The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) commemorated the 79th Naga Independence Day at the AKM Office, Mokokchung, on August 14. The Naga national flag was hoisted by Onenpong, Vice President of AKM.
Advocate Takoyaba while delivering his speech, he said “Why the Declaration of Naga Independence Day and Reasons for its Commemoration”. Advocate Takoyaba traced the history of the Naga political movement, going back to the late 19th century.
He recalled that in 1880, the British colonial administration began to extend its influence into the Naga area, and by 1881, British domination had taken hold. Nagas who participated in the First World War traveled to Europe and Asia, and upon returning, these war veterans established the Naga Club in 1918.
Through this club, a memorandum was submitted to the Simon Commission, asserting that “Nagas of any community will not stay under anybody” and seeking to remain independent when the British left
India.
Takoyaba highlighted the significance of the 1935 Government of India Act passed by the British
Parliament, in which the Naga Hills were classified as an “Excluded Area,” meaning they would not be directly under Indian administration, but governed through the Governor of Assam, who was empowered to make suitable laws for the region. In 1937, the ‘Administration of Naga Hills Policy Rules’ was framed by the Governor, and many administrative practices today, he noted, still trace their roots to those rules.
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He further explained that in 1946, the British declared that no state could be compelled to join India.
“The Constituent Assembly of India in 1947 adopted eight resolutions, the second of which stated that only those territories that wished to join the Indian Union would be allowed to do so. Those who has the will to join in Indian Union. It was on this basis,” he said, adding that Pakistan was created separately and the Nagas sought their own independent status. He stressed that the mandate to review such constitutional matters lies with the Constituent Assembly, which is why the Nagas continue to fight for their rights.
Takoyaba underscored that the narrative of the Naga independence issue should be examined by a neutral third party to determine the legitimacy of both the Indian and Naga positions. “In the issue of independence, unity is crucial. We must come together with one voice,” he said, urging the younger generations to carry forward the cause as the older generation can no longer actively engage.
The commemoration programme was chaired by Imomanen Tzüdür, President of JKT. The invocation was pronounced by Temsukaba, Youth Pastor of Mokokchung Compound, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Satemmongba, General Secretary of AKM, and the benediction by Angemangyang, President of JKM.
The event brought together leaders, members, and well-wishers, including the Ao Senden Vice President and members, Watsü Mungdang President and members, and presidents and members of the six ranges of Students’ Conferences—Suyim Shisaluyimer Telungjem, Mokokchung Senso Kaketshir Telungjem,
Chuchuyimpang Kaketshir Telungjem—alongside AKM executives and members.
