Tamenglong: A People’s Consultative Meeting on the protracted Indo-Naga Political Peace Process was held today at Tamenglong headquarters Lower Ground organized by Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM).
NSCN/GPRN Army General Anthony Shimray, MC, VC, Longvibu, Naga Army graced the meeting as the resource person of the meeting attended by various Naga sub-tribes of Tamenglong district, CSO leaders, religious leaders, village Chairmen/Secretaries and leaders of various organisations came and spoke at the consultative meeting.
Speaking at the consultative meeting [read full speech at the bottom], General Anthony Shimray said, “Tamenglong district bored freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang, and I’am proud to be here. What the NSCN stands for today is for the welfare of the Southern Nagas, Arunachal, Nagaland, Assam, Nagas at Burma (Myanmar).”
Stating the NSCN/GPRN position in the ongoing peace talks with the Indian government, the Naga Army General maintained, “We must never settle for piecemeal solution.”
A declaration of the People’s Consultative Meeting on Indo-Naga Political Peace Process, urging both the stakeholders, i.e. government of India and the NSCN to expedite the process in arriving at an honourable solution read, “Having heard and understood all the issues and perspectives on the ensuing Naga Political Peace Process, we declare as follows: 1. We reassure our unwavering support to the Naga National Movement for self-determination. 2. We also assure our unreserved co-operation to the Framework Agreement of 2015 signed between the government of India and the NSCN representing the Nagas.”
Church leaders invoked special prayer for the Naga leaders involved in the peace talks processes with the Indian government. The gathering saw around 10,000 people, spanning across generations assembled in the consultative meeting, blending the enthusiasm of both the seasoned elders and the spirited youth, painting a vibrant picture of unity and national fervor.
Read the full speech of Anthony Shimray Longvibu, Naga Army.
“As I stepped foot in Tamenglong, an overwhelming sense of joy enveloped me, for I had entered the sacred realm of freedom enthusiasts. This revered ground marks the birthplace of the first Naga freedom fighter, Jadonang. Today, in humble homage, I offer my deepest respect and the highest salute to the unwavering bravery and visionary leadership of the esteemed Jadonang.
When summoned for the peace talks in New Delhi in 2011, my journey was abruptly halted, and I found myself incarcerated for six years following an arrest in Kathmandu. Throughout those trying days, the unyielding support from the Zeliangrong community through their rallies, fervent prayers from numerous churches, organizations, and individuals became my pillar of strength. Thank you, Zeliangrong community! It was your unwavering faith that echoed the rolling of Lazarus’ tombstone and the miraculous removal of the gates of Tihar Jail. It is to you, and to the divine, that I owe my gratitude.
Amidst speculation surrounding my visit to Tamenglong, let me unequivocally clarify—I am not merely the chief of the Naga Army but also the coordinator of the Naga peace talks. My purpose here transcends mere titles; I seek to connect with all of you. I arrive not as a harbinger of war, but as an ambassador of peace and love. My mission is reconciliation among the diverse Naga communities, bridging the deep divides of our past, fostering unity, and nurturing the seeds of understanding and harmony.
The timeless essence of Jadonang’s actions, alongside the sacrifices of our Naga martyrs , resonates profoundly in our quest for Naga rights and freedoms. Their noble endeavors weren’t directed towards replacing one dominion with another, but rather stood as a testament to their unwavering dedication to securing Naga freedom and rights. Their legacy remains a guiding light, reminding us that their struggles were for the sanctity of our sovereignty and rights, transcending any external dominion or control.
Jadonang’s valiant struggle and sacrifice weren’t waged against the British merely to fall under the dominion of another ruling power. Like all our revered Naga armies, his fight was for the sacred ideals of freedom and the assertion of our rights as a distinct people. Their sacrifices embody the relentless pursuit of sovereignty and self-determination, echoing a resounding call for true liberty, beyond the sway of any dominion, including Hindustan.
NSCN stands resolutely for the entirety of Naga integration, unwavering in its commitment to safeguard every inch of our land. Our allegiance is steadfast, pledged not only to the cause of our people but also to the divine. We stand firm, unwavering in our dedication to our mission, never wavering in our loyalty to God or our fellow Nagas.
NSCN stands for the whole Naga integration and Amidst global conflicts rooted in the denial of nationhood and recognition, the Naga context stands as a beacon of hope. Unlike the ongoing strife between Ukraine and Russia, the discord between Philistine and Israel, or the simmering tension between China and Taiwan due to unrecognized rights, the Nagas achieved a milestone unparalleled by many great nations. Before the Framework Agreement, the joint communique at Amsterdam on July 11, 2002, stands as a testament to the Government of India’s acknowledgment of our unique history—a historic recognition that all Nagas, regardless of their whereabouts, must cherish as a remarkable achievement.
Dear fellow Nagas, our unity must find its bedrock in the pursuit of Naga freedom. Under the unifying banner of ‘Nagalim for Christ,’ we stand unwavering, refusing to unify under any religious banner other than our devotion to our cause. We must never settle for piecemeal solution. The Southern Nagas, Arunachal, Nagaland, Assam, Nagas at Burma—each could have secured their individual resolutions, but our resolve is steadfast. We will not compromise or relinquish our birthright. The complexity of the Naga issue demands unity rooted in our struggle for collective freedom.
We cannot betray the legacy of Jadonang and NSCN stands resolutely for the entirety of Naga integration, unwavering in its commitment to safeguard every inch of our land. Our allegiance is steadfast, pledged not only to the cause of our people but also to the divine. We stand firm, unwavering in our dedication to our mission, never wavering in our loyalty to God or our fellow Nagas ands resolutely for the entirety of Naga integration, unwavering in its commitment to safeguard every inch of our land. Our allegiance is steadfast, pledged not only to the cause of our people but also to the divine. We stand firm, unwavering in our dedication to our mission, never wavering in our loyalty to God or our fellow Nagas.our martyrs by accepting a fragmented solution. NSCN stands firm, welcoming all who align with our freedom movement, even the prodigal son. While our lands face challenges amid ongoing conflicts, the words of AZ Phizo echo loudly, ‘urra uvie’—our land is ours. Decisiveness is key, for indecision could invite a curse upon us.
Blaming India or anyone is not our path; instead, we recognize the divide-and-rule tactics but stand resolute in our strategy. Within the NSCN CE, society, church, and family, there may be black sheep, yet our cause and vision within our hearts must remain pure. No force can deny our sovereignty, with the ingredients of our flag and constitution already recognized by the Government of India. Coexisting with India on the principle of shared sovereignty, we must look beyond. Geopolitically, our unresolved issues disrupt peace for our adversaries—we are a thorn in their flesh because we are the chosen people. God has not forsaken us; His timing, though prolonged, has not forgotten the Nagas. Our faith remains unshaken.”
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