Special Correspondent
Ukhrul/Hebron, March 22:
The Government of the Peoples Republic of Nagalim celebrated its 46th Republic Day with a resolute reaffirmation of its sovereignty and political rights. President Q. Tuccu, in his address, underscored the historical and political legitimacy of the Naga nation while condemning external attempts to undermine their struggle.
Marking 45 years since the proclamation of the Naga government, Tuccu hailed the occasion as a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Naga people. He emphasized that Naga Republic Day is not just a commemoration but a declaration of the community’s rightful place in the global political landscape. He reminded the people of Nagalim’s historical milestones, including the Naga Independence Declaration of August 14, 1947, and the Naga Plebiscite of 1951, documents archived in the United Nations, serving as evidence of their continued subjugation.
President Tuccu paid homage to the soldiers, freedom fighters, and countless Nagas who contributed to the nation-making process. Their sacrifices, he asserted, have been the backbone of the movement. Acknowledging their unwavering patriotism, he urged the people to continue their journey with nationalism at the forefront.
In a solemn moment, he declared the victims of historic massacres, including those at Yengpang, Matikhrii, Oinam, Mokokchung, and Oting, as “National Martyrs.” He invited victims of unspoken atrocities to come forward, assuring them of support and recognition.
Highlighting Nagalim’s rich natural resources, including petroleum, chromite, coal, and cobalt, Tuccu cautioned against India’s continuous attempts to exploit them. He accused the Indian government of testing the Naga people’s resolve by attempting to drill and extract petroleum in Mokokchung district without recognizing Naga sovereignty.
He praised the Ao Naga community for their firm stance against such explorations, calling their resistance a symbol of Naga unity and assertion of national identity. He urged all Nagas to remain vigilant and prevent any external exploitation of their God-given wealth.
Addressing the long-standing Indo-Naga political conflict, Tuccu refuted claims that the NSCN was responsible for delaying the political solution. He accused India of engaging in divisive politics, creating factions such as the Naga National Political Group (NNPG) to counterbalance NSCN’s role in negotiations.
“The truth is that India wants to weaken NSCN’s bargaining power by using the Agreed Position of NNPG to confuse the Nagas,” he said. He criticized factions formed under India’s influence, arguing that they lack the political and historical understanding necessary to negotiate a rightful solution.
Reaffirming the significance of the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, and the recognition of Nagas’ unique history by the Government of India in 2002, Tuccu stated that these agreements dispelled doubts and distortions regarding the legitimacy of Naga sovereignty.
Tuccu warned against forces attempting to rewrite Naga history by discarding crucial documents such as the Naga Club’s 1929 memorandum to the Simon Commission, the Naga Independence Declaration, and the Plebiscite of 1951.
He firmly rejected any solution that would place Nagas under the Indian Constitution, declaring that the sacrifices of the Naga people over the past seven decades were not meant to result in a compromised settlement.
“Nagas are not after a morsel of solution; we are fighting for full political justice,” he asserted. He called upon the people to stand unwavering in their commitment to defending their historical, cultural, and political identity.
The President urged the Naga people to remain vigilant against internal and external threats to their sovereignty. He emphasized that the world is now well-informed about the legitimacy of Nagalim’s political struggle, and justice will eventually prevail.
With a firm resolve, he declared, “Let us not be shaken, and let us not allow ourselves to be fear-ridden. Our movement has always stood for truth, and in God, we put our trust.”
Concluding his speech, Tuccu expressed gratitude to the people for their continued support and forbearance. He reiterated that the NSCN and the Naga people must continue to defend their political identity, symbolized by their flag and Yehzabo (constitution), until justice is fully delivered. KuKnaLim
The 46th Republic Day of Nagalim was celebrated at CHQ/Hebron on March 21, 2025, with a grand gathering. Attendees included Naga Army officials, NSCN/GPRN civil members, Naga Mother’s Association ( NMA), UNC, NPMHR, NSF, ENPO, and representatives from Tirap, Changlang, Longding, as well as well-wishers from Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and other Northeastern states.
