The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on October 29 celebrated its 79th Foundation Day at NSF Oking, Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima, commemorating the organization’s rich history and enduring role in shaping Naga identity.
MLA and former NSF President, Achumbemo Kikon graced the occasion as the main speaker. In his address, he expressed gratitude for the large gathering and acknowledged the presence of many esteemed seniors who had contributed to the federation’s journey.
Reflecting on the global significance of the year 1947, Achumbemo highlighted that it was a transformative year that saw the world evolve with new policies and programs, both domestically and internationally. He also emphasized India’s role in shaping history and also paid tribute to the pioneers and founders who laid the foundation for the country’s progress, enabling future generations to build upon their legacy.
He emphasized on the year 1947, which marked the partition of British India into India and Pakistan, the United Nations vote to divide Palestine into Arab and Jewish states, and the US President Harry S Truman’s introduction of the Truman Doctrine to counter Soviet expansion. He noted that these events collectively shaped global politics, economies, and societies.
He further emphasized that Nagas, too, played a significant role in that historic year. Recalling a pivotal moment, particularly in 1947, he said that Naga elders met Mahatma Gandhi in July 1947 at Bhangi Colony and subsequently declared their desire for independence on August 14, 1947 — a defining moment in the Naga people’s assertion of self-determination and their desire to live as an independent nation.
“The event remains an important part of Naga history and identity,” he said and further highlighted that the Naga leaders have reiterated their claim to independence, citing a meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1947.
Quoting from history, he said, “According to our leaders, Gandhi’s assurance led them to declare Naga independence on August 14, 1947. The Naga people never consented to join the Indian Union and reject being labeled as secessionists or insurgents. This assertion underscores our longstanding historical and political claim of the Naga people.”
Linking history with the day’s significance, Achumbemo noted that the NSF was also founded on October 29, 1947. “Once you are a leader, you’re always a leader; but in the NSF family, once you are NSF, you’re always NSF,” he remarked.
“This NSF,” he said, “came into being to protect the rights, to promote values and to safeguard Nagas in our land.”
Achumbemo also added that it is a student’s platform, however, in 1947 the amount of suffering that the elders, Naga people had undergone and at such a juncture the Naga elders had form an organisation to protect Nagas.
He cautioned today’s youth against taking their privileges for granted, reminding them that their peace and freedom were earned through the sacrifices of their forefathers.
He also said that with the widespread use of mobile phones and computers, many young people are expressing themselves freely, often without regard for the sacrifices made by previous generations.
The MLA also urged the youth to be mindful of their heritage and the history that has shaped their present, encouraging them to be respectful and informed about the past rather than criticizing or distorting it without understanding its significance.
“I would only like to impress upon the youngsters that they must know from where we have come, how long we have struggled, and how long we have to keep on to fight for our rights. Even after the creation of the Nagaland statehood in 1963 many of our friends, families, were left outside the parameter, the jurisdiction of Nagaland State but government of India was conscious that this was not the final solution to the Naga political issue,” he noted .
Achumbemo also highlighted that the Naga political issue has never been considered a law and order problem by the Government of India, but rather a matter of external affairs, as per the 16-Point Agreement that led to the incorporation of Article 371(A) in the Indian Constitution.
He also emphasized that this distinction is significant, as it acknowledges the unique historical and political context of the Naga people. “By keeping Nagaland under the External Affairs Ministry, the Government of India had, in effect, recognized the Naga issue as a political matter rather than a domestic law and order issue. This recognition, the leader argued, is a demonstration of the Government’s acknowledgment of the Naga people’s rights,” he said.
“We should celebrate 14th August as Naga Independence Day because we have not hidingly done it. We have conveyed this before, we do so to the Father of Indian nation, and after which we acted upon. And therefore, it is morally correct, and it is also should be legally tenable in the eyes of the international law,” Achumbemo noted.
Stating his belonging to a regional party, the MLA noted that he belongs to a regional party because Nagas have a unique Naga political issue, and that he intentionally belongs to the regional party to affiliate himself to the regional party, to keep fighting for Naga people and for the rights of Naga .
Achumbemo also expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Government of India’s treatment of Nagaland, citing restrictions on visitors, developmental neglect, and proposed fencing of Naga areas. The MLA questioned the imposition of Restricted Area Permits (RAP) and Prohibited Area Permits (PAP) for visitors from mainland India and abroad, arguing that such measures undermine the dignity of the Naga people.
He also highlighted the division of Naga territories by artificial borders, including the presence of Naga populations in Burma (Myanmar), and criticized the Government’s proposal to fence these areas. Emphasizing the need for collective action, Achumbemo urged the Naga people to rise up and assert their rights, rather than relying solely on political organizations. “The call to action emphasizes the importance of unity and collective responsibility in addressing the issues faced by the Naga people,” he added.
Achumbemo also encouraged the youngsters to protect their people and to assert their rights. He also challenged all by saying, “As we go on with our journey, our goal is yet to be achieved, our people are divided, and our unity will be our strength, our coming together will be our strength”.
“In many ways, we have to mend our ways also, but if the younger generation understands the history correctly, our future is safe and we can march on. One thing I would like to remind to the youngsters is that a ship is safe in the harbour but it is not what it is meant for,” he noted.
In his address, NSF President, Mteisuding said that the visionary pioneers who laid the foundation of the NSF on 29th October 1947 were not merely students of their time, they were dreamers, torchbearers and nation-builders who believed in a future where the Naga people would walk tall with dignity, identity and freedom.
The President said that their courage to organize, to question and to hope amidst oppression and uncertainty continues to inspire generations of Nagas.
Paying homage to the founding fathers and mothers of the Federation, NSF President said that their spirit continues to dwell in their hearts, in every act of service and in every call for Naga unity and self-determination.
Taking the moment, NSF President also expressed respect to all NSF seniors and past leaders, whose wisdom, guidance, and unwavering commitment have carried this movement across decades of change.
The NSF President reflected on its journey, acknowledging the challenges and hardships faced, but also the strength and solidarity discovered through those experiences.
The Federation also emphasized its role in championing the cause of education, advocating for the rights and dignity of every Naga, and raising its voice against injustice.
While celebrating its achievements, the NSF president also recognized that its task remains unfinished and called for unity, reconciliation, and courage to rise above tribal lines, political differences, and geographical divisions.
The NSF President also urged the younger generation to look beyond boundaries and embrace the truth that the Naga people are one with a shared destiny. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to being a voice for justice, a guardian of Naga identity, and a bridge between generations.
“The 79th Foundation Day celebration serves as a reminder of the NSF’s defining spirit of unity, sacrifice, and service that lives within every Naga heart. With faith in their people, pride in their heritage, and conviction in their shared future, the NSF is poised to continue its movement rooted in values, guided by wisdom, and driven by hope,” he noted.
Earlier in the program, the Foundation Day was chaired by Vimeyiekho Vitso, Vice President of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF). The gathering began with an invocation by Rev Fr Mhabemo Mathew Humtsoe, Parish Priest of St. Francis de Sales Church, Kohima.
A special song titled “Kuknalim” was presented by Bweni Kent, followed by an address from Dr Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR). Vipopal Kintso, former NSF President, shared “The Odyssey”—a brief account of the Federation’s journey over the years.
The program also featured a special appearance by Neilaü Thaprü, the Pledge of Solidarity, and a special prayer for NSF seniors led by Khotuo Richa, Associate Pastor of Khedi Baptist Church. The event concluded with closing remarks from Kenilo Kent, General Secretary of NSF.
