KOHIMA, Aug. 14: Marking the 79th Naga Independence Day on Wednesday, leaders of various Naga political groups reaffirmed the community’s historical and political rights while calling for unity, reconciliation, and an inclusive, honourable settlement with the Government of India.
Across Naga areas, events commemorated the August 14, 1947 proclamation, with speakers invoking past agreements, warning against division, and urging that the aspirations of future generations remain at the forefront of the ongoing political process.
The Naga Hoho emphasised that unity had been central to past achievements. “Naga Hoho still stands [for] unity and inclusiveness of Naga society,” it said, reiterating that any resolution must be based on the Framework Agreement and the Agreed Position for an early political settlement.
Gen (Retd) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), urged Nagas to “forge a oneness of national principle, integrity, values and character… as strong as iron and steel forged in the strongest heat.”
NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th Muivah asserted that the Amsterdam and Framework agreements affirm the Nagas’ sovereign rights, stressing that the national flag, constitution (Yehzabo), and integration of all contiguous Naga areas were “non-negotiable.”
Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) Convener N Kitovi Zhimomi said the Naga political movement “has not lost its meaning and soul” despite global changes since 1947. He called for leaders to rise above personal differences and prepare for an “acceptable and honourable Indo-Naga political solution.”
WC, NNPGs Convener Gen (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak said that achieving “free, sovereign and independent Naga nationhood” requires self-reflection, repentance, and cooperation in a globalised world.
NNC/FGN Kedahge Brig (Retd) S Singnya reaffirmed support for reconciliation efforts led by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), while GPRN/NSCN Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh warned that internal conflict inflicts “criminal injustice” on past, present, and future generations.
NSCN/GPRN (Niki) President Gen (Retd) Niki Sumi urged Nagas to strengthen nationalism and self-reliance, building on the political foundations of 1929, 1947, and 1951.
GPRN/NNC (Apex Body) President SS Pongkhu Naga described the day as a moment of “solemn pride” and called for leaders to rise above “personal ambitions, tribal divisions, and political calculations.”
NSCN/GPRN (Akato) President Akato Chophi warned that any settlement lacking inclusiveness and pragmatic approach would have “political ramifications,” urging the Centre to accelerate talks.
NSCN/GPRN (Khango) President Lt Gen (Retd) Khango Konyak acknowledged public discontent over political divisions but vowed to safeguard Naga rights.
NNC President Gen (Retd) Thinoselie M Keyho warned against propaganda aimed at dividing the people, expressing optimism that a “long period of confusion” was nearing its end.
FGN Kedahge K Vadeo challenged his former comrades to unite openly, stressing that only a united front could secure the Naga people’s future.
The commemorations closed with a shared call from multiple leaders: that reconciliation, unity, and commitment to national principles must guide the next steps in the decades-long quest for a lasting political solution.
