Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

My beloved countrymen and friends of the Nagas:

First of all, I thank God, the rock of Nagalim; for it is through Him alone that we could withstand the onslaught of the enemies and reach this stage where no power on earth can pull us down now.

The Nagas declared their independence from the British imperialists on this very day fifty-three years ago, one day before India became independent.

I give my revolutionary salute to all those martyrs who have paid the price of our freedom. In fact, it is the sweat and blood of those martyrs that has strengthened and enlivened the cause of our nation. It will be a great ingratitude on our part if we do not remember them. And it will be an injustice if we forget them. The memory of their supreme sacrifices shall remain evergreen in the heart of every Naga from generation to generation.

I have the greatest love and respect for those national workers who are working with the fullest devotion and the invincible spirit of self-sacrifice. In the work of a noble cause like ours, number of workers and seniority of service and academic degrees alone do not count. It is the revolutionary spirit and the efficiency that count the most. Revolutionaries are gold medallists.

But our people have something to say against us. Many of our national workers today have become quite materialistic. This materialistic culture has demobilized our people and degenerated the organization in a big way. Unless we amend our ways and turn to the Lord and the people, we are surely heading towards the doom's day. Every national worker should bear it in mind that the NSCN is not only the harbinger of the culture of Sovereign Independent Christian Socialist Democratic Republic, but also the bearer of this high culture.

We adore our people. They are our political base and bank. Our politics begins with our people and it shall end with the people. Ours is a revolution of the people, for the people, and by the people. But you must beware of those false teachers. There is a group of people who are robbing the people in the stolen name of the people. History says that no nation has ever been saved or set free by a mob or collaborators. A revolution without revolutionaries to lead and guide becomes a drifting ship without rudders. Our nation, therefore, needs revolutionary generations that are deeply committed to the cause and are efficient enough to lead the people to freedom, justice, peace, and progress.

I, on behalf of my comrades-in-common cause and on my own behalf, humbly apologize to the people for the excesses committed by the NSCN cadres. But you should not forget that NSCN members are your bucklers and scapegoats. Had there been no NSCN at the right time and at the right place, the Naga Nation would have perished long time back.

It is crystal clear that 'divide and rule' has been the policy of the enemies. Other than unduly capitalizing the term "unity" for creating confusion, unity among the Nagas is never in the interest of the enemies and their puppets.

Unity among all the Nagas under the roof of Sovereign Independent Christian Socialist Democratic Republic of Nagalim is the prime objective of the Naga people. The stand of the NSCN should not be misconstrued. We are never opposed to unity, but since it is a political agenda, we have to have a political basis. Unity should be in the line of the people, and not otherwise. The door remains wide open for our brothers and sisters who are on the other side of the fence.

A contemptuous article like the "Bedrock of Naga Society" should not be written anymore. Anticipating its damage, I was one of the first persons to vehemently object the so-called 16-Point Agreement in 1958. It was just an MoU and not an agreement in any sense and, other than producing leeches, it has not done anything good for the Nagas.

Basing on the previously agreed terms and commitments, the NSCN and the Government of India have further extended the cease-fire for one more year. The cease-fire area coverage encompasses all the Naga areas and is not confined to the so-called 'Nagaland State' alone. The main objective of the cease-fire agreement is to fecilitate political talks aimed at bringing a lasting honorable political solution to the long drawned Indo-Naga political issue. The NSCN has been looking for a solution based on the national principle. In order to concretize the peace process, we need your continuous unwavering support.

The arrest and detention of Hon'ble Prime Minister Mr. Th. Muivah in a jail has stalled the political talks and put the peace efforts in dire straits. Since he has been mandated by the people to be the chief negotiator in our political talks with the Government of India, Mr. Muivah's participation in the peace process is indispensable. The civil societies from around the world have been appealing to the Thai government for his early release. It is our profound hope that the Thai government would consider the appeals and take a favorable step to promote the current Indo-Naga peace process in particular and the larger culture of peace around the world.

