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OPINiON/EDITORIAL
Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 249 Dimapur, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020
Battle with viruses
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hile the world is grappling with the rampaging COVID-19 which emerged in Wuhan, China, another shocking discovery of a new virus, also first reported in China, is spreading alarm among medical authorities. The outbreak of the new virus was reported by the Chinese daily ‘Global Times’. Fever, coughing, a decline in leucocyte are the common symptoms of this virus, known as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Bunyavirus (SFTS). The virus is not new as China isolated the pathogen of the virus in 2011 which belongs to the Bunyavirus category. The report stated that, the new type of virus was likely to be passed through tick-bites, is emerging in China. The unheard of virus has already killed at least seven people and more than 60 people have been infected in early August,this year. A study on the virus was conducted by the US health body, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) which is of Chinese origin. The initial findings of NCBI stated that since the past ten years, there has been marked increase of severe fever and thrombocytopenia syndrome in East Asia. This tick-borne hemorrhagic fever presents along with clinical signs including high fever and leukopenia. The newly discovered virus was also detected with shared genetic homology in farm animals including goats, cattle, horses, and pigs. The virus is also believed to be carried by migratory wild birds that are involved with transmitting infectious diseases including influenza, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. According to NCBI, the virus, is reported to have high mortality rate of 6% and higher than 30% in immunocompromised patients. Earlier, the world experienced the 1998 outbreak of Nipah, a henipavirus with a 40–75% fatality rate. The virus was spread by flying foxes, which are among the largest bats in the world. The foxes moved close to industrial pig farms in Thailand, set in fruit orchards, when they were deprived of their usual food. The pigs that consumed the bats’ half-eaten, disease-ridden fruit showed few symptoms but passed the virus on to humans. Millions of pigs were destroyed, over 200 people died, and the disease travelled to Bangladesh and India. Another virus, H1N1 causing ‘swine flu’ led to the 2009-10 pandemic which swept around the world, killing an estimated 1,51,000–5,75,000 people in a single year. Such occurrences also indicate that the world is moving to a slow-motion pandemic caused by different and deadly viruses. Veterinarians and epidemiologists argue that an important way to reduce the risk of future pandemics is to farm more sustainably. Deadly diseases are also increasingly likely to spread from animals to humans in fast-growing cities where animals and humans are crowded together. Urbanization is likely to lead to greater populations of urban wildlife like rats, foxes, skunks and possums. MERS and COVID-19 are but two of many “zoonotic” diseases - diseases that can cross from nonhuman animals to humans - that have emerged in the past 50-odd years. And experts say it’s just a portent of what’s to come. If there is a lesson that needs to be learnt from the current COVID19 pandemic; it is to invest more for creating better and stronger health care system which would make the difference on the lives of people.
DailyDevotion “Do Not Quench the Spirit”
Do not quench the Spirit. —1 Thessalonians 5:19 The voice of the Spirit of God is as gentle as a summer breeze— so gentle that unless you are living in complete fellowship and oneness with God, you will never hear it. The sense of warning and restraint that the Spirit gives comes to us in the most amazingly gentle ways. And if you are not sensitive enough to detect His voice, you will quench it, and your spiritual life will be impaired. This sense of restraint will always come as a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), so faint that no one except a saint of God will notice it. Beware if in sharing your personal testimony you continually have to look back, saying, “Once, a number of years ago, I was saved.” If you have put your “hand to the plow” and are walking in the light, there is no “looking back”— the past is instilled into the present wonder of fellowship and oneness with God (Luke 9:62 ; also see 1 John 1:6-7). If you get out of the light, you become a sentimental Christian, and live only on your memories, and your testimony will have a hard metallic ring to it. Beware of trying to cover up your present refusal to “walk in the light” by recalling your past experiences when you did “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7). When-ever the Spirit gives you that sense of restraint, call a halt and make things right, or else you will go on quenching and grieving Him without even knowing it. Suppose God brings you to a crisis and you almost endure it, but not completely. He will engineer the crisis again, but this time some of the intensity will be lost. You will have less discernment and more humiliation at having disobeyed. If you continue to grieve His Spirit, there will come a time when that crisis cannot be repeated, because you have totally quenched Him. But if you will go on through the crisis, your life will become a hymn of praise to God. Never become attached to anything that continues to hurt God. For you to be free of it, God must be allowed to hurt whatever it may be.
