Dignitaries during the NNC 75th Naga Plebiscite Day at
Khuochiezie on Friday. (EM Images)
KOHIMA — Seventy-five
years after the historic Naga Plebiscite, people from diverse backgrounds
gathered at the iconic Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) on Friday to
commemorate the event and reaffirm the Naga people’s unity and aspiration for a
‘free nation.’
The Naga National Council (NNC), led by then-president
Angami Zapu Phizo, had conducted the original plebiscite on May 16, 1951, at the
same venue, with citizens expressing their will through thumb impressions. The
NNC later claimed that 99.9% voted for Naga sovereignty.
Marking the 75th anniversary, current NNC president and
daughter of AZ Phizo, Adino Phizo, was in attendance. The event also honoured
two surviving participants of the 1951 Plebiscite—Putha Tunyi from the
Chakhesang region and Siesa Yano from the Angami region.
The central part of the programme included a reaffirmation
of the Naga Declaration and a shared reading of AZ Phizo’s original 1951
Plebiscite speech. The reading was carried out by a diverse group of
participants, including Tsolie Chase, Neibano V Swüro, Imrongkumla, Khruhucho
Rhakho, Chuti Semy, Thorhii, Khapi, Kevino Savino, Düjuvi Nyuwi, Kivipu H
Jimomi, Tevino Kere, and Lumrito Khipur.
Adino Phizo, NNC President and daughter of Zapu Phizo,
attending the 75th Naga Plebiscite Day. (EM Images)
An elegy on the death of Zapu Phizo was performed by
Jütakhrie.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Villo Naleo, convenor of the
Planning and Coordination Committee, the organiser of the occasion, said the
Naga Plebiscite Day is significant because it reiterates the stand that Nagas
made to the Simon Commission in 1929 and the declaration of Naga independence
on August 14, 1947.
He said that Nagas must recognise the enormous challenges
the pioneers have faced in the past and give due recognition to the leaders for
taking a firm stand in chaotic times.
Over the years there have been “unhealthy contentions and
self-righteous attitudes” that have splintered the common interest, but that
doesn’t mean Nagas are defeated, he added.
Naleo pointed out that Naga nationalism is a collective
journey and the onus now is on how Nagas carry on this great responsibility. It
is time for the Nagas to ask what has gone wrong with nationalism and the
foundations that leaders have laid down, he said.
“We need to ask ourselves whether the entrenched nature of
our inactivity, incompetence and intellectual and moral turpitude leave any
scope at all for reflection and reparation. For so long, we have amplified our
aspirations in various forms, but our voices have been silenced by bullets and
bayonets, by ballots and bills, by bottles and bucks.
“Nevertheless, our faith, our dignity and our spirits cannot
be silenced by any force in this world. We are all first Nagas, and we are
brothers and sisters by blood. Blood is thicker than water; nothing can dilute
our brotherhood, if not for our indifferences,” he added.
Putha Tunyi and Siesa Yano, surviving participants of the
1951 Plebiscite. (EM Images)
Naleo also spoke about the internal divisions within the
Naga political aspirations. He noted the fragmentation between groups that
support the Framework Agreement, those aligned with the Agreed Position, and
the NNC factions that remain outside the peace process with the government of
India.
“These are issues we must confront,” he said. “We need to
gear up, garner our patriotism, and move forward with the right perspective.”
Khiamniungan Cultural Group performing during the event. (EM Images)
Meanwhile, the Naga Plebiscite Commission issued a statement
explaining that it was formed with the blessings of NNC elders and leaders. The
commission stated that it was established to collectively mark the historic
event and renew the spirit of unity and democratic principles upon which the
1951 plebiscite was built.
“The commission stands on the founding NNC principles of the
1940s and ’50s, when all Nagas stood united under one institution with one
vision,” the statement read.
Khiamniungan Cultural Group entering holding AZ Phizo’s
portrait. (EM Images)
It informed that the commemoration will be a year-long event
with various activities planned leading to the 75th anniversary in 2026.
“We repose full faith in the leadership of the Naga public
organisations and trust every Naga, the old and the young, to join the
celebration in the spirit of the occasion.
“We entrust young people to step up and nurture our story
handed down to us with all our hearts, minds, strengths, and resources at our
disposal to ensure that the baton of our birthright, heritage and indelible
living history is passed on to our children for our tomorrow,” the statement
read.
The Union Baptist Church Kohima performed the Naga National
Anthem, while Khiamniungan Cultural Group and Chakhesang Cultural Organisation
presented cultural performances.
