Today marks an important day for the Naga people, so I want to extend my warmest new year’s greetings to all of our Naga brothers and sisters. The Naga are one of the many ethnic groups of Myanmar, but actually, there are more than 30 different Naga tribes, each with its unique language and customs. Therefore, it is only fitting that Naga New Year is typically celebrated over several days in the town of Lahe.

The Naga people were one of the first to begin resistance against the junta’s forces. They fought back immediately when the coup took place. They continue the fight for freedom every day as the military continues the bombardment of their homes. They are people of strong perseverance who stand against oppressors.

Typically Naga New Year is a time of celebration and communities coming together to share their hopes and dreams for the future. Today, in these dark hours of military dictatorship, all the peoples of Myanmar share a common goal of liberating our country. The murderous military regime kills indiscriminately, bribing rebel groups in India to hunt down and kill refugees fleeing from Myanmar. Even as I speak to you now, the regime is murdering people in Loikaw using tanks, helicopters, and airstrikes, and we are still mourning the 35 innocent victims of the Christmas Day massacre. Nevertheless, we all stand together, brothers and sisters, side by side, in our noble fight for democracy which we shall surely win.

Sincerely,

H.E. Dr. Sasa
Union Minister of Ministry of International Cooperation
Spoke Person of Nation Unity Government
Former Special Envoy to United Nations