The Naga National Council (NNC), Lotha Region, observed Naga Independence Day on August 14 at LTC Hall, Wokha, with members and supporters attending the programme with renewed hope for the Naga independence and sovereignty.

Addressing the gathering, NNC Lotha Region president, Ekyimthung Patton said the Naga political struggle had continued for 97 years since 1929, while expressing concern over the fragmentation of the Naga national movement. He stated that more than 20 groups of Naga national workers had emerged over the years and alleged that several had entered into agreements and political arrangements under the Indian Constitution, which, according to the NNC, departed from the principle of Naga sovereignty.

Patton said that, according to the NNC Lotha Region, only a few groups continue to uphold the principle of sovereignty. He referred Gen Rtd Thenoselie group, Yillow Humtsoe and General Secretary, V Nagi group, and some groups in the Eastern Region as groups continuing to stand for sovereignty.

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He further stated that the Lotha region had remained united under one NNC since 2024 and maintained that other Naga sovereign groups should first unite. He said the groups should continue to stand on the principles of the 1929 Political Memorandum of Naga Hills and the 1951 Naga plebiscite, which the NNC regards as the basis for a permanent political solution.

The NNC Lotha Region also reiterated its policy of non-violence, non-cooperation and opposition to forced taxation. Patton appealed to citizens and Naga political factions to come together on one platform and one table to work towards resolving the Naga political issue.

He further alleged that the Indian government was using ceasefires and financial means rather than armed conflict to weaken the Naga national movement and undermine what the NNC describes as the Naga people’s sovereign right.