Greetings to the Naga people and Nagalim in the blessed name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is a moment of great joy for me to be with you today. My revolutionary journey began six decades ago from here in Tangkhul country in 1964. I thank the Lord God Almighty for preserving me and making it possible for me to return to my birthplace Somdal today. But many people who I knew and who loved me are missing. Generation comes and goes, but nation stays. The issue we are fighting for is greater and older than most of us who are gathered here at this Tangkhul Naga Long ground today.
Taking this opportunity, I thank and acknowledge the dedication and commitmentfor my journey to Somdal, my birth place, to the Convener Organizing Committee, Mr. R. Zimik, Kilonser and all the members of the Organizing Committee and Sub- Committee from Ukhrul, Somdal and Tahamzam (Senapati). My appreciation and thanks to all the well wishers who have facilitated this journey including the non- Naga people, the Tangkhul Nagas, Civil societies including the human rights activist, student’s, women’s organizations and the churches. I thank the rank and file of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) for your sincere and faithful participation in the itinerary. I thank the Government of India (GoI), Government of Nagaland and the present Manipur Government for facilitating the itinerary to my birth place Somdal, Ukhrul district, Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR).
Countrymen!
Today, I thank the Lord God Almighty, for in His sovereign wisdom He has given the Naga people a unique history, sovereign and unconquered by any colonial powers. Nagalim that lies in the tri-junction of Burma (Myanmar), China, and India is a territory given by the Almighty God, and the Naga people have defended the sovereign existence of Nagalim for the past 79 years. To defend the God given birthright is the bounden duty of all Nagas, wherever they are. To despise it, is a curse.
Countrymen!
Significantly, after the formation of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), with the help of the Lord God Almighty the Indo-Naga ceasefire and the political peace process began on August 1, 1997 and thereafter, significant unique political milestones have been achieved during the leadership of late Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, late Vice-Chairman Khodao Yanthan and myself as the Chief Political Negotiator, NSCN/GPRN. The Nagalim historic national decision for sovereign Nagalim has been defended and consolidated from the battlefield to the negotiating table. We have not surrendered the free existence and sovereignty of Nagalim, and we shall defend the sovereign national decisions of Nagalim to the last, come what may.
I, therefore, take this opportunity to underline in a nutshell the importance of the following unique milestones which have been achieved during the leadership of late Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, late Vice-Chairman Khodao Yanthan, and myself as the Chief Political Negotiator, NSCN/GPRN:
Firstly, the Indo-Naga Political peace process that began as two sovereign entities
from August 1, 1997.
Secondly, the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué of July 11, 2002 that recognized
Nagalim unique history and situation admitting that Nagalim is not the internal
matter of India and Myanmar.
Thirdly, the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 that recognized and
acknowledged Nagalim unique history and sovereignty.
Countrymen!
I reiterate the national decision taken by Nagalim and the Naga people on August 14, 1947; to remain a sovereign and independent nation and the May 16, 1951 Plebiscite wherein we reaffirmed the national decision to be sovereign. For these historic decisions we are truly indebted to our great Naga leaders of the past. The Tangkhuls are not the first people in the Nagalim national movement. It was the Zeliangrong people under the leadership of Haipou Jadonang; it was AZ Phizo and his Tenemia people who led the movement; it was Kughato Sukhai, Scato Swu and Sumi people who manned the front line of the battle; it was T. Aliba Imti and Imkong Meren and Ao people; it was Khodao Yanthan and Lotha people; it was Gen. Kholi Konyak and the people in erstwhile Tuensang who led the movement and many others.
In the Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) it was Capt. Phungtha Horam who fired the
first historic shot in the 1950s and others like Col. Jacob Ramsan, Col. Pamrei Chithung, Col. Pruining Duidang, Col. Neewin, Mr. Khasui Longvah, Col. Masasui Shimray, Col. NK. Ramsan, Col. Thanmi stands heads above in providing leadership with selfless supreme sacrifice. In the early sixties, the General Headquarters of the Naga Army at Tuinem Village, Ukhrul District was under the command of General Mowu Angami. In the famous battle at Paosaitarung, Ukhrul district, brave Naga freedom fighters made the supreme sacrifice including Captain Neihulie Angami (Neihu) of Chiechama village, who was laid to rest at Leisan village in Ukhrul district; RV Horishor s/o Rvs. Leishisan (Somdal village) and Shitao (Maring Naga). Ngainga village located near Paosaitarung was burned down two to three times by the Indian army and the consequent violent military action on the surrounding villages is unparalleled.
