Speaking at Hebron Camp on the occasion of the 46th Raising Day of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), Tongmeth Wangnao, Vice-Chairman, NSCN (I-M) said that the legitimate rights of the Nagas for self-determination to define its political identity as a nation gives them “the courage to take the irrepressible stand to keep fighting to defend the pride of the Naga nation.” Wangnao also called for continued pursue for acceptable and honorable solution with Government of India.
Following is the complete text of the speech delivered on January 31, 2025 at Hebron Camp.
SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY TONGMETH WANGNAO, VICE-CHAIRMAN, NSCN ON THE 46TH NSCN RAISING DAY CELEBRATION, 31ST JANUARY, 2025, CHQ, HEBRON
Friends and comrades!
Let us praise God, the creator of heaven and earth, for giving us this auspicious occasion to celebrate the 46th Raising Day of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN). On this day of great historical significance let us pay homage to each and everyone who gave their lives and sacrificed for the cause of our motherland Nagalim under different circumstances of Naga political movement.
45 years ago the Naga nation and history were placed on the brink of vanishing in the hands of NNC (Naga National Council). That was the time when some members of NNC/FGN miserably failed to stand the test of time when cornered by the government of India, to surrender on their own volition accepting the constitution of India without conditions, thus creating a dangerous terminus. It was the most shocking incident that caught the people of Nagalim and the bona fide national workers off guarded. That was the time when NNC Vice- President Isak Chishi Swu and General Secretary Th.Muivah were in China. The Chinese were no less shock of the traitorous elements among the NNC. They express their empathy and advised Isak Chishu Swu and Th. Muivah to go back and re-organize the Naga political movement.
Despite the pressure mounted on the NNC leadership led by AZ.Phizo to condemn the Shillong Accord, there was no response. So it became a matter of political exigency that a new political organization with new concept must be put forth. Thus, a new chapter of Naga political movement was started under National Socialist Council of Nagalim(NSCN) on 31st January, 1980, to carry forward the Naga political struggle, electing Isak Chishi Swu as Chairman, SS.Khaplang as Vice-Chairman and Th.Muivah as General Secretary.
Significantly, the launch of NSCN marked a tryst with destiny- a huge challenge for NSCN to showcase the Naga people the way forward to survive the Naga political movement to keep alive the Naga nation. Accordingly, NSCN fought left and right to give new meaning to the Naga political struggle to withstand the suppressing forces of India, never giving in under any pressing situation. Finally, India was faced with the awakening realization that a new age has dawn under NSCN with their invisible fighting force, Naga Army. A clear message was delivered by the top Indian Army generals that military solution is not going anywhere for ending Indo-Naga political crisis. After nearly twenty years having tested the nerves of NSCN, government of India invited NSCN to sit across the negotiating table to find the way forward to Naga political solution. At this particular juncture we put forth before India the bona fide standing of NSCN as the only legitimate organization that carried the Naga issue on its shoulder. When Government of India stated in no uncertain terms that it is the NSCN that holds the Naga political issue, we reciprocated in good faith to enter ceasefire to pave the way for political dialogue.
My friends and comrades!
Let me reminds you that when the Indo-Naga political talks started we maintain our dignity and tenacity in the same manner we demonstrated in the battle fields, taking the strong stance to defend the legitimate rights of the Nagas in the negotiating table as well.
As the talks gain momentum we made our stand sharp and clear saying, “If the Indians respect the history of the Nagas, we the Nagas will respect the history of India ten times”. Accordingly, the government of India gave official recognition to the rights of the Nagas in two historic occasions. The first was official recognition to the uniqueness of the Naga history in July 11, 2002, in Amsterdam meeting, and followed by the Framework Agreement of 3rd August, 2015, New Delhi, with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi as the architect of the historic agreement. Significantly, prime minister Modi were accompanied by a whole host of top level ministers like, the then Home Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doyal, Chief of Army Staff, and other high dignitaries who matters in the Government of India. NSCN was equally represented by the present of its entire members of collective leadership. These two official recognitions are the indelible milestones that the world has come to know about the Indo-Naga political negotiations. Significantly, the signing ceremony of Framework Agreement was given high profile political status when the whole program was live telecast for the world to bear witness.
My dear friends and comrades!
For the past more than 27 years we have been talking with Government of India on the strength of truth behind the Naga political movement. However, it is very unfortunate that the Government of India agencies have indulged themselves in unethical conduct to create many enemies behind the Naga political talks led by NSCN. Let us stand alert and be vigilant. We should put on the whole armor of God, and stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. No wonder, it is our bounden duty to defend our country, our people and our legitimate rights for self-determination to define our political identity as a nation.
Let us never forget that we have a place in the creation of God, to be among the comity of nations. We must continue to pursue for the solution that should be acceptable and honorable in consonance with our legitimate rights as testified before the government of India, vis-à-vis the uniqueness of Naga history and the Framework Agreement that followed.
My dear friends and comrades!
As I stroll down the memory lane, I remember how we overcome the many situations filled with exigencies. Our rights give us the courage to take the irrepressible stand to keep fighting to defend the pride of the Naga nation. In the process I am proud to say that NSCN were able to justify our political movement in the international platforms and finally getting admitted into UNPO as a bona fide member and followed by occasional forays in the UN human rights and indigenous forums. This international factor certainly added weight to our negotiation that led to the signing the inalienable Framework Agreement that recognize our sovereign rights as a nation.
My dear friends and comrades!
As the fate of the Indo-Naga political talks is in the hands of God, we need to give new meaning to our divine connection under the banner of “Nagalim for Christ”. We must strive to do our best with integrity and thanks giving to God acknowledging His power and will. For if God be for us who can be against us!
Kuknalim