Quotes
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
~ Dalai Lama
Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020
Post-mortem
74th Naga Independence Day speeches
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Brig. (Retd) S. Singnya, Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland
y dear Countrymen, It is a great privilege and a big honour to address you as the Kedahge of the NNC/FGN on this historic day, the 14th of August 2020. I greet you on behalf of all the ranks and file of the NNC/FGN. On this day in 1947, our pioneers proclaimed our historical and political rights and took the giant step to declare our freedom and independence to the world. Today, we are grateful to our Almighty God for the guidance, protection and sustenance throughout our struggle. Our ancestors lived with pride and in full freedom knowing that they are free, free as a people and as a nation. In its memorandum submitted to the British Simon Commission in 1929, the Naga Club, the first Naga organization stated its request “…to leave us alone to determine ourselves as in ancient times.” When the status of the Crown colony was offered to the Nagas, the Nagas expressed the desire to remain free but since the British Government remained silent on the Nagas’ right to self-determination at the time of its departure from the Indian sub-continent, Nagas, under the banner of Naga National Council (NNC), declared our Independence on 14th August 1947, a day ahead of India’s declaration of independence which was also made known to the UN. To augment this decision, the NNC organized the Plebiscite in 1951 wherein 99.9% voted for Naga independence. In keeping with this general will to be free, Nagas refused to take part in the first and second general elections of free India which were held respectively in 1952 and 1957. Human arguments and wisdom can never alter the fact that Nagas never wished at any point of time to be part of India. Our ancestors were honourable people and their words used to be their law. It is shameful and disgraceful to dishonour their words. The British recognized this custom and treated the Nagas as honourable people. Despite several conflicts and agreements between the two, no written document was necessitated. And so we respected each other for what each was. But when the Indian leaders made the first agreement with the Nagas, they neither honoured our customs nor their promises. We had to make a written agreement, the 9 Point Agreement (Hydari Agreement) in 1947. But even after getting written assurance
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from the representatives of the GoI, a letter signed by Bordoloi and Hydari themselves, the agreement never saw the light of day. After exhausting all options and with death threat, the NNC had no option but to go underground following the boycott of Nehru and U Nu at Kohima in 1953. Nagas did not choose the path of violence but having not other options took up arms to defend the honour and rights of the Nation. A nation is a Dream. Without a dream, a nation has no soul. Everybody dreams but only the brave and the courageous dare to pursue their dreams. There is no sacrifice greater or nobler than to selflessly give ones live in believing in a dream. We are Nagas, not by choice but by birth and destiny and Naga Nationalism in essence are a movement for restoration of our political and historical rights and not a secessionist movement as termed by our detractors. Three popular slogans inspired and instilled the spirit of Naga Nationalism. Firstly, Tax or March. There is no middle path to escape the call of the nation without becoming a traitor. It means participation in terms of either providing support or be recruited in the national service. Secondly, Ten for One, meaning ten households should support one national worker. They do not only provide cash and kinds but also do the cultivation and other related agricultural works for the one who represents the households or clan. Thirdly, Our Land is ours, the foundation of Naga nationalism. We do not covet the land of others but we would keep what is rightfully ours at all cost. Today, we have reached a very crucial juncture where our decisions and actions can either make or break our history. The making of history needs wisdom and concerted effort and should not be ruled by emotion. We cannot afford to make any mistakes. We should not be dictated by what people think is good for us but we need wisdom from God to be able to formulate what will be best for us. Our past and present must lead us to a future that is secure, prestigious and honourable. If we fail to do so, “we will all perish as fools”. The sacrifices made by those who had given their lives for what they believe to be true and honourable should also not go in vain. We must conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. After many rounds of deliberation, consultation and much
thought, the NNC/FGN decided and an entity of the NNPGs has been participating in the political dialogues with GoI since 2017, in order arrive at a political solution which is honourable and mutually acceptable. We took the decision because we believed that violence should end and that we should pave the way for peace to prevail in our beautiful homeland which though not of our making or design, has experienced so much violence and bloodshed. With the passage of time the NNC/FGN hopes that GoI is sincere in its desire and commitment to resolve the more than seven decades old political conflict, though we have not forgotten the bitter experiences with India in the past. To cite few instances, India never honoured the Hydari Agreement of 1947; India betrayed the Ceasefire Agreement of 1964; India divided the Nagas even after her promise to bring the Nagas under one political umbrella; India is not