Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 16
THE 63rd anniversary of the Naga Plebiscite Day was observed at the Peace Camp, Chedema by the NNC/FGN.
In her message, Naga National Council (NNC) president, Adinno Phizo, while conveying her greetings to the people on the occasion, asserted that the Nagas are not Indians and Nagaland is not Indian territory. Talking about why referendum was necessary in 1951, she stated “because India presumed they could control Nagas easily.” This was why, she said, AZ Phizo, the then president of the NNC, organized the people to have a plebiscite so that the people can show voluntarily whether to continue to stay independent or to join India. “The result was 99.9% to stay independent; not to join India and by tradition the Nagas take oath seriously,” Adinno said.
The NNC president also reminisced how India “invaded Nagaland in 1954” and how the Nagas fought to defend their country with sheer determination. She made a mention of the ceasefire agreement between the Indian government and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) in 1964 initiated by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, then how the former abrogated the ceasefire agreement in 1972 without resolving the conflict. Stating that the conflict with India was not caused by the Nagas, Adinno clearly conveyed the message that the Nagas are not demanding anything from India and Nagas are not the belligerent party but “victim of aggression.”
She also stated in her message that the Nagas are not fighting for political power but “to save the country from foreign domination”.
“That modern India should understand best because she too was against foreign domination for a long time and got her freedom only in 1947,” she asserted. She observed that a semblance of normal life could be restored in Nagaland today through the perseverance of the people who stood against “the evil tide of destruction by the enemy”. For this, she stated the people should remember those who did not live to see what the people have today. “We must trust God in all we do,” she added.
FGN Tatar Hoho Speaker, Lhouvitsü, who delivered a brief speech at the occasion, reminded the gathering that the plebiscite was not imposed on anyone but it was the pioneer leaders who had voluntarily given their thumb impressions. He said the primary aim and objective of the plebiscite was to demonstrate that Naga people were one and a unique people. While pointing out that it was initially agreed upon to stand as one, he lamented that today the Nagas are split into different groups, even in the NNC. He, therefore, called upon all to introspect and reaffirm to unite. There should not be any “buts” in this, he said, further calling upon all to look at the nation’s appearance, instead of one another’s appearances.
Social activist and writer, Kaka D Iralu also highlighted on the meaning to the plebiscite and said the two most important aspects are that we are Nagas- we are one, and our land is ours (Urra Uvie). He made a reference to the book of John and talked about keeping God’s commandments and said the people have to introspect whether we are standing on God’s word. He also lamented why the people are not talking about “our nation” and our political matter anymore.
The social activist also reiterated his belief in the book of Acts 17:26 and said if the people keep praying, they will achieve their goal. Our land was made and given to us by God, and “we are only asserting our rights”, he said.
Others who spoke included former bureaucrat, T Solo and FGN Kedallo, I Temjenba. Earlier, the message of NNC president, Adinno Phizo was read out by NNC secretary, L Kaiso. A host of NNC/FGN officials from different regions of Nagaland attended the programme.
NAGA National Council (NNC), under the leadership of Z Royim Yimchungrü, and V Nagi, has celebrated the 63rd anniversary of the Naga Plebiscite on May 16 in Angami Region, Lotha Region, Rengma Region, Ao Region, Yimchungrii Region, and Union Territories etc.
In Lotha Region, the official function was held at Lotha Tribal Council Hall where a speech was delivered by the Lotha Regional Council president, Yilow Humtsoe, and others while reaffirming the May 16, 1951 Plebiscite.
In Ao Region, Ashkong Sub-Regional Region has celebrated the significance of the occasion with the presence of prominent leaders like Gen. (Retd) Merentoba, Capt. Subong, Executive Council member Mejinshilu etc.
In Rengma Region, the region president Shwehilo and others spoke on the occasion with prayer to God Almighty, while in Yimchungrii Region, the region president Kiumukam and others observed the Day with prayer to God and in Union Territory-1, chairman Hukai spoke on the occasion and held the celebration with prayer to God.
In Angami Region, the speech was delivered by its general secretary V Nagi and other official members including Rovikeso, Silhubiu, and Maj. Akrol etc.
