The NSCN (IM) president declared the day as a proud moment for the people of “Nagalim Nation,” recalling that forty-five years ago, the NSCN (IM) boldly proclaimed its sovereign government, asserting itself as the “true ruler of our own country.”
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
NSCN (IM) president Q. Tuccu stated on Friday that “Naga Republic Day” symbolizes the transition of the Naga people toward becoming a “free country” with its own rights, respected and honoured in alignment with the Naga Independence Declaration of August 14, 1947, and the Naga Plebiscite of 1951.
Tuccu highlighted that these historic Naga documents remain in the UN archives in New York, serving as an undeniable testament to the subjugation and suppression of the Naga people by India for over 70 years. He declared the day as a proud moment for the people of “Nagalim Nation,” recalling that forty-five years ago, the NSCN (IM) boldly proclaimed its sovereign government, asserting itself as the “true ruler of our own country.” He emphasized that Naga Republic Day marks the establishment of the NSCN (IM) government, dictated by its political rights and in accordance with international political systems and ethics that respect the freedom of indigenous peoples.
Tuccu further described the day as one of “pride and determination” for the Nagas to continue asserting their God-given rights as a people and a nation, with their own government system based on sovereign rights. He reaffirmed that since asserting its sovereign rights, NSCN (IM) has never “bowed down” to its aggressors, refusing to surrender its dignity and pride as a nation. He urged the Nagas to honor their soldiers, freedom fighters, and all those who contributed to the Naga nation-making process through their sacrifices, determination, and courage in shaping the Naga freedom movement.
Emphasizing the spiritual aspect of their struggle, Tuccu stated that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the same God who granted the Naga nation its sovereign identity. He called for caution in protecting the God-given sovereign wealth of the Nagas, including petroleum, coal, chromite, limestone, nickel, and cobalt—critical minerals essential for industrial and defense development. Tuccu accused the Government of India (GoI) of coveting these resources and seeking to exploit them, particularly petroleum, for its own benefit.
He specifically addressed recent attempts by the GoI to infringe on Naga sovereignty by exploring and extracting petroleum in Mokokchung district. He condemned these actions, describing them as a test of the Nagas’ resolve and an insult to their history and culture, which deeply ties them to their land and national identity. Tuccu praised the Ao Naga community for courageously opposing oil exploration on their land and for standing firm in defense of Naga national identity.
No Political Sense in Blaming NSCN (IM) for Delays in Naga Political Solution
Tuccu countered accusations that the NSCN (IM) is responsible for delays in the Naga political solution, asserting that the delay lies with India. He accused India of engaging in divisive politics for over 27 years to weaken the NSCN (IM) at the negotiation table. He alleged that the formation of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) was a deliberate strategy by India to counterbalance the NSCN (IM) and dilute the significance of the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015.
He criticized the many factions within the Naga movement that were formed with India’s support, stating that these groups lack the negotiation skills necessary to handle the complexity of the Indo-Naga political conflict. Tuccu condemned those who, in his view, had compromised their moral and ethical standards by aligning with factions nurtured by the Indian government.
He urged all Nagas to be aware of the ongoing political manipulation aimed at undermining their historical rights, citing key historical milestones such as the Naga Club’s memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929, the Naga Independence Declaration of 1947, and the Naga Plebiscite of 1951. Tuccu warned against any solution imposed under the Indian Constitution, asserting that such an outcome would betray the sacrifices made by countless Nagas over seven decades.
Tuccu reiterated that the Naga struggle is widely recognized and respected, as demonstrated by the acknowledgment of their “unique history” by the GoI on July 11, 2002, and the signing of the Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015. He declared that these agreements have dispelled doubts, lies, and distortions, leaving India with no justification to deny Naga sovereignty.
He called upon all Nagas to remain steadfast in their shared vision and commitment, emphasizing that their struggle is one of justice and truth. He declared that history would remember the sacrifices made by Nagas in their quest for self-determination, warning against any cowardice or deceit that might undermine their cause.
Tuccu also recalled the atrocities committed against the Nagas by the Indian Army, mentioning massacres such as those at Yengpang, Matikhrii, Oinam, Mokokchung, and Oting, and declared the victims as “National Martyrs.” He reminded the Nagas that their resilience and faith in divine justice would sustain their movement.
‘No Discrimination and Discrepancies in Any Department’ – Tongmeth Wangnao
NSCN (IM) Vice-Chairman Tongmeth Wangnao expressed gratitude for being re-elected to his position and acknowledged the challenges he faced during his tenure. He called for unity and fairness within the NSCN (IM), stressing that there should be no discrimination or financial mismanagement in any department. He urged that national principles be upheld without favoritism or partiality.
Wangnao emphasized that the Naga political issue must be understood from the perspective of Naga nationhood, which includes all Nagas and their ancestral lands. He noted that different regions and communities are part of one nation and should be seen as a source of strength rather than division. He called for the unity of various Naga organizations, including UNC, NTC, CNTC, TCL, and ENPO, to reinforce national solidarity.
On Indo-Naga political negotiations, Wangnao paid tribute to former NSCN leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah for their leadership and efforts in securing international recognition for the Naga cause. He recounted how their wisdom and diplomacy paved the way for negotiations with India, leading to the recognition of Nagas’ unique history in 2002 and the signing of the Framework Agreement in 2015.
He stressed that the negotiation process had been long and arduous, requiring immense sacrifice, but had laid the foundation for future generations. He reminded the Nagas that their right to self-determination is aligned with Article 1(2) of the UN Charter, reinforcing the legitimacy of their struggle. Wangnao urged Nagas to remain united and committed to their cause, ensuring that the sacrifices of their forebears were not in vain.