Naga Plebiscite Day observed in Kohima
Naga Plebiscite conducted under the aegis of the NNC on May 16, 1951, and the cornerstone of the Naga national movement, was commemorated as prayer and thanksgiving day at the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Convention Centre here on May 16, organised by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) with the support of Naga Political Groups, apex civil society organizations, and the Church.
In his speech, FNR convenor Rev Dr. Wati Aier, articulated a solemn reflection on the cohesive spirit binding the Nagas, drawn together by a shared historical legacy.
He emphasized the Nagas’ steadfast commitment to safeguarding their historical and political rights, underlining the monumental significance of the Naga Plebiscite under the aegis of the NNC under the visionary stewardship of AZ Phizo on May 16, 1951.
He said amidst challenging circumstances, the Naga Plebiscite stood as a beacon of hope, igniting a fervent longing for freedom and sovereignty. Dr.Wati underscored the resilience of the Nagas, who, despite enduring disruptions to their historical and political lives, emerged organized and united, forming a collective resolve amidst adversity.
In his speech, Zhopra Vero, co-convenor of the Working Committee/Naga National Political Groups (WC/NNPGs), echoed Aier’s sentiments, portraying the Naga Plebiscite as a profound testament to the Nagas’ authentic aspiration for citizenship in a liberated Naga nation.
He said the plebiscite, which witnessed mass participation from Nagas across ancestral lands, epitomized a collective dream for a future unshackled from fragmentation. He said the overwhelming mandate for Naga independence was reflected in the astonishing 99.9% in favour, which resonated as a historic declaration of the Nagas’ unequivocal desire for self-determination. Vero said the resounding affirmation, reaffirmed earlier expressions of Naga aspiration including the 1929 memorandum to the Simon Commission and the declaration of Naga Independence on August 14, 1947. He said these underscored the indomitable spirit of the Nagas under the leadership of then NNC president A.Z. Phizo.
Niki Sumi, president of NSCN/GPRN, in his speech, underscored the enduring legacy of sacrifice embedded within the Nagas’ struggle for freedom and urged upon coming generations to carry forward the mantle of nationhood with unwavering resolve.
Y. Wangtin Naga, president of NSCN/GPRN (Reformation), emphasized the unyielding unity of the Naga people, asserting their invincible resolve in the face of adversity. As voices from various Naga tribes and political alliances resonated in solidarity, he said the event culminated in a collective expression of faith, unity, and hope for a future marked by peace, reconciliation, and freedom.
Vilanuo Angela Yhome, president of NMA, paid homage to the courage and resilience of Naga women, who stood steadfast alongside their male counterparts in the pursuit of freedom, often in the shadows of history.
She recounted that the Naga struggle had seen much bloodshed, torture, rape,and killings, with thousands of lives, both men and women, being killed as the Nagas carried the torch for freedom that they all held so dear.
She also urged upon leaders of NPGs to pursue peace and reconciliation, rededicating themselves to the spirit of Nagas as one people beyond manmade boundaries.
Kreheto Vero from Kikruma village who voted on the plebiscite day also shared his story.
Representative from other NPGs, Naga national political alliance and others also shared their greetings. A group of people from Monsang tribe also joined the program to share their solidarity.
Harvest Choir Dimapur sang the “Nagas Without Borders” and Naga national anthem, while Manngai H Phom sang the “Kahvangei Nagalim”(Almighty Nagalim) and Zhaimai (Liyai) Baptist Church presented Poumai folk song. Earlier, the invocation prayer was delivered by Rev Khrotso Mero.
The event was followed with a mass prayer by the church leaders and congregation.
A red-letter day, says Tongmeth
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MAY 16 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) commemorated the Naga Plebiscite Day, at GHQ Church, Naga Army with its top leaders– ato kilonser Th. Muivah among those present.
