On this auspicious day the NNC (NA) salute all past leaders who have sanctified their efforts in making this historic Plebiscite declared to the world that Nagas are not Indian. Men is born to die however the word / record which once made shall stay alive for millions of years and shall be handed over to generation to generation. Besides man’s memory power is limited but the written documents/ documentary proof shall never be denied nor lost it. As such the plebiscite day of 1951, 16th May is still alive and this is one of the most significant achievement in the journey of Nagas Political struggle (their thumb impression for sovereignty and to be an Independent State just as follow nations enjoys their freedom from Colonial/ Foreign Subjugation) infact the Nagas struggle for Independence has been founded when the British Imperial Power forcefully entered into free Naga Territory in 1831. Ever since the first encounter with the Britishers lakhs of lives and ocean of blood had been sacrificed for the cause of Naga Independence.
Moreover, despite use of military power and forceful entry into Naga Hills the Britishers could able to cover up small portion of western Nagaland where as the North Eastern Part of Naga territory had remained free (un-occupied or un-administered). Besides the Govt. of British India Act 1919 and the Subsequent Act passed in 1935, vividly justifies the Rights of Nagas as separate and free Nation. Apart from that, the memorandum submitted to the Sir. Simon Commission in 1929 and the powerful and authoritative declaration of NNC to the three members British cabinet Mission which stating that the Naga’s future should not be decided by any arbitrary decision of British Govt. and no recommendation in regard to Naga future will be accepted without consultation with the Nagas. Apart from that numbers of memorandums and dialogues and negotiations has been made with both Indian and British Administration so as to bring forth an amicable solution to the Indo-Naga Political Issue.
The omission of Nagas in the election of Indian Constituent Assembly members and the Nine Point Agreement made between the NNC and Govt. of India significantly justifies that the Nagas are neither Indian nor a part of any foreign Nation. Besides, many Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sir. Akbar Hydari, G.N. Bordoloi, C. Raja Gopalchari etc. had made significant statement and declared in support of Nagas Independence and the legitimacy to be sovereign nation in several occasions and acknowledged the uniqueness of Nagas that the India and Nagaland are neighboring countries. Those statements made before and after Indian Independence justifies the right of Nagas Liberty and Freedom. On the other hand the declaration of Naga Independence on 14th Aug 1947 without taking permission from any authority nor received any opposition from any foreign Nation rather than getting acknowledgement message from UNO gives the legitimacy of Nagas Independence. On top of that the voluntary Plebiscite of 16th May 1951 where 99.9% supported the right to Sovereignty and aspiration for Freedom of the Mother Land from unlawful Indian subjugation. Which is totally against the UNO resolution on Human Rights Article 15 (1), which says “Everyone has the Right to Nationality” and the UN General Assembly resolution NO. 1542(XV) that recognized the desire and aspiration for Independence as legitimate Rights of the People living under Colonial Subjugation. On the basis of those legitimate Rights the Nagas had done their Rights and declared to the World on democratic manner by holding voluntary Plebiscite on 16th May 1951. Declaring the Naga’s strong aspiration to be self determined Nation just as their Ancient Ancestors had been living from century to centuries without any outside interference until the Britishers forcefully occupied the south Western territory for their connivance of administrative and trade and commerce between Assam and Manipuri kingdom which has been already put under their control.
Therefore being the largest democratic Nation in all over the world, the Govt. of India must respect the rights of Nagas and stop subjugating the Nagas by means of violation the international Human Rights and unlawful use of Military Power over the Nagas. So that the Nagas and the Indian shall continue to remain as good and friendly neighbours. Apart from that the entire NPGs are also humble appeal to join hands together in the name of “Nagaland for Christ” and take all necessary steps together so as to bring changes and solve our long protracted political problems by forgiving and forgetting all past mistakes and begin to make a historic decision on the basis of the uniqueness of the Nagas and the legitimate Right of Nagas as Free Nation.
KUKNALIM
N. Mar Ao, Burma Camp Dimapur