even serious about her commitments to the 16 point agreement in all important matters. Moreover, successive Indian leaders fail to uphold even the promises made to the Nagas by their most venerated leaders like Gandhi and Rajagopalachari. It is most unfortunate that even today, even after ceasefires and holding dialogues with various Naga Political Groups, harsh and unjust laws like the Disturbed Area Act and the AFSPA of 1958 continue to be extended and imposed in the Naga inhabited areas; and under the protection of these Draconian laws unlawful raids, atrocities and killing of civilians and Naga National workers continue to be perpetrated by the Indian Army. However, the Naga experiences of betrayal and treachery by the Indian leaders are educative. And as empowered as India is today, with the desire to share responsibility along with the world powers, we hope that India has become a self-respecting, trustworthy and honourable country. As we celebrate the 74th Naga Independence Day, we also celebrate with pride and fondly remember the contributions and sacrifices of the patriots who selflessly gave their lives for the Nation. I extend my appreciations to all the Naga National Workers for standing true and committed to the National Call. I warmly congratulate all the recipients of the awards and special commendations for their dedication and commitment. God bless you all and KUKNALIM. Federal Government of Nagaland
Kiumukam Yimchunger, President, NNC/GDRN (Non-Accord) y fellow Nagas,
Gen (Retd) Thinoselie M Keyho, President NNC
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y Dear Fellow Nagas, This is Oking calling! On this auspicious occasion of attaining 73 stupendous years of official Naga Independence, I offer unqualified gratitude to God, JehovahNissi, the One who fights for us. I also most solemnly salute all the patriots of this righteous struggle, both the living and more so the martyrs and related deaths. All of 73 matured years ago; on 14 August, 1947, one day ahead of India, the Nagas under the farsighted able leadership of the NNC,officially declared our eternal Independent status for all the World to know, note and reckon with, most overtly evident. Dear fellow Nagas, I most earnestly entreat you to lend me your undivided attention yet again at this sacred moment. That there absolutely is no logic whatsoever, to be asking for “independence” from India whom we had overtaken in the race by officially declaring ours ahead by one full day of 24 hours, not to speak of those nanoseconds in such hotly contested races. The biological (read political) fact of “birthing” can never be denied then, now or any other time under heaven; here, there or anywhere else for that matter. Why, then the protracted confrontation with India, armed and otherwise? Well, RECOGNITION is the crux of the matter. We had all these times been ceaselessly striving to prevail upon India to please lucidly acknowledge the inalienable rights of the Nagas and live peacefully as respectable neighbours. But instead, she chose to most atrociously do her demoniac best in opposing our God-given rights to the evil intent of nullifying them altogether. So the bitter confrontation continues well into the enlightened (?) World of the 21st century; what a crying shame. To refresh everybody’s memory: From 1946 – 1956 the Nagas pursued the righteous “non-violence, noncooperation; democratic and peaceful” path in putting across the Naga Rights to her. But since India had (has!) absolutely no rights and grounds to argue and negotiate with us; she most maliciously resorted to the barbaric policy of ‘might is right’; deploying and employing her brute bestial armed might on us with the sinister aim to savagely bully us into submission; furthering her nefarious intent all the more by actualisingthe most draconianact of invasion. Being thus irrevocably compelled, the Nagas were necessitated to set up, on March 22, 1956, the Federal Republic Government of Nagaland (FGN) and started and never stopped to confront her till date, 2020. Who in his right senses would have even imagined, much less believed that such an insignificant Nation, even more negligible than “a statistical error”(cfNation of Israel); would be able to prevail in battle against the giant of a Nation, India, mighty both in power and number, for all of these many years?! God Almighty alone in His great love, en-
abled us to cling on most perilously yet tenaciously from surrendering our profound eternal rights to the monstrous nation of India; for the magnificent deed of which I bestow all glory and honour to the miracle working Omnipotent God of History. Yours faithfully, the NNC President also extend my most sincere gratitude to all the numberless children of the Soil who have had given their very best to and for this Cause: both the death as well as the living. We have triumphedover India most convincingly in the peaceful chapter and even more so in the physical warfare arena. This is our greatest achievement. Unleashing her exceedingly great might and power, India is apparently most effective in rendering us not being able to move on nor able to raise our voices; giving the false outward impression of being madehaplesslyhelpless, fast-fettered and soundly silenced. But belying all such delusional speculations, Nagas have had actually won the moral and ethical victories in all their totality. There is no telling as to how much longer the stalemate would drag on. If it is to be much more delayed, the Nagas would continue to suffer indignation and deprivation that much longer. But her political stand and credibility would improve and increase exponentially; whereas India’s fate would continue to weaken and deteriorate at alarming rates, actual downward spiral; mark my word. Nagas have become an obstinate stumbling block, a yawning