Kohima, August 14: Gen. Ningkhan Anthony Shimray, MCVC, Longvibu of the Naga Army, has called for unity among the Nagas irrespective of caste or tribe, stressing that the Nagas cannot afford to remain divided. He made the statement during an interaction with the Naga Journalists Union, Manipur (NJUM), ahead of the main celebration of the 79th Naga Independence Day at the Council Headquarters, Hebron.

The Naga army chief said his message was “short and precise,” noting that people often live in confusion, forgetting to ask fundamental questions about the creation and the love of God. “In the creation of heaven and earth, there is a place for all. People exist out of God’s plan. The Nagas do not exist at the mercy of any other country — our existence is part of His plan. We are proud to say we exist under the will of God,” he said.

“When it comes to our land, our forest, our future, our identity, and our history, we must stay united. When our land and our security are under threat, we must not differentiate or divide ourselves by tribe, group, or civil society. When our house is burning, everyone — from all walks of life — must come forward in one spirit to protect our land, our future, and our freedom,” he stated.

Gen. Shimray further urged that the Naga people must remain united as God created them to be one. “We may have different opinions, aspirations, and ways of thinking. But when it comes to our core principles — our freedom, our land, and the vision of Nagalim for Christ — we must be united. We cannot stay divided. That would be too dangerous. This is not merely NSCN-IM policy or politics. We are only a vanguard, an instrument to safeguard our land and future. A time will come when there will be no more NSCN. It will be replaced by the people’s voice and movement. The people are now at the forefront, and I am glad to say this is no longer just an NSCN movement; it is a people’s movement,” he said.

He added that through the power of the people, their aspirations can be fulfilled. “Even in the international sphere, it is the voice of the people — through referendum — that will decide the future. The time has come to let the people decide. I urge the Naga people to stay united in the fear and love of God, and in the love of freedom, to remain united,” the Naga army chief concluded.

*Courtesy: Ukhrul Times