Nagaland observes 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas'

DIMAPUR — The state commemoration of ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas (Day of Constitutional Assassination)’ on Wednesday was held at the conference hall of Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, in the presence of Advisor for Art and Culture and Treasuries and Accounts, K Konngam Konyak.

The event marked the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the National Emergency in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, according to a DIPR report.

Konngam, on the occasion, said that this day marks an important moment of reflection in the nation’s constitutional history—a time to remember, learn, and reaffirm democratic values.

Also read: Akashvani, Kohima district administration sign MoU

Highlighting the event of 1975, he said that the period represents a complex chapter in India’s governance, where normal democratic processes were significantly altered. He added that during this time the country witnessed the suspension of certain fundamental rights, the imposition of press censorship, and the detention of political figures across the spectrum.

In the Nagaland context, this observance holds special significance as people deeply understand the value of both stability and liberty, Konngam said, adding that the region’s history teaches that constitutional governance must balance security concerns with the protection of fundamental freedoms.

He urged everyone to continue to uphold, protect, and cherish the constitutional democracy.

Associate professor, Department of Political Science, Kohima College, Dr. Konei Nakhro, while delivering her keynote address, questioned the relevance of the event after 50 years in today’s context.

She said that the answer lies not in nostalgia but in democratic responsibility. Dr. Nakhro added that this reflection becomes even more meaningful when attention is turned to India’s Northeast—a region of immense diversity, cultural richness, and strategic importance. However, it is also a region that has faced repeated constitutional interventions, often in response to political instability or breakdowns in governance, she added.

She reminded that democratic governance can be fragile, especially in regions facing complex social and political dynamics. Citing the recent case of the ethnic conflict in Manipur, Nakhro said that the prolonged unrest brought serious challenges—violence, displacement, and disruption to daily life.

Dr. Nakhro stated that no one surely wants to see another Emergency of 1975, for which each one, whether in administration, law enforcement, policymaking, education, or civil society, is a trustee of the Constitution.

She reminded everyone that the responsibility is not just to implement policy but to preserve the spirit of democracy, protect fundamental rights, and uphold human dignity.

Later, Konngam also inaugurated the exhibition stall set up by the Information and Public Relations Department to commemorate the day. The exhibition stall displayed photos and letters marking the occasion.

Meanwhile, district administrations across Nagaland also observed the day, themed “The Emergency of 1975: A Constitutional Turning Point”.

Kohima: In Kohima, the day was observed by the district administration in collaboration with the District Cultural Office at the DC conference hall, according to a DIPR report.

Delivering the keynote address on the occasion, Dr. Ketoukhrieü, assistant professor, Department of Political Science, Kohima College, reflected on the historical, legal, and ethical dimensions of the Emergency from an academic standpoint.

Dr. Ketoukhrieü noted that the Emergency of 1975 was triggered by political unrest and a court ruling invalidating her election. During this time, democracy was virtually suspended—freedom of speech was suppressed, and thousands were imprisoned.

She also highlighted how the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution attempted to shift the balance of power and dilute individual rights, an act many scholars interpret as an effort to “constitutionalise authoritarianism”.

She further stressed the importance of celebrating India’s diversity—not suppressing it—and called upon citizens to remain alert to any authoritarian tendencies, whether in institutions, political systems, or social norms.

She remarked that emergencies are not always declared with official orders; sometimes they creep into lives silently—through silence and indifference. She urged that the memory of 1975 should not divide people but rather strengthen their collective commitment to the soul of democracy.

Dimapur: The day was observed in Dimapur at the DC conference hall.

Dr. Amongla Jamir, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at Fazl Ali College in Mokokchung, delivering the keynote address, spoke on how the Constitution was effectively suspended, civil liberties stripped, the press silenced, and dissent crushed.

She remarked that democracies can be murdered not just with guns or tanks, but with silence, fear, and power without accountability. She described the emergency as a “constitutional coup” and a “betrayal of the people”, urging citizens to remember not only the darkness of that era but also the courage of those who resisted.

Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, also observed the day at its auditorium in the presence of students and teachers.

Monoj Bhattacharjee, principal of the school, highlighted the importance of the day and called upon the students to uphold civil liberties and the right to freedom of expression for the overall development of the nation.

Tuensang: During the observance of the day at the DC conference hall in Tuensang, DC Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa, said that the day is being observed to commemorate and honour those who opposed and fought against the injustice during the Emergency imposed by Gandhi.

She added that observing Samvidhan Hatya Diwas all over India serves as a reminder of the time when the Constitution of India was trampled upon.

Mokokchung: The programme in Mokokchung was organised by the district administration in collaboration with the District Culture Office, Mokokchung, at the DC conference hall.

Associate professor, Department of English, Fazl Ali College, Bendangsenla, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the theme, and a short speech on behalf of the district administration was delivered by Ajay Moktan, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Kato Aomi, EAC (P).

Zunheboto: A programme to commemorate Samvidhan Hatya Diwas was held at the DC conference hall in Zunheboto, during which the keynote address was delivered by assistant professor Nisana T Zhimo of Zunheboto Government College, who spoke on the importance of observing the occasion.

The programme was also addressed by Major Praveen Salotra, RO-I/C, 11 Assam Rifles, Zunheboto. He pointed out the differences between flawed democracy and full democracy and the lessons that need to be learnt from this black day in the nation’s democracy.

Meluri: The day in Meluri was observed at the DBS Court, with DC Meluri, K Mhathung Tsanglao, delivering the keynote address.

The programme included the screening of a short video clip on "The Emergency of 1975”. EAC Meluri, Pipfusa, chaired the programme, followed by the vote of thanks proposed by SDO (Civil) Meluri, Sakuchingmak. The programme was attended by all heads of offices under the Meluri district.