Here is speech of Naga National Council (NNC) Parent Body Vice President Helimong Yimkhiung on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Plebiscite Day.
Share
Dear Naga people,
It is an honour to address the Naga people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Naga National Voluntary Plebiscite Day. I extend my warm greetings to all Nagas in our homeland and across the world as we commemorate and reaffirm our inalienable right to freedom and sovereignty.
Today, I pay profound tribute to the pioneers, leaders, and the people of the Naga Hills Excluded Areas who conducted the historic voluntary plebiscite on 16 May 1951. During this democratic exercise, 99.9 per cent of the Naga people voted in favour of asserting their identity as a separate and independent nation, distinct from India. Through this overwhelming mandate, the Nagas collectively expressed their political will before the world and demonstrated their aspiration to live as a sovereign people and nation.
With deep humility and respect, I honour all those who made sacrifices for the Naga national movement and the cause of our freedom. Their courage, vision, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire future generations.
On this historic occasion, I appeal to all Nagas, both at home and abroad to stand united and committed in safeguarding our democratic and political rights. Only through unity, understanding, and collective determination can we move forward towards achieving our rightful recognition and lasting political solution.
The Naga people must now rise above differences and stand together without hesitation in addressing the urgent and important matter of our political future and sovereign rights.
I reiterate that the Naga National Council (NNC) has consistently pursued the Naga political issue through democratic and political means. The Naga nation has repeatedly conveyed to the world community, and particularly to the Governments of India and Myanmar, that the Nagas are a sovereign people deserving recognition. Such recognition is essential not only for the Nagas, but also for lasting peace, stability, and development across the South-East Asian region after decades of political conflict and unrest.
Let us work towards building genuine peace, progress, and development for the entire region, in fulfilment of the aspirations of our people and especially the younger generation.
In regard to Naga national unity, the initiatives undertaken by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation and the 34 tribal bodies and hohos must be sincerely pursued in the spirit of the resolutions adopted at Ungma Village in the Ao region and Zunheboto in the Sumi region, for the greater interest and future of the Naga people as a whole.
We remain fully committed to Naga national unity in the pursuit of peace, dignity, and sovereignty.
As we observe the present global situation, significant political changes are taking place around the world. In many ways, these developments are increasingly drawing attention towards the North-East region and the unresolved Naga political issue.
At a time when democratic principles are being questioned across many parts of the world, it has become increasingly important for the international community to play a constructive role in facilitating peaceful political solutions to long-standing issues, including the Naga political issue and the wider concerns of the North-East region.
I also make an earnest appeal to the people of the North-East, especially Naga youth, to remain cautious while seeking opportunities outside the region, as incidents of discrimination, violence, harassment, and insecurity against North-East communities continue to occur in various parts of India. At the same time, our own region possesses immense potential, resources, and opportunities for growth and self-reliance.
Therefore, the Naga National Council calls upon all people of the North-East to stand together in unity and solidarity for the collective future, dignity, and well-being of our region.
The peoples of the North-East are distinct yet deeply connected through shared histories, cultures, social values, faith, and political destiny. We are bound together by geography and by history in this God-given land, and we must continue to live together in peace, mutual respect, and unity for generations to come.
Let us, therefore, come together, stand together, and move forward together with one voice, one vision, and one destiny for peace, justice, dignity, and freedom in our region.
Kuknalim.