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10/28/2006: "ADDRESS OF MR. ISAK CHISHI SWU, CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL SOCIALIST COUNCIL OF NAGALIM AT UNPO GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TAIPEI, TAIWAN. Dated: 28th Oct. 2006."

ADDRESS OF MR. ISAK CHISHI SWU, CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL SOCIALIST COUNCIL OF NAGALIM AT UNPO GENERAL ASSEMBLY, TAIPEI, TAIWAN.
Dated: 28th Oct. 2006.


Hon’ble Goran Hansson, Chairman UNPO General Assembly, Mr. Marino Busdachin, General Secretary, UNPO, Our gracious hosts Taiwan Foundation for Democracy and the Taiwanese people in general, fellow delegates from unrepresented Nations and peoples, friends, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor and a great privilege for me to stand before this august assembly on behalf of my people. I bring greetings to you from Nagalim, the homeland of the Nagas.

Honorable members, after the Second World War, the yoke of Colonialism was broken and as the world heaved a sigh of relief from the Great War, Nagas were caught mercilessly in a sword of neo-colonialism. Regrettably the violation and strangulation of the universal declaration of human rights as envisaged in the UN charter went on unnoticed by world community. After waging a silent but brutal conflict over half a century, The Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) signed a truce on 31st August 1997, since then we have been briefing regularly the progress of the talks to the UNPO.

The last round of negotiations was held at Amsterdam on 17th and 18th Oct. 2006. Nagas have realized that interdependence has replaced independence in the geo-political landscape of today. We have therefore proposed for a special federal relationship between India and Nagalim, which would clearly be defined under the terms of the political agreement. We have also outlined the basis of a relationship between India and Nagalim; It would be two entities inseparable yet not one within the other. Nagas have done much in the past nine years of peace process to move closer to India as possible. Anything below this would tantamount to political tragedy for our people and betrayal to our nation.

Honorable chairman, the negotiations between the Government of India and the NSCN has entered a critical juncture if not a stalemate. We have come to understand that the Government of India may not be sincere to our proposal. We, therefore, pray that a third party intervention endorsed by the UN through the initiation of the UNPO be undertaken. We trust that the UNPO will take all necessary steps in lobbying for our case in the United Nations and other international arenas. We have been suppressed, our rights have been denied and our voices drowned long enough yet we see the present time as the most opportune one to seek the attention of international organizations to play a more active role in the Indo-Naga issue.




Mr. Chairman, the Government of India must prove to the world community that she is indeed the world’s largest democracy which respects political, historical and cultural rights of oppressed nations and peoples around the world. We have the confidence in the present Indian leadership that neither the bane of party politics nor constitutional intricacies will hamper their correct judgment. A just and honorable solution to the Naga problem would usher in peace in the entire region; equally bringing an end to one of the world’s longest running conflicts.

The UNPO has been the guiding light to all suppressed nations, peoples and ethnic minorities. Its active participation in helping resolve conflicts around the world and representing the unrepresented in political forums and human right platforms as well as dealing with social, cultural, environmental concerns is praiseworthy. This has given a new impetus and hope to the millions. More so, its influence in the international community allows its members to voice their grievances and be heard in the broader spectrum. The dedication and the determination of the men and women at UNPO Secretariat headed by its Secretary General are appreciated.

Honorable Chairman, may we be reminded today that the very existence of small nations and peoples; their history, political right, culture, society, environment etc. is being threatened more than ever for economic and technological pursuits of the big and wealthy. I plead that they not be abandoned to their fate or allow the feet of the strong and mighty to trample upon. The principle idea of democracy, freedom and the right to self determination cannot effort to have double meanings. self determination of peoples and nations; their cry for justice and political identity must be differentiated from the howl of terrorists. For those who profess justice and equality in the world, the voice of the suppressed nations and peoples must be valued regardless of size or geographical location.

I would also like to take this opportunity to share the opinion that the ethnic groups and peoples who seek to apply for the UNPO membership be given serious consideration, particularly to those seeking observer statuses. Deserving peoples and nations must be given a chance to participate in this platform to view their political, historical social, cultural and economic issues.

Once again, I appeal to the conscience of international community to ensure that honorable and acceptable solution recognizing historical and political right of the Nagas is reached. We wish to participate and contribute to humanity and world peace as a responsible entity. I find no greater platform than this august assembly to witness on behalf of my people and also on behalf of the oppressed peoples and Nations of the world.


Thank you and God bless you all!