NNC calls for recognition of Naga sovereignty on Martyrs’ Day

Kohima, October 18 (MExN): Naga National Council (NNC) General Secretary V Nagi on Sunday called on India and Myanmar to recognise Naga sovereignty and the identity and rights of the Naga people, as he paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the Naga national cause on the occasion of Naga National Martyrs’ Day.In a statement marking the observance, Nagi said the day was an occasion to remember the Naga martyrs with respect and gratitude for their sacrifices and urged the Naga people, particularly the NNC, to rededicate themselves to the commitment to “Nagaland for Christ” and the sovereignty of Nagaland.Noting that the observance coincided with Sunday, a day of worship, he called on the people to gather in prayer and dedicate the occasion to the honour and glory of Jesus Christ.Tracing the history of the Naga political movement, Nagi said it dated back nearly a century, beginning with the submission of a memorandum to the Simon Commission of the British Indian government in 1929.He referred to the Government of India Act, 1935, under which the Naga Hills were classified as an “Excluded Area”, followed by the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, which he said was acknowledged by the United Nations Organisation, and the Naga plebiscite held on May 16, 1951, which he claimed was witnessed by Indian officials.These events, he said, reflected the longstanding political aspirations of the Naga people and their claim to sovereignty.Nagi called on the governments of India and Myanmar to officially recognise the Naga nation and peacefully withdraw from Nagaland. He alleged that the two countries had illegally occupied and divided the Naga homeland in 1953 without the consultation, consent or mandate of the Naga people.He said the NNC viewed the occupation and division as a violation of the fundamental, historical and political rights of the Naga people.Appealing to neighbouring countries to recognise Naga sovereignty, identity and rights, Nagi said such recognition would contribute to lasting peace, mutual respect and development in the region. He added that Nagaland deserved its rightful place among the nations of the world in accordance with the aspirations of its people.The NNC general secretary said the demand for sovereignty was the cause for which the Naga people had struggled and their martyrs had made the ultimate sacrifice. He also said individuals or groups compromising the historical and political rights of the Naga people must be held accountable to the people and to the sacrifices of the martyrs.Calling for unity and renewed commitment to the Naga national cause, Nagi urged the people to uphold the legacy of the martyrs and continue the struggle for the sovereignty of the Naga people and their homeland.