With the theme of this year`s celebrations chosen as `One Culture, One People`, speaker after speaker at the formal inaugural function held at the Ukhrul headquarter playground spoke of the inevitability of Naga unification and the need to protect Nagas` unique culture and identity.

Chief guest at the function, Mani Charenamei, observed that the Naga society is engaged in a struggle for preservation of their cultural identity in the age of globalisation. He said Naga unification is a necessity if the Naga people are to preserve their identity and observed that all artificial boundaries need to be removed

While observing that unification has been the wish of the Naga people since decades back, he said lately, a new hope for unification has emerged. Every Naga holds a responsibility in this regard, not only those who are engaged in the ongoing peace talks with the Indian government, he said.

The UNC president Puni Modoli, who presided over the inaugural function, said the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was supposed to attend the festival, could not make it due to his preoccupation with the forthcoming budget session of Parliament, but has sent a goodwill message.

At his instance, the gathering also observed two minutes silence in remembrance of Naga Hoho president Horangse Sangtam, who passed away recently in Bangkok

Referring to the ongoing peace talks between the NSCN(IM) and the government of India, Modoli said that in the last nine years of the peace talks, the Indian government has not made any initiative for bringing an end to the Naga political problem, but with the latest rounds peace talks has offered new hope.

The Nagas must be prepared for any eventuality that may develop, he said, expressing his hope that an honourable solution to the Naga issue will emerge this year.

Source: Kangla Online