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My beloved Naga citizens:

Even as we look to God for guidance in all our national endeavours, we cannot but give thanks to Him for sustaining us upto this stage from all those miseries and challenges, and the loving kindness with which He has led the Naga people in their long march in defending their national honour and liberty. And the Nagas must be thankful and bow down before Him for the salvation of both their souls and the nation.

The Naga people under alien occupations have been subjected to shame and injustice for decades. They employed numerous tricks to distort the course of history and tried to isolate the Naga issue from the eyes of the world. But, thank God, the NSCN has succeeded in breaking the barrier of the Indian influence and made the reality of Indian aggression known to the international communities. They attempted to bring about discord among the Nagas by resorting to divide and rule policy, bribing and lies. But all these efforts got defeated when the Naga people determinedly pursued the path of national truth and reality.

The people should know that the finest hour for the Nagas to be united in TRUTH is here and now. The achievement and dignity of the Naga people, that the NSCN has won through sweat and blood, should be appreciated and all the necessary co-operation given to it. It is, however, unfortunate that there are self-importance-seeking elements who are trying to sell UNTRUTH & BLOODSHED in the false name of “unity” that has no principle and national basis. The Nagas must realize the insignificance of these greedy and corrupt elements that are foolishly doing everything they can to sabotage the ongoing peace-process so that they can continue fishing in troubled waters.

Countrymen, the time for political talks with the Government of India is here. Even as we praise the Indian leaders for their determination to find an amicable solution to the complex Indo-Naga political issue, it is our assurance that the Naga people will not do anything to hurt the sentiment of India; for the NSCN shall approach the talks in complete sincerity. The talks will be based on the truth of Naga nationhood, taking into fullest consideration the inalienable national objectives of Nagalim. But if the Government of India tries to force its wills as before, the NSCN will be compelled to resume its resistance to the bitter end with all the means at its disposal.

Fifty-one years have past since Angami Zapu Phizo, leading the Naga National Council, signed a declaration proclaiming Naga Independence on this very day, 14 August, and the copy of which was sent to the Government of India and the United Nations. This historic declaration is of immense value and pride for the Nagas. Had it not been rescued by this great leader our nation would have lost its existence and humiliated by the adversaries. This is a reality. We pay our highest respect to him and to those martyrs who gallantly laid down their lives for the cause of the nation.

We shall be failing in our duty if we do not express our gratitude to the UNPO, NGOs, governments and friends around the world who are solidly standing behind us in our fight for justice and national rights to self-determination. So also we praise the Hohos and all other social organisations for their co-operation in support of the ongoing peace-process.

K U K N A L I M

Sd/-

(ISAK CHISHI SWU)

It is a matter of great pride that the Nagas have successfully resisted for 50 Years against the mighty invading forces of India and Burma. And it is my firm belief that, come what may, the Nagas will relentlessly continue to resist and fight until the goal is achieved for their God-given RIGHT TO FREEDOM. There can be no room for doubt in this matter.

Come then, my beloved countrymen, you who love the Naga Nation, let us arise, for the time of harvest is nigh. The cries of the precious blood of the thousands of our dearly departed martyrs thunder ever loudly. Their extreme sacrifices will never go in vain. The flag of victory will ever flutter proudly in Nagalim because of these brave sons and daughters of the soil.

Even as I take this opportunity to wish the MIP all success in its praiseworthy endeavor, I call upon the Naga people, especially the younger generation, to hold on steadfastly to the truth of Naga nationhood and the sacrifices demanded by it.

Today it gives me great joy to learn that the Ministry of Information & Publicity, GPRN, is bringing out a Souvenir to commemorate the 50 Years of declaration of Naga Independence. It is my hope that the Souvenir will serve as a window of information for all nations and peoples of the ins and outs of the Naga people vis-ŕ-vis their right to freedom as a Nation State.

K U K N A L I M

Sd/-

(KHODAO YANTHAN)

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Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister)
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF NAGALAND

THE REALITY AND THE 50 YEARS

The world we live in is not just a world. The basis of its existence is profound. The motive force by which it was created has thus the exclusive reason to do with it. This unseen force is absolute in itself. It is not subject to a change; it is eternal. It holds all the reasons for life and existence.

But the myriad interpretations on the universe created the problems which have made the nature of the world look so complex. In the course of contradictions between forces, the politics of nations and nationalism emerged for survival and for safeguarding self-respect.