Post 1975 Shillong Accord some very decisive military victories were won against the Indian armed forces, and among others, the ambush on February 18th, 1982 at Namthilok in Ukhrul district, present Manipur, the Naga Army, commanded by, now Lieut. Gen. Vs. Atem, VC, AEM (Retd.), Deputy Ato Kiloner, along with senior NSCN members like Mr. Angelus Shimrah and others carried out a successful ambush against the 21st Sikh Light Infantry. The battle was a clear signal to India that the 1975 Shillong Accord was dead at birth. Mr. C. Paul and Mr. C. Daniel of Halang village disappeared in the aftermath of the ambush and countless Naga civilians were tortured, subjected to electric shock, sodomized, etc. On July 9, 1987, the Oinam Assam Rifles post in Senapati District, Manipur was captured successfully by the Naga Army, under the command of Lieut. General (Retd.) Ng.
Markson, VC, AEM and Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Ramkathing Varah, VC, AEM as Deputy Commander. Around 14 Naga villagers were brutally killed in a concocted case of
encounter, women were raped, and more than 30 villages were turned into concentration camps in the four months of the Indian army counter combing operation. The resultant brutal and ruthless human rights violation was fought in the law court of India by the Naga people’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Women organizations, Naga tribe organizations, Churches and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), yet, no justice has been delivered till date! We are deeply thankful to the noted human rights lawyer Ms. Nandita Haksar who selflessly and relentlessly fought for the justice and human rights of the Naga people including Oinam and so also late Shelly Chara, a committed human rights and student leader, who was assassinated by the agents of India in 1995. In this regard, we are also deeply thankful to the international human rights organization like the “Amnesty International” who had reported extensively about Oinam titled, “Operation Bluebird”; A case study of torture and extrajudicial execution in Manipur, October 1990 AI INDEX: ASA 20/17/90. DISTR:SC/CO/GR.
Countrymen!
The Naga victims of human rights violations have not received any justice till today
and judgement has never come clearly demonstrating the post-colonial psychology
of the totalitarian Indian state. Till date, the GoI has not apologized for the human
rights violations against the Naga people.
Having recognized the Indo-Naga conflict as political, the GoI and the NSCN
declared cease-fire on August 1, 1997, and the political negotiation started at the
highest level, without pre-conditions and outside India in a third neutral country.
Subsequently, the Milan, Italy MoU of November 2002 revoked the unlawful ban on the NSCN/GPRN, and an invitation from the Prime Minister of India was extended to the NSCN/GPRN leadership, Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, and General Secretary Th. Muivah, to come to India. However, during the Indo-Naga political peace process, human rights violations against members of the NSCN/GPRN intensified; these are all on record and archived by the NSCN/GPRN. Even today, in the ongoing political peace process between the GoI and the NSCN, some high-ranking NSCN/GPRN members like Mrs. Alemla Jamir Shimrang, Kilonser, and Col. Hopeson Ningshen (son of NK. Pishang of Nambashi village) and others are falsely accused of “waging war against India” and incarcerated as Prisoners of War (PoWs) in the infamous Tihar jail in New Delhi and elsewhere. Can the Nagas ever trust the hypocrisy and double standards of the GoI, its leadership, and agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the National Investigating Agency (NIA)? It is time for the leadership of India to realize its mistakes, change its terror pogrom, and apologize to the Naga people.
Countrymen!
Leadership is given by the people, not taken. My friend Isak Chishi Swu and I were mandated by the Naga National Assembly held at Suphao on the 16th of August, 1976. The God of Abraham spoke to us, “Fear not, you lamb of Galilee, I have given you the banner of victory. My presence shall go with you.”
Countrymen!
Kindly allow me to further elaborate and explain, among others, the three political milestones that have been achieved in the current political peace process between the Government of India (GoI) and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN).
- The ongoing Indo-Naga political peace process began as a dialogue between two sovereigns based on the following principles:
i. That the talks would be unconditional;
ii. That the talks would be at the highest level, that is, at the Prime Ministerial level; and
iii. That the talks would be held outside India in a third neutral country.
