowledged the contributions of those who had supported the Naga national movement through public service, peaceful advocacy, social work, prayer, education and sacrifice.Prayer Day coincides with Martyrs’ DayTuccu noted that the third Sunday of October, observed as Naga National Prayer Day, coincided with Martyrs’ Day this year.Stating that “Nagalim is for Christ” and that prayer was the people's shield and primary weapon, he called on Nagas across Nagalim to pray with contrite hearts and seek deliverance from bondage.He urged the people to renew their pledge to remember the sacrifices of the martyrs, protect the unity and dignity of the Naga people, pursue their political aspirations through commitment and negotiation, and remain dedicated to truth, justice and peace with freedom.He also prayed for the bereaved families, the Naga people and their leaders, seeking wisdom, courage and strength to serve the people faithfully.