It becomes pervasive doing, at times, both the evil and the good. It is an enduring force as long as it serves the righteous cause of resisting alien domination. But nationalism is destructive if it is all for itself. It is, therefore, not the decisive factor in the long run; after all, the other historical forces in terms of philosophy, economics, politics, etc. are also indispensably in the play, shaping the course of the world.

However, one's love for his country is invincible when it is committed to the cause of saving his country for the truth he believes in. Moses was a nationalist not only for the reason that he was a Hebrew child but that, in the main, he had to save his people for the truth which he was persuaded of, viz., the promise of God.

Freedom is the most precious gift of God to mankind. But slavery is purely man-made. The choice rests upon us. It is not the will of the Maker that we make the wrong choice. Should we go the wrong way, we have to blame ourselves only. There is no point to blame God. What people have the promise of the Lord and that we have to talk of them? The people who have realized the purpose God has for them have that blessing. To doubt this significance means to remain unfounded. The reality that works behind time and eternity points to the truth that everything has meaning and purpose to fulfill.

Therefore, the basis of Nagaland's existence and the reason for the Nagas' nationalism are to be construed principally in the light of the purpose behind His will for them and the national necessity to defend it. We do not question the mystery of God's being nor do we doubt the revelation of His amazing plan. However, the initiative being in His hand, the Nagas need to intently search His will so that life and its missions might serve the purpose for which they are meant.

"Life is real"; it is not just "eat and be merry, for we die tomorrow". He who understands this truth is a power in himself. Easygoing approach is, therefore, ruled out in the realm where abiding values abound for glorification. This is the world of bitter history left behind by the thinkers and men of ambition. So, taking warning, the illusion that the mightier would do the best for us must be shattered once and for all.

The power to determine "our own to be in our hands" is first and foremost whatever might be the odds around. The painful process of the perished nations and the way of the new ones coming into existence are no more a mystery to baffle us. It is no longer the moment to point to the victors or the vanquished of the past. It is time for us to firmly hold our ground and survive the wrong world that is still left over.

The conflicts of interests and of ideological principles never cease. They spare none either. In such a world, the only non-loser is the one who stands his grounds. Passivity has no place. It is the character of the servile. We are constantly posed with the challenge to salvage the fate of our people from the catastrophe of being left adrift in the midst of the conflicts. Yet the motive force to save it is the Nagas' conviction of their ultimate worth and their preparedness to take hold of it.

How precious is the existence of Nagaland to the Nagas? How do we, the Nagas, weigh the preciousness of the reality of life? The understanding that reaches the bottom of the truth is the fountain of strength. The unconquerable power against the forces around lies here. And, whether or not one agrees, this secret of power belongs to us. God has stood by us, nay, he has hitherto won all the battles for us from then up to now. He has also softened, to a measure, the hearts of the opponents and made them admit the hard fact that the solution to the Indo-Naga issue is not in the military might but in the positive political approach.

Is it not an achievement? We think it is, by all considerations. Praise the Lord ! We are raised to the top once again. Surely, the Nagas are the strongest in their homeland. This truth is being realized, though belatedly, by all the parties to the conflict after 50 years of confrontation.

Moreover, despite the ceaseless and devious hindrances, the Nagas from all corners are converging fast to the higher understanding of the inseparable single-whole, transcending the barriers of their yesterday. This wave of national solidarity has increasingly overtaken India's notorious divide-and-rule policy. Things are now virtually beyond the Indian calculation. Even the unfortunate intelligentsia are recovering their faith in the people, reverting from the folly of reposing it in the aliens. Certainly, God is addressing the nation.

Truly, the Nagas are integrated irrevocably towards their national reality. Essential criteria for the viability of a people's existence as a nation are substantively proven: the Nagas have the confidence in themselves; they have the unfaltering faith in what are theirs. In addition, the Nagas are taking pride in the solemn realization that "they know the best to determine their own; they have the greatest love for themselves; they have the deepest concern for themselves."

Indeed, this is an irreversible force, nay, it is past the suppression of the most cruel fashion. Yes, no power on earth can stop it anymore. No matter who or when he comes, the people are prepared to face him. The truth that suppression does not decide the fate of a people is revealed beyond contention. But God's name remains to be glorified further, for the Nagas must be worthy of the sovereignty conferred on them.

The living are responsible for what the days to come should be. What kind of world are we to leave behind for posterity? This is the most sacred obligation to fulfill. Timid souls reign over any passive generation. They neither know the shame of being servile nor that of defeat. They neither know the glory of victory nor the purpose of life. Such people leave a history of humiliation for their sons and daughters to inherit. Oh, what a miserable legacy ! Heaven forbid !

