A Shyerhunlo Lorin
General Secretary, UNDP
Seventy-five years ago, on May 16, 1951, the Naga people made a bold and unforgettable declaration to the world. Through a historic plebiscite organized by the Naga National Council (NNC), an overwhelming majority of Nagas expressed their desire to live as a free and independent people. That day was not just an act of political defiance, it was an assertion of our identity, our rights, and our collective will.
As we recently observe the 75th anniversary of that momentous event, I feel compelled to reflect personