Naga Students’ Union Shillong (NSUS) celebrated 79th Naga Independence Day on August 14 at KC Secondary School, Shillong, which was graced by Neingulo Krome, General Secretary, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) as guest speaker and Donald V Thabah, general secretary Khasi Students’ Union as special guest.
In his address, Neingulo Krome acknowledged the friendship and brotherhood between Nagas and the people of Meghalaya and the love that people of Meghalaya showed to the Nagas. He said Nagas would never forget the love received from the people of Meghalaya.
Krome also spoke about the political struggles, including the appointment of Th Muivah to lead the Naga Army. He highlighted lack of written history for the Nagas and their 17-year resistance before parts of Nagaland was invaded. He further discussed the emergency of militancy and 50 years of oppression in Nagaland after the British left.
He also mentioned the positive outcomes from the ceasefire, such as sharing Naga stories internationally and at the United Nations. Krome further reflected on how many countries gained independence after ceasefires and questioned the status of the Nagas.
Krome recalled how the first ceasefire began in 1964 and the need for international support. He narrated about the visits to China by Naga leaders and the fight for independence.
Praising the role of the ceasefire in allowing Nagas to share their stories globally, Krome mentioned British journalist, Gavin Young, who reported on Nagaland after secretly entering the region.
Special guest, Donald V Thabah, in his address shared his long-standing familiarity with Naga Independence Day, noting that he has attended the celebration on several occasions. He emphasized that every community in the Northeast must stand together in solidarity and acknowledged the shared identity of the region’s indigenous inhabitants.
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Addressing the issue of discrimination faced by Northeast people in mainland India, Thabah said that each community is engaged in the fight against such prejudice. He also highlighted the oppression faced by a Naga village in Manipur and underscored the importance of remembering history and fostering unity. Thabah further noted that the Nagas have their own form of governance, which must be preserved, and urged students to never forget their history.
Speech of Th Muivah, Chief Political Negotiator and General Secretary/Ato Kilonser, National
Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN)/Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN), on the occasion of the 79th Naga Independence Day Celebration at Council Headquarters, Hebron, 14th August
2025, was delivered/read out by Bokalu Yeptho, General Secretary, NSUS.
Thumlam Vashum, President of the Naga Students’ Union Shillong (NSUS), spoke about the establishment of the Union and explained the significance of the Naga flag, which symbolizes loyalty, unity, peace, and harmony. He encouraged the Naga people to stand together in the pursuit of freedom and sovereignty.
Awards were given to winners of essay competitions for school, college and university students.
