New Delhi, Aug. 16 | EKHON: The Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) marked the 80th Naga Independence Day on Friday with a strong call for the preservation of Naga political consciousness, greater unity among Naga groups and a renewed commitment to the aspiration for self-determination.

Held at the Dwaar Centre, the commemoration brought together more than 100 students, intellectuals, activists, representatives of Naga organisations and well-wishers for an afternoon of historical reflection, political discourse and intergenerational dialogue.

The programme, moderated by H. Asaziia Krichena, began with an opening prayer by Jonathan Pao, Youth Pastor, Poumai Baptist Church Delhi, followed by a musical rendition of “Who Am I” by Alokali Zhimomi.

Addressing the gathering, NSUD president Chipika Zhimomi stressed the importance of historical consciousness in understanding the present and shaping the future.

He said the Naga aspiration for self-determination and the distinctiveness of Naga identity had not been abandoned but carried forward from one generation to another. Institutions such as NSUD and other Naga organisations, he said, had a responsibility to preserve that historical consciousness and ensure that the legacy of the Naga movement remained relevant to younger generations.

The commemoration, he maintained, should therefore be viewed not merely as an annual remembrance but as an affirmation of the responsibilities inherited by the present generation.

Representing the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Ningreichon Tungshang highlighted the spiritual dimension of the Naga national movement and urged young activists to integrate political engagement with spiritual conviction.

She said the Naga struggle had a profound spiritual dimension and called on the younger generation to remain conscious of the role of faith in the movement’s history and future. She also argued that Naga Independence Day should not remain confined to an annual ceremony but should be reflected in the everyday values, conduct and responsibilities of the Naga people.

Tungshang further drew attention to the challenges confronting the younger generation and the responsibilities that come with inheriting the history and aspirations of the Naga people.

Dr. Pou, representing the Global Naga Forum (GNF), said the commemoration was not intended to be antagonistic towards any nation or state but was an affirmation of the Naga people’s right to exist as a people and pursue their collective rights and aspirations.

Recalling the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, he said the historic declaration had placed a responsibility on subsequent generations to safeguard the land, preserve collective identity and continue working towards a self-determined future.

He also underlined the legacy of the pioneers of the Naga movement, citing their unity, courage, political consciousness and commitment to the collective good as values that should continue to guide the present generation.

A musical presentation, “Wind of Change,” by Kamei Pouguangthui Lamek preceded the keynote address, which provided a broad historical account of the Naga national movement and its contemporary relevance.

Professor Reisang Vashum in his keynote address traced the development of Naga political consciousness from the formation of the Naga Club and its memorandum to the Simon Commission to the establishment of the Naga National Council (NNC) and the declaration of Naga independence in 1947.

The address also covered the Naga Plebiscite, the formation of the Naga underground government and the early phase of the political and armed struggle under A. Z. Phizo, including his subsequent departure and eventual escape to London. The speaker later traced the emergence of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and the subsequent fragmentation of the Naga national movement into different factions.

Reflecting on the movement’s history, the speaker argued that external forces had, at different stages, contributed to efforts to suppress or fragment the Naga political movement. The situation in Manipur was cited as a contemporary illustration of the complex political and social challenges facing the Naga people.

The continuing divisions among the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) were identified as a particular concern. While acknowledging differences in political positions and organisational interests, the speaker called for the groups to work towards a common or shared programme to safeguard broader Naga interests.

Vashum also outlined several responsibilities for contemporary Naga society, including vigilance over issues such as the Free Movement Regime (FMR), maintaining integrity and ethical conduct, resisting social problems such as intoxication, and preserving Naga languages, traditions and cultural practices.

The speaker further urged the younger generation to pursue excellence in their respective professions, revive constructive values inherited from their forefathers, strengthen unity and solidarity, and work towards the collective welfare of Naga society.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Yurngam A. Shimray, Secretary of NSUD, who expressed gratitude to the speakers, performers, participating organisations, students, activists, intellectuals and well-wishers.