Hence, the principles of the current Indo-Naga political peace process are a recognition and acknowledgment that Nagalim is sovereign and that the Indo-Naga conflict is not an internal matter of India and Myanmar. - With the signing of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué of July 11, 2002, the Government of India officially recognized and acknowledged the unique history and situation of Nagalim. This unique political position is an official admission by the GoI that this violent conflict was forced upon the Nagas, who in no way initiated the violence. The peaceful struggle of the Nagas from 1946 to March 1955 is an unmistakable fact of the Nagas’ innocence. The country of India, which preached non-violence, peace, justice, and peaceful coexistence, unleashed brutal savagery and genocide upon the Nagas for their love of freedom. It is beyond expression and measure to tell this history. The Nagas were forced to resist in defense of their land and people when it was being swarmed by ruthless Indian soldiers drunk with the powers of Martial Law bequeathed by the British rulers. Our villages were set ablaze, and innocent people were used as target practice; womenfolk were molested, raped, and killed. A scorched earth policy was applied, and villagers were massacred. Recording the details would produce tons of books. The Amsterdam Joint Communiqué is an official admission by the GoI that Nagalim was never a part of India, either by consent or by conquest by India and Burma (Myanmar). Hence, it is an official recognition and acknowledgement that Nagalim is sovereign.
- The Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, was signed between two entities, officially recognizing and acknowledging the “unique history and position” of Nagalim, that “sovereignty lies with the people,” and providing for the “sharing of sovereign power.” Therefore, since sovereignty represents and constitutes national identity, the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement have recognized and acknowledged the Naga national flag and the Naga national constitution.
Countrymen!
Therefore, the letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement have laid the foundations for an honourable negotiated political settlement because the GoI has acknowledged and duly corrected the factors that were responsible for the decades-old Indo-Naga violent military conflict.
Kindly allow me to explain the rectification done by the GoI in the ongoing political peace process with the NSCN through the signing of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement.
First, the recognition and acknowledgement of the “Unique history and position” of Nagalim is an official acknowledgement and admission that the Indo-Naga conflict is not an “internal matter” of India and Burma (Myanmar). Hence, it is not a “secessionist” movement but rather a war of resistance, and therefore, being a political conflict, it needs a political solution.
Second, the recognition and acknowledgement that “sovereignty lies with the people” is an acknowledgement and admission of Nagalim’s sovereignty. Sovereign identity is represented by the national flag and the national constitution. Therefore, the Naga national flag and the Naga national constitution are logically and officially recognized and acknowledged in the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015.
Third, the “sovereign powers” are to be concluded from the political negotiation, and the “sharing of sovereign powers” shall be between two sovereign nations. The mutually agreed “sovereign powers” concluded from the political negotiation shall constitute the constitution, which shall be called Yehzabo (constitution) in the Naga language.
Fourth, Nagalim shall be sovereign in all matters of its own affairs as mutually agreed upon and defined in the competencies.
Fifth, “an enduring inclusive new relationship of peaceful co-existence of the two entities” shall be realized by acknowledging and honoring the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement.
Sixth, the “new relationship” of “peaceful co-existence of the two entities” through the sharing of “sovereign powers” shall be according to the “uniqueness of Nagalim history.” This “new relationship” shall be concluded from the negotiated political agreement upholding the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement, and it entails a “new relationship” outside the Union and constitution of India and Myanmar.
Seventh, the NSCN represents Nagalim in the ongoing political negotiation with the GoI, and the final negotiated political settlement shall be inclusive of all Nagas, wherever they are, based on the Framework Agreement, duly recognizing and acknowledging the Naga national flag and the Naga national constitution.
Eighth, therefore, organizations and groups that have compromised and agreed on a solution within the Constitution and Union of India and Myanmar must fall in line with the negotiated settlement based on this Framework Agreement, which upholds the sovereign right of Nagalim. All Nagas shall have their due share in the future of Naga nation-building, as well as in its fruits.
Countrymen!
