Heartfelt Tribute: Celebrating the 61st Bilateral Cease-Fire Day with Hope and Unity – FGN Kedahge | MorungExpress
Naga Cease-Fire Day Commemorated Amid Reflections on Historic Struggles
On the 61st Cease-Fire Day, K. Vadeo conveyed a message filled with solemn reflection rather than celebration, delving into the painful history of the Naga freedom movement. The 6th September 1964 Bi-lateral Cease-fire between the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and the Government of India (GOI) marked a significant, albeit brief, respite in ongoing conflict.
The FGN declared independence on 22nd March 1956, responding to oppressive measures by India, including military deployment and the implementation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in 1958. The Nagas resisted Indian elections in 1952 and 1957, leading to severe reprisals. Indian forces destroyed villages, herded people into camps, and installed a puppet state in Nagaland on 1st December 1963, all while sealing Nagaland from the outside world.
Amid worsening turmoil, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) proposed cease-fire talks. The 9th Naga National Assembly convened in Kütsapo village, which provided significant resources to host the assembly. This led to the historic resolution on 24th May 1964 to negotiate a cease-fire, culminating in the agreement signed on 6th September 1964. Despite six subsequent rounds of peace talks, the cease-fire collapsed in 1968 due to the perceived insincerity of the Indian government.
Vadeo highlighted the contributions of Kütsapo villagers and significant Naga leaders who established national headquarters at pivotal sites. He underscored that the 1964 Cease-fire was a recognition of Naga sovereignty, a status not to be undermined by contemporary negotiations under the Indian constitution.
Vadeo calls for an informed understanding of this pivotal history and asserts that any future dialogue must revitalize the 1964 Bi-lateral Cease-fire Agreement, emphasizing non-violence and the Naga quest for sovereignty.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/61st-bilateral-cease-fire-day-message-of-the-fgn-kedahge
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