Naga students in Delhi observe Naga Plebiscite Day

Resource speakers along with the members of Naga Students’ Union Delhi during the Naga Plebiscite Day programme on May 16.

• DIMAPUR — The Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) on May 16 commemorated the 74th anniversary of Naga Plebiscite Day during a programme held at Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi.
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• The programme was attended by members from Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) and Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) among other members of the Naga community in Delhi-NCR.
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• The programme was chaired by Lidzüsa Leriite, women coordinator of Mao Students’ Union Delhi, with Janet Riamei, president of Zeliangrong Students’ Union Delhi, as the recording secretary.
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• Speaking at the programme, Jepi Y Chisho, NSUD president, lamented on the growing disconnect between the younger generation of Nagas and the Naga political movement. He insisted that the youth must be aware of Naga political history to be able to carry forward the movement.

Also read: Speech Delivered by Chairman, National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) in Commemoration of the Naga Plebiscite Day

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• He impressed upon the audience that the commemoration programme is not merely a symbolic gesture but a meaningful and well-thought initiative meant to draw Nagas, especially the youth closer to the Naga political movement.
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• Phungkhok SA, joint secretary of Tangkhul SUD, presented a comprehensive historical overview of the Naga Plebiscite, including a detailed account of the historical context, key events and the lasting impact of the plebiscite on the Naga community.
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• Shelmi Sankhil, the first thematic speaker, gave a thought-provoking presentation, reflecting on the Plebiscite legacy and its continued impact on the Naga community. The presentation focused on how tribal identities and ultimately how the Naga identity came to be formed as a result of certain influences during the time of British occupation.
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• Highlighting the varying narrative surrounding Naga history, he further stressed on the need to critically view historical narrations.
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• The second thematic speaker, Ningreichon Tungshang, stressed on the importance of having a clear vision to ‘guide us in pursuit of our common objectives as Nagas.’ She narrated that despite being relatively less educated, the ancestors possessed clear vision of what Nagas desired, which was clearly expressed in the form of the Naga Plebiscite.
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• Expressing concern on various issues such as addiction and impiety afflicting the Naga society, she emphasised the need for all Naga individuals to turn towards Christ.
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• The programme featured a song presented by Awarthanga Chiru, music composer and singer.
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• The programme began with an opening prayer said by Albert N Hau, associate pastor of Zeme Church Delhi, and concluded with a prayer said by Inoka Muru, evangelist of Capital Christian Centre, Delhi.