To us, the honor of one's coming into life is freedom. Slavery is condemned but for freedom. Grave is also condemned but for freedom. One owns one's reality nowhere else except in freedom. Freedom is the quality of God himself. Therefore, it is the freedom of the generations yet to come that is dearest to us. It is the glory of their freedom that is more than life itself. It is freedom, and freedom again, that the future demands of us. This is the only eternal cause.

So, now, who will solve the issue that stands in the way between the Nagas and their God? It remains all too stubborn on our account. But let us remember the point that the Isrealites did not suffer destruction under the Pharoah but under God's care in the wilderness. They provoked Him to no end, despite His unfailing acts of salvation in their perilous hours. He was unhappy, and so he said, "they know not my ways."

Likewise, destruction awaits us if we forget the awesome works of redemption done to us and if we refuse to walk along the way set by our jealous God. The end is in His hand. He is our God, the Almighty. He lifts up whomever He wills; He pulls down whomever He wills. Let us, therefore, earnestly strive to do His will. Yes, every talent is called for ! This is the answer to all the problems of the 50 years.

To all friends and foes, our point of territorial concept needs to be made clear: the Creator created the universe with at least a portion therein for the little Nagas. Surely, in His fairness, He has given us our due. That is our home sweet home.

To us, there is nothing more precious than the gift of God. We believe in Him. We believe in Nagaland too. Therefore, for the Nagas there is absolutely no question of 'Greater Nagaland' or 'Smaller Nagaland' as such. It is nothing more or less than itself.

We are certainly not covetous of anything that belongs to others. We are content with what He dispensed for us, our beloved Nagaland.

K U K N A L I M

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Kilo Kilonser
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALAND

Naga Truth verses Terror Occupation

I am glad to know that the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland, is publishing a Souvenir commemorating the 50 Years of declaration of Independence of the Nagas under the British rule.

A time comes for every nation either to submit and perish or to continue to resist and live with the dignity. The Nagas is determined to decide their future by themselves. More than 250,000 patriotic Nagas had laid down their lives in defense of their beautiful land, people and rights. For the Nagas to live under the brutal military occupation of India and Burma for 50 Years is long enough.

Like any other revolution in the world, the Nagas too encountered many ups and downs in their struggle for Divine Rights to SELF-DETERMINATION. However, with God on their side, the Nagas could manage to overcome all the obstacles. We have won many battles and we are sure to win many more.

I hope that all the readers will be greatly benefited and come to know in detail about the Naga struggle for self-determination through the reading of this Souvenir. I give my appreciation to the MIP for taking up this project. And I wish the Nagas and their well wishers a happy reading.

K U K N A L I M

Sd-

(Rh. RAISING)

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Longwipu (Chief of the Army)
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, NAGA ARMY

50 Years of Loyalty to the Sacred Cause and Faith in Jehovah

I am extremely pleased to be associated with once-in-a-life-time commemoration of the 50 Years of Resistance put up by the brave children of Nagalim. I am thankful and humbled to have had a part in this endeavor.

We have suffered oppression and indignities under the Indian and Burmese colonial rule. During the last 50 years, hundreds of thousands of brave Nagas have laid down their precious lives for a cause so dear to them, namely, the DIVINE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION. Despite the untold sufferings and miseries the Naga people underwent in the hands of the ruthless Indian and Burmese armed forces, the Nagas stood firmly by their principle and refused to bow down to the diktats of these occupational forces. Never once did this oppression succeed in uprooting us from our moorings.

The Nagas are a committed lot. When it comes to the question of freedom, the Naga people, particularly the Naga Army, as ever, will continue to resist the invaders with all their might, however great or mighty they may be, until the goal is achieved. For, it is not a question of MIGHT but of RIGHT that matters. It is TRUTH that is on our side, and surely it is truth that will finally triumph.

Over the years, inspired by the spirit of courage and sacrifice, the Naga Nation has achieved a lot in various aspects of life. I have no doubt that every Naga will value and live up to the standard befitting the glowing example set by the Naga Army. The selfless efforts of the Naga Army have welded the various Naga communities not merely by the common bond of socio-cultural and religious ethos but have also inculcated a spirit of oneness and self-discipline. Let us rededicate ourselves to uphold the revolutionary values.

Surely our lives are enriched in more ways than we can express. However, we cannot boast in our own efforts; for it is God who has brought us to this point for His Praise and Glory. It is our prayer that God who has sustained us till now will continue to bless our endeavor in the coming days and years, and that each of us will be found faithful in our commitment to serve the Almighty God and His beloved country NAGALIM.

