Chandel, August 14: The 79th Independence Day of the Nagas was commemorated at Mini Sports Complex, Chamdil Village in Chandel district on Thursday, organised by the All Manipur Naga Students’ Association (ANSAM) and the CSOs of Chandel.
Attended by thousands of Nagas and CSOs from across the state, the commemoration event was also attended by president and executives of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), ANSAM, NSUC, CNPO, Naga Hoho among many others.
The commemoration also saw March Past parade by Naga volunteers, school students and representatives from each Naga tribes of Chandel.
Also read 79 YEARS ON, NSCN LEADER TH. MUIVAH SAYS NAGA STRUGGLE IS FAR FROM OVER
Earlier, Eno. Tongmeth Wangnao, Vice Chairman, NSCN, GPRN hoisted the Naga National Flag and saluted the March Past contingents.
Ruwnglar Elly Anal, president NSUC and Convenor, LOC welcomed the gathering while Angteshang Maring, President of ANSAM gave the presidential address.
Vice President, Naga Hoho; President, NSF; President, Naga Women Union and Convenor, NPMHR-S shared solidarity messages calling on the Nagas to be unity and hopeful of a bright future. They greeted the gathering on the occasion of the 79th Naga Independence Day and expressed optimism of a future where the Nagas would be under one sovereignty.
They also called on the Nagas to always put God first in all their endeavours.
Also read GEN. NINGKHAN ANTHONY SHIMRAY, MCVC, LONGVIBU OF THE NAGA ARMY, CALLS FOR NAGA UNITY
As chief guest, Eno. Tongmeth Wangnao, Vice Chairman, NSCN, GPRN read out the message of Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah who reminded the Nagas of how the struggle began, the signing of the Framework Agreement, the talks between the Government of India and the Naga.
The event was also attended by Eno. Ts. Thumpa, Member of Collective Leadership, NSCN, GPRN; Eno. Angnaikham Makunga, Member of Collective Leadership, NSCN, GPRN, Convenor, Political Affairs Committee (PAC); Maj (Retd). Johny T Dilbung, Member of Collective Leadership, NSCN, GPRN and Eno. Kraibo Chawang, Member of Collective Leadership NSCN GPRN as guests of honour.
Naga folk singer, Padma Shri Rewben Mashangva; James Riamei, lead vocalist of GMP, The Band and Voices in Tapestry graced the event and enchanted the gathering with their melodious and patriotic songs.
Due to the uncertainty of the weather, it was feared that rain would disrupt the commemoration. However, cool weather with almost no rain made the celebration worthwhile and was seen as a blessing.