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05/13/2006: "Peace in Nagalim British Houses of Parliament, London, 11 May 2006"
Peace in Nagalim
Professor Timothy Kaping British Houses of Parliament, London, 11 May 2006
Respected ladies and gentlemen,
I express here the profound gratitude of the suffering Naga people to our friends for so kindly organizing this special peace conference. This program will go down in the annals of Naga history. May God bless all of you!
The Nagas participated in the two world wars. Many Nagas died in Europe and elsewhere during the World War I. In 1944 the Nagas gave maximum help to forces of democracy in defeating Japan. Field Marshal Slim says in his book Defeat into Victory: "The gallant Nagas whose loyalty, even in the most depressing times of the invasion, had never faltered. Despite floggings, torture, execution and the burning of their villages, they refused to aid the Japanese in any way or betray our troops. Their active help to us was beyond value or praise...they guided our columns, collected information, ambushed enemy patrols, carried our supplies and brought in our wounded under the heaviest fire, and then, being the gentlemen they were, often refused all payment. Many a British and Indian soldier owes his life to the Nagas, and no soldier of the 14th Army who met them will never think of them, but with admiration and affection."
The demise of Nazism, Fascism and Japanese imperialism let to the freedom of many nations and lasting peace in the world. Nagas contributed to it. Now we expect the world, especially Great Britain, to help and pray for the Naga people.
Nagas declared their independence on August 14, 1947. But India and Myanmar, who owe so much to the Nagas for their freedom, forcibly occupied Nagalim. It is indeed a sad thing to recollect that, despite the help and support the Nagas rendered to the democratic world during the two world wars, neither the United Nations nor any other democratic nations ever came to the rescue of the Nagas. It is over half a century now since the Nagas have been enduring untold miseries in the hands of the heavily-armed brutes. During this illegal occupation period, over two hundred thousand Nagas have perished; thousands tortured and maimed for life; thousands of womenfolk raped and molested; thousands of homes and churches burned; properties worth millions of pounds destroyed. It is one of the greatest crimes against humanity. Why is the world remaining a mute spectator to the atrocities committed on the innocent Nagas?
Yet, despite the occupational forces' brutality and the long negligence of the world to our plight, we successfully resisted and withstood for what is inalienably ours; that is, THE RIGHT TO DECIDE OUR FUTURE BY OURSELVES.
Owing to the eternal love and mercy of our living God, now the Nagas have succeeded in internationalizing their story and have reached a stage whereby the government of India has recognized the unique Naga history and situation. Realizing the futility of suppression, India has decided to seek a political solution through peace process. This shows the change of mindset of the Indian leaders from negative to positive. This shift in policy of the Indian government is a realistic approach to the issue, and every peace-lover should appreciate it. This time we sincerely hope that honorable peace will come to Nagalim as well as to India.
Nagas have entered the 21st century with hope and prayer. We need your support. Kindly encourage India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim to uphold utmost sincerity towards finding a true solution through peaceful means.
Long live peace!