The NSCN/GPRN has given its best to consolidate and defend Nagalim and the Naga people’s mandate on Nagalim’s unique history and sovereignty, which was decided by the August 14, 1947, independence declaration and the May 16, 1951, plebiscite for sovereignty. We have consolidated and laid the foundation of the Nagalim national struggle for the present and the future. I am thankful to my late friends Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and Vice-Chairman Khodao Yanthan for their uncompromising political commitment in defending Nagalim’s unique history and sovereignty till their last breath. I also duly acknowledge the contribution of the freedom fighters—past and present—for their sacrifice and loyalty to the Nagalim national cause.
The NSCN/GPRN and Nagalim are proud of the contribution of the Naga people, wherever they are, toward the signing of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement. The foundation that has been laid for the free existence and sovereignty of Nagalim in the ongoing political negotiation with the Government of India is on account of the blood, sweat, and tears of the sons and daughters of Nagalim. And it would be a curse to sell this birthright of freedom given to us by the Lord God Almighty.
Countrymen!
It is pertinent and imperative to inform the Naga people that in spite of the milestone steps taken by the two parties, the GoI has betrayed the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, by refusing to recognize and acknowledge the Nagalim national flag and national constitution.
It is concluded that the GoI is not in a position to implement the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement. Hence, in order to destroy the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement, the GoI has orchestrated a strategy of dividing the Naga people from within. We must be sufficiently warned of their plot with the reactionaries, within and without, who are systematically propagating a distorted version of the Framework Agreement that supports the position of the GoI.
In view of this betrayal, I make the position of the NSCN/GPRN clear to the GoI that the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement are the only foundations for the final negotiated political settlement. If the GoI desires an honorable political agreement with the NSCN and Nagalim, it must exercise its political will and wisdom by respecting and honoring the letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement.
We counsel the GoI and its leadership to value and honor the decisions of its past and present Prime Ministers—including P.V. Narasimha Rao, H.D. Deve Gowda, I.K. Gujral, A.B. Vajpayee, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and Narendra Modi—and its decision-makers, including the late Rajesh Pilot and others, who sincerely contributed towards the realization of the Indo-Naga political peace process and the official signing of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement during the 28 years of political negotiation. We also inform the leadership of India that, whether today or tomorrow, whether in heaven or on earth, the Naga national flag and Naga national constitution are non-negotiable. We also want to make it clear to the GoI that the NSCN/GPRN does not recognize any other so-called “agreements” signed by the GoI with some factions to duplicate and sabotage the letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement.
Countrymen!
Even though oppressed and repressed for all these years by India and Burma (Myanmar), Nagalim and the Naga people have not given up their commitment to the Nagalim national decision for sovereignty. Nagalim and the Naga people have withstood the occupation force for 79 years.
The NSCN came to the negotiating table respecting international political norms for an honorable and acceptable negotiated political settlement through political negotiation and for 28 years patiently honored the letter and spirit of the political peace process. However, India, having lost its political will to implement the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement, is deliberately forcing Nagalim into the “battlefield” through betrayals and a provocative “divide and rule” stratagem.
However, we have the confidence and we are prepared to face any challenges or eventualities on the ‘battlefield’ and at the ‘negotiating table’. The NSCN is committed to concluding an honorable and acceptable negotiated political settlement, and we are equally prepared to stand against an imposed military solution on Nagalim. At this point in time, I wish to inform the Nagas and the international community again that India and Burma (Myanmar) may once again force Nagalim onto the battlefield. Then we shall continue to fight a war of liberation and resistance against the occupational forces in self-defense. Nagalim and the Naga people must be sufficiently informed that Nagalim’s freedom will not come as a free gift, but Nagas must be prepared and ready to defend their freedom.
Countrymen!
Therefore, in the current prevailing situation, kindly allow me to state that the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement—signed by the two entities on the foundation of sovereignty, duly recognizing Nagalim’s unique history and sovereignty, the Naga national flag, and the Naga national constitution—are the only foundations for an honourable negotiated political settlement between Nagalim and India.
I also declare that the Nagalim national struggle for liberation from the occupational forces of India and Myanmar shall be carried forward by the revolutionary patriots who subscribe to and respect the political position of the NSCN/GPRN leadership and the letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement, in defense of Nagalim’s unique history, Nagalim sovereignty, Nagalim territory, the non-negotiable Naga national flag, and the Naga national constitution. These agreements are the rallying point for Nagalim and the Naga people, wherever they are.
Countrymen!