It would be unfair on our part if we do not give due credit to the Government of India and its people for the bold step they have taken vis-a-vis the current peace process. Already several rounds of talks have been held between the two parties on the basis of the mutually agreed terms; (1) Talks without condition, (2) At the Prime Ministers' level, and (3) In a third country. It is our belief that there is no problem in the world that cannot be solved through mutual trust and understanding.

I am extremely happy to convey the highest respect and regards of our people to the people of India in general and the Indian civil societies and the three former Indian Prime Ministers (Messrs Deve Gowda, V.P. Singh and Chandra Shekhar) in particular. The Nagas are by nature and culture a straightforward people, and they love and adore those who speak the truth.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the Naga civil societies for taking up the tremendous task of reaching out to the Indian masses and receiving positive response - bringing two peoples closer than ever before. Also, we are equally thankful to the churches and prayer cells for their continuous prayer support.

Lastly, the Naga people are very much indebted to the UNPO and the civil societies and the churches in Asia, Europe and Americas for giving their priceless support for the cause of peace between India and Nagalim. Their profound concern and prayer support for the Indo-Naga peace is part of their larger contribution to the cause of world peace. The Naga people shall always remain partners of those who are endeavoring to bring peace on earth.

KUKNALIM
(ISAK CHISHI SWU), Yaruiwo, Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim (GPRN)

In protest against the Occupation of India and atrocities and extra judicial executions of the innocent people and the members of the ULFA and NDFB by the Indian security forces, ULFA and NDFB have jointly called a General Strike on the 15th August 2000.

Therefore, ULFA and NDFB have called upon the people to observe and make the General Strike a success on the 15th August 2000 beginning from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, medical facilities, newspapers and flood related emergency services have been kept out of the purview of the General Strike.

Also we appeal all the fraternal organizations of the Region to protest the official celebration of India's Independence Day on the 15th August 2000.

(Arabinda Rajkhowa), Chairman, United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)
(D.R. Nabla), Chairman, National Democratic Fronto of Boroland (NDFB)

We, the Tripura People's Democratic Front (TPDF), hereby proclaim that there will be no change of our previous decisions concerning the boycott of coming India's "Independence Day" in the state.

At the outset I wish to congratulate the peoples of Tripura for the successful boycott of India's "Independence Day" last year and this year "Republic Day". These events have distinctly proved our productiveness effort, to strengthen and consolidate it at the level of the peoples of the state.

We earnestly feel that the boycott of the above mentioned events should be utilized as an opportunity to understand the problems confronting the peoples of the Tripura so as to seek their solution. The foremost among the problems is the colonial occupation of the Tripura as well as the northeast Region by the Colonial India.

As we all know the Tripura is now under the repressive colonial occupation of India thereby denying its peoples, the fundamental human rights of FREEDOM and INDEPENDENCE. For almost fifty years or so, India has been plundering our natural wealth thus denying our peoples the right to enjoy that wealth freely. As a result, the Tripura remains the most backward of the backwards. Besides, India has destroyed the original demographic structure of the Tripura by encouraging population transfer from the Indian Sub-continent. What is more, India has been using brute military force to suppress the legitimate aspirations of the peoples of the Tripura to determine our own future by ourselves. Gross violations of human rights by the Indian occupation forces have become daily happenings in most parts of the Tripura.

Under the circumstances, Compatriots, the Independence Day celebrations of India in our state is nothing but deceiving our peoples into believing the colonial occupation as "independence". Once again, we urge upon the peoples of the Tripura to liberate their minds from this deception of Indian colonial occupation and find their own bearing for genuine independence and freedom.

Therefore, we, the TPDF, have decided to conduct a campaign against the celebrations of India's major events in Tripura.

We cordially appeal all the patriotic peoples of the Tripura to successfully boycott India's "Independence Day" in the state and also appeal to all the other fraternal revolutionary organizations in the Region to fortify our campaign and strengthen the effort for unity.