Speaking on the occasion NSCN (I-M) vice-chairman Tongmeth Wangnao described May 16, 1951 a ‘red letter day’ in the history of Naga freedom struggle conducted to reaffirm the declaration of Naga Independence before the world on August 14, 1947.
He said that this was the day the when Nagas expressed themselves loud and clear with their thumb impression, with 99.9% of them voting for a sovereign Naga nation. The Naga Plebiscite was the “most powerful symbol of Naga people’s inalienable right for sovereignty” which also represent the virtues of being Nagas that ignited the flame of irreversible political identity of the Nagas as a sovereign nation, he stated.
Short speeches were also delivered by NSCN (I-M) deputy ato kilonser VS Atem, NPMHR secretary general Neingulo Krome, Naga Hoho general secretary Atoho Kiho, NSF president Medovi Rhi, NMA vice-president Apeuna Iheilung, GNF convener Chuba Ozukum, UNC Manipur president Ng Lorho, TCLPF Arunachal Pradesh president Ngungtim Changmi, and Michael Kiyarlynn of NPO, Manipur.
The programme was chaired by GPRN kilonser NL Raikham, invocation offered by CNC general secretary Rev Seksim Kasar, and welcome address delivered by Longvibu Naga Army, ‘gen.’ Ningkhan Shimray.
A special patriotic song was presented by Church Choir, GHq, Naga Army, while vote of thanks was offered by organising committee convener ‘maj.’ (retd) Hutovi Chishi, and benediction by Naga Army head chaplain, ‘col.’ PH Daniel.
NNC leaders pay tribute on Naga Plebiscite Day
Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 16 (NPN): Nagaland National Council (NNC) observed the Naga Plebiscite Day at a programme held at Peace Hall, Chedema, here on Thursday. NNC spokesperson Kolezo Chase read out a message from NNC president Adinno Phizo in which she paid tribute to both legends, those alive or passed away, who had participated in the voluntary national plebiscite. She recalled that 73 years ago on May 16, the NNC had issued a call for a voluntary national plebiscite. Adino maintained that the objective of the referendum was to reaffirm Naga people’s historical independence and ratify their unique status, established through the declaration of independence.
In his written speech, Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president Medovi Rhi underscored the enduring symbolism of the Naga Plebiscite as a testament to Naga resilience and their unwavering quest for sovereignty.
He emphasized the extraordinary unanimity displayed during the plebiscite, with a staggering 99.9% voting in favor of Naga sovereignty, urging reflection on its contemporary relevance.
Rhi acknowledged present-day challenges confronting the Naga community, including internal divisions and external pressures threatening unity and sovereignty. He condemned divisive tactics employed by external forces to exploit internal discord, urging solidarity and transcending petty conflicts.
Furthermore, Rhi addressed the confusion among youth stemming from the proliferation of voices and groups within the community. He urged leaders and elders to reaffirm their commitment to unity and perseverance, stressing that unity was a collective responsibility.
Rhi emphasized the imperative of setting aside differences and fostering solidarity, especially amidst diverse opinions and ideologies. He underscored the generational duty to uphold unity and solidarity, ensuring the Naga community remains a bastion of hope and resilience for future generations.
Giving a brief address, Kegwanye Kent, president of Rengma Regional Council, NNC, reminisced about his involvement in the momentous Plebiscite Day at Khuochiezie (local ground) Kohima. He recounted the collective determination of thousands of Nagas who endorsed the plebiscite through thumb impressions. Kent highlighted the challenges faced by NNC members in safeguarding plebiscite documents from Indian Army personnel seeking their arrest. He hailed the plebiscite as a pivotal display of Naga unity, underscoring their unanimous aspiration for national freedom.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by FGN kilo kilonser Shevohü Keyho, while Bible reading and prayer was done by KABC associate pastor Dr Imsutoshi Lemtur. Vote of thanks was proposed by NNC adviser Dziesevilie Kesiezie and a special number was presented by Rengma Baptist Church Kohima.