I am persuaded that the Nagas are not a lost people; hence, I and the NSCN/GPRN shall defend and protect Nagalim’s unique history, Nagalim sovereignty, Nagalim territory, and the non-negotiable Naga national flag and the Naga national constitution to the last, come what may. Lest we forget! Nagalim and the freedom of the Naga people are a gift given by the Almighty God, for which hundreds and thousands of Nagalim freedom fighters have sacrificed their lives for our future and the freedom of Nagalim.
I also declare that any national workers and Nagas who violate and betray the sanctity of the letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement by renouncing Nagalim’s unique history and sovereignty, the Naga national flag, and the Naga national constitution shall be deemed traitors to Nagalim and the Naga people.
Countrymen!
Therefore, with this message, I assure the Naga people and all our sympathizers that we will not betray Nagalim’s history and sovereignty and shall endeavor to conclude the final negotiated political settlement on the foundation of the letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and Framework Agreement.
Countrymen!
We shall not fail to uphold the Nagalim national decision that “Nagalim shall be for Christ.” In this regard, we are deeply thankful to our Lord God Almighty for the gospel that came to Nagalim through His faithful servants, E.W. Clark in the Ao Region and William Pettigrew in the Wung Tangkhul Region, and the other pioneers of our Christian faith. That great light shone upon Rev. Ruichumhao Rungsung, a man of God from Somdal village. After the acceptance of Jesus Christ, the light shone everywhere in the Tangkhul country. He also led a contingent of 2000 Naga Labour Corps from Manipur to France (1917-1919). The spiritual enlightenment was followed by social, cultural, mental, and political enlightenments. The Lord continues to bless us with another political leader, Suisa Rungsung, the half-brother of Ruichumhao Rungsung, a wise and visionary politician also from Somdal village.
The mantle of leadership fell upon me, and I give thanks to the Lord and the people who elected me General Secretary of the NNC in the National Assembly of 1965. After the fall of the NNC, I was again elected General Secretary of the NSCN by the National Assembly on January 31st, 1980. I thank the national workers and the Tatar Hoho (National Parliament) for reposing your trust in me. During forty years in the wilderness, the Lord did many miracles in the eyes of the Israeli people to show His power and glory to the world. In the midst of trials and afflictions, Nagalim has also been guided by His righteous right hand, and we are also commanded to go and extend His kingdom, and we shall not fail to do His will. In relation to this, it is imperative that Nagalim and the Naga people must uphold and defend the God-given unique history and sovereignty, the Naga national flag, and the Naga national constitution that is now consolidated with the official signing of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement. I remind Nagalim and the Naga people that the Naga national flag and Naga national constitution are non-negotiable, whether today or tomorrow.
Countrymen!
Finally, I reiterate that the only honorable negotiated political agreement shall be according to the letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement, which officially recognize Nagalim’s unique history, Nagalim sovereignty, sovereign Nagalim territory, the Naga national flag, and the Naga national constitution.
The Amsterdam Joint Communiqué of July 11, 2002, and the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, are the unifying and rallying point for all Nagas today, wherever they are.
I therefore call upon all Nagas, wherever they are, not to waver nor cower but to join the national salvation line based on the letter and spirit of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the Framework Agreement, wherein Nagalim’s unique history, Nagalim sovereignty, the Naga national flag, and the Naga national constitution are officially recognized and acknowledged.
I thank God for leading me throughout my tough revolutionary journey and who has faithfully brought me this far.
I must say “thank you” to all the sections of our people who have rendered their services to the cause, and for their co-operation and support in all forms.
I thank the Churches that pray without ceasing for the cause.
I praise all national workers who are still at the forefront with deep commitment, unwavering faith, and the spirit of self-sacrifice.
I salute all those martyrs who have given their everything for the cause.
I thank the international community who have stood behind Nagalim and the Naga people for all these years. It is my prayer and appeal to all of you that you will continue to support and advocate the righteous political cause of Nagalim.
May the good Lord Yahweh bless Nagalim and the Nagas, wherever they are, and all those who have stood by and supported Nagalim for all these years!
The honorable and acceptable negotiated political settlement between India and Nagalim shall conclude only according to the will and purpose of Yahweh Almighty; for the holy scripture says,
“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Praise the Lord!
Kuknalim