pitfall and a fatal snare for India both in the proverbial as well as in actual physical setting, in all likelihood. Until, but more so, unless India acknowledges and admits the truth, the conflict would never be amicably resolved. What then is that truth? That Nagas are not Indians and could never become so, God forbid. Nagas are different and she would most surely continue to be an Independent, Sovereign Nation – that’s the gospel truth divine. The sooner India concedes to this truth the more bearable her fate. Would she set the Nagas free and save her Nation or continue in her parochial arrogance and reap the inevitable ignominious loss for her Nation? Look at the weird moss-covered ball in her court!! One profound truth for fellow Nagas: The Eternal God Jehovah in ages past had once pronounced unto His confidant Zerubbabel, “Not by might , nor by power, but by my spirit”, saith the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6); this same axiom is being repeated to the Nagas of today. Therefore my beloved brethren, let us truthfully confess our sins and shortcomings to God the Merciful; repent from our wicked ways and turn to Him, seeking His Face for grace without delay. Nagas shall most certainly emerge victorious eventually. Let ustherefore not lose heart but instead be most eagerly awaiting the blessed Day – oh dawn on us even as we pray! Thank you all. KUKNALIM
As we commemo- rooted in self-dependen- (N-A) under the banner rate this day to honour cy, self-sufficiency and of the WC, NNPGs is a I g i v e and remember the sac- honesty. The spirit of party to the successfully thanks to our Almighty rifices of our first na- self-dependency inherent concluded political neGod for this opportunity tionalist leaders, let us in our people forms the gotiations with the Govt. and the promises He has also remind ourselves crux of our movement of India and awaits the made to the Nagas. Our of the responsibility to for self-determination formal signing of the fifuture is in His hands acquaint with the life and and we are committed to nal agreement. We must and it will be fulfilled work of our forefathers; carry on the task to our therefore, not relax this in accordance with his their spirit of patriotism, best possible extent; and effort, rather, all Nagas plan, for His words are enthusiasm and energy, God willing, till the de- must join hands in amity to facilitate the logical both faithful and trust- their buoyant youth, sired goal is achieved. worthy. their honesty, talent and The course of Na- conclusion of the Naga I pay homage to all workmanship, their self- gas’ struggle against our Peace Talks. I am confident that freedom lovers who have reliance, their unwaver- mighty neighbour and laid down their lives for ing desire for peace and her occupational forces the final outcome of the the sake of our home- co-operation with all is a history written with Agreement will not only land. Their names will peace-loving people, and the blood of thousands ensure the peaceful coforever be etched in the most of all their hospital- of martyrs and tears of existence of the two annals of Nagas’ struggle ity and cordiality, all of the bereaved. Endless entities, but also usher against the occupational these qualities are the sin- conflict without victory in a new dawn of endurforces. We salute and cere expressions of our on either side for de- ing peace, progress and honour them today and unique identity which cades proved to be a futile security in the region always will. we must try to emulate exercise. When Mega- which our people have It was on this his- at all costs. tons can be converted to persevered and longed toric day, the 14th of We must keep renew- Megawatts, rationality for, against all adversiAugust, 1947, that our ing the spirit of national- demands that confronta- ties. At this juncture, I pioneering patriots cap- ism and have complete tion should be the least tured the best moment to faith that we will achieve preferred recourse for beseech our Naga people make known to the world our goal as a free Nation the Nagas and Indians across the world for your that British connection in the comity of nations. if we are to co-exist as continuous prayer sup- Sir, port, that, permanent with Naga people did not Nation building lies in good neighbours. Coronavirus was present in the world for a long involve with the British our own diligence. Each There is no conflict peace and tranquility time. COVID-19 is the new peril. Whatever the theories Raj in India and Burma one of us in our own in the world that is be- prevail in our homeland; are, what stays constant is the unbeatable force of nature. (Myanmar). And thus personal and sovereign yond redemption if two where finally we would Man is battling with an enemy he can’t even see with it became a red letter rights should work and opposing sides concur to be proud to announce naked eyes. The absolute power in the world is nature, day in the history of contribute towards prog- sit across the table for that we have, … beaten and every time that power is challenged or endangered, our swords into plow- it will find a way to get back in control. Have you ever our Naga Nation. The ress and welfare of our deliberations. day is observed every nationhood. It is possible To d ay, w i t h t h e shares….. as foretold by heard of a battle between two species of animals causyear since 1947, though for us because we are mandate of the Nagas the Prophets in the Bible. ing pollution in nature? No. But the disastrous weapons used by humans led to major ecological downfall. in continued search for the descendants of those and as desired by our Kuknalim. Alemla Kichu, Kohima peace. people who were deeply people, NNC/GDRN NNC/GDRN (Non-Accord) Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.
Reader’s Post
Nature, a prime teacher
