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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Highlighting the varying narrative surrounding Naga history,
he further stressed on the need to critically view historical narrations.
- 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.
- 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.
- The programme featured a song presented by Awarthanga Chiru,
music composer and singer.
- 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.