Ranjit Deb Barma; President, Tripura People's Democratic Front (TPDF).

In protest against the Occupation of India and atrocities and extra judicial executions of the innocent people and the members of the MPLF, NDFB and ULFA by the Indian security forces, MPLF, NDFB and ULFA have jointly called a General Strike on the 15th August 2000.

Therefore, MPLF, NDFB and ULFA have called upon the people to observe and make the General Strike a success on the 15th August 2000 beginning from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, medical facilities, newspapers and flood related emergency services have been kept out of the purview of the General Strike.

Also we appeal all the fraternal organizations of the Region to protest the official celebration of India's Independence Day on the 15th August 2000.

Appeal jointly made by:
1.Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF)
a)People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK)
b)Revolutionary People's Front (RPF)
c)United National Liberation Front (UNLF)
2.National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB)
3.United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)

KOHIMA, August 9: The NSCN(K) today asked the people to remain indoors during the Indepndence Day celebration and warned them against indulging in acts against the Nagas, reports UNI. A release issued here by a 'deputy minister' of the banned outfit said, the Nagas determined their fate on August 14, 1947 as an independent sovereign nation, a day ahead of the Indian Republic. The Nagas should, therefore, leave August 15 to the Indians and none should get involved in it. He said the responsibility was shouldered by the NSCN which stood alone to ensure permanent settlement of the Naga problem. He said the Nagas had all along unanimously crushed the occupational India and Myanmar. The presence of Indian armed forces in Naga country is a symbolic presentation of forceful aggression, he alleged adding Nagas were never Indian and will never be. The plebiscite of 1951 had declared Nagas as sovereign. Meanwhile, an Imphal report said the NSCN(IM) has given a call to boycott Independence Day celebration. A ceasefire between the underground outfit and the Centre was enforced during the last few years, although the truce was yet to be extended to Manipur. Among the various extremist groups in the Northeast NSCN(IM) is believed to possess many sophisticated weaponry having the highest striking power. The outfit is active in Nagaland, Manipur and parts of Assam. However, none in the government attached any significance to the boycott call describing it as a routine matter. The Manipur Government has arranged functions as usual to celebrate the day and Chief Minister W Nipamacha Singh is scheduled to unfurl the national tricolour at the first Manipur Rifles ground. (UNI; The Assam Tribune; Guwahati; August 10, 2000)

IMPHAL, August 14: Following the general strike called by various underground outfits in connection with the independence day celebration, the state Government is leaving nothing to chance and security has been beefed up in the capital city. The main function will be held at the parade ground of the 1st Bn Manipur Rifles tomorrow. Speaking to The Sangai Express, the Additional DGP, C Peter said sensitive areas in Imphal and in all the entire district headquarters have been identified, and intensive patrolling are underway to ensure smooth and peaceful observance of the day. Police commandos have been pressed into service in the ultra sensitive areas, added the senior police officer. Police pickets have been set up in certain points of Imphal and in the Greater Imphal areas, he said. Security have been especially put on high alert near the Parade Ground of 1st MR where the main function will be held with Chief Minister W Nipamacha as chief guest. The function is slated to start from 9.30 am. A total of 29 contingents including schools, NCC and band parties will take part in the parade march. Five policemen will be awarded the President's police medals tomorrow. President's police medals for meritorious service are: W Meenakumar, SP, L Rajen, SI and S Kunjabihari, Havildar. President's police medals for gallantry will be given to Kh Inaobi and K Jayanta both constables. Three militant group of the Northeast - Manipur Peoples Liberation Front, United Liberation Front of Asom and national Democratic Front of Bodoland have jointly called a general strike tomorrow from 4 am to 6 pm against what they termed as occupation of India and extra judicial execution of innocent people in the region. Kuki militant outfits have also called a bandh tomorrow against the celebrations of Independence Day. (E-Pao; The Sangai Express; Imphal; August 15, 2000)