The present engages us with the continued resistance against occupational forces, and the future lies before us to be charted. The NSCN is sure of taking the Naga national boat safely to the harbor. That day is not far off when, in harmonious unison, the Nagas shall fill their charming hills and valleys with echoes of Psalm 106: "O, give thanks unto Jehovah, the Lord, for He is good; for His loving kindness endureth forever."

Even as the Naga Army congratulates the Ministry of Information & Publicity for its present undertaking, I would like to avail this opportunity to advise the Naga people to cherish the 50 Years of Resistance with a renewed pledge to follow the footsteps of our forefathers who had faithfully preserved our heritage of bravery and DEFENDED the dignity of Nagalim uncompromisingly.

Sd/-

(Major General V.S. ATEM)

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Head Chaplain
Council of Nagaland Churches
"Nagaland for Christ"
Council Headquarters

50 Years of God's continued Guidance

I send my warm wishes and greetings to all the Naga brothers and sisters in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the completion of 50 Years of Resistance since the Nagas started asserting for their right to self-determination.

During these fifty years of life under the invading forces of India and Myanmar, the human misery the Naga people underwent is beyond description. But the God who created Nagalim and her people came to our rescue and lead us through all these dark years up to this very moment whereby the Nagas are standing at the very threshold of achieving their national aspiration. Amidst the pang of hunger and thirst, death and torture, their faith in God never wavered and the struggle has continued with renewed intensity.

With the advent of Christianity the Nagas, who were once known for their headhunting and paganism, have undergone drastic change and today they exist as living examples of Christianity. At present about 97 per cent of the Nagas is Christian. And Nagalim is one country where there is no discrimination of religion. Today the Naga people, as a nation, and under the banner of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, have adopted "Nagaland for Christ" as their motto.

It is the hope of the Council of Nagaland Churches that it shall do everything within its capacities to bring the "Good News" to the spiritually starved people of the world in general and the Naga society in particular to usher in global peace and harmony. It is indeed quite encouraging that a cease-fire has been signed between the Government of India and the NSCN in 1997. It is the wish of every Naga that the ongoing political dialogue will be a successful one. The Church assures of its fervent prayer to the endeavor.

The Church remembers all the brothers and sisters who had lost their precious lives in the struggle for freedom. Even as it bows down its head, the CNC pray that God will bestow everlasting peace to these beloved children of Nagalim.

I, on behalf of the CNC, wish the Ministry of Information and Publicity a grand success for its novel endeavor in publishing this Souvenir.

May our Almighty God continue to bless our Naga Nation.

Sd/-

(Lt. T.A. RAO)

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Chairperson
NATIONAL SOCIALIST WOMEN ORGANIZATION OF NAGALAND

50 Years — A saga of love and sacrifice for the motherland

It is a unique privilege and opportunity bestowed upon the National Socialist Women Organization Of Nagaland (NSWON) to part take on this historic occasion – the commemoration of 50 Years of Resistance put up by the Nagas against the occupational forces.

Withstanding all forms of oppression and humiliation, the Nagas, with their unflinching commitment and indefatigable spirit towards their greatest cause "THE FREEDOM OF NAGALIM", have attained the present stature of honor and pride. I am indeed proud and privileged to mention that the NSWON, through its various activities, has affably contributed its mite to this commendable endeavor. To cite a few examples, many Naga women ventured to China on foot for arms and training. They took part in numerous military operations against the occupational forces of India and Burma and many supreme sacrifices were made at the altar of freedom. Also, they have been tirelessly providing medical aid to their fellow comrades and others throughout the past 50 years.

The mobilization work undertaken by the NSWON in the eastern part of Nagalim against heavy odds is worth cherishing. The spreading of Christianity through the preaching of the Good News, the ushering in of awakening in the form of education, hygiene, medication and inculcation of better way of living were by no means an easy task.

Guided by its aims and objectives, the NSWON is constantly striving to emancipate and uplift the women of the Naga society in general and the NSCN in particular. A good number of Naga women played a pioneering role in internationalizing the Naga cause. Both in army and civil administrations, they have made themselves indispensable in the smooth functioning of the Government. Surely the women have carved out a special niche for themselves in the organizational set up of the NSCN/GPRN.

Even as it reaffirms its pledge of total commitment and loyalty towards the nation and its liberation, the NSWON congratulates the MIP for taking up this task in bringing to light the 50 Years of Naga Resistance — a saga of love and sacrifice for the motherland. This noble venture deserves best wishes from one and all.

Sd/-

(Capt. KAPHUNGWON RUIVANAO)

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Email: pmuinao@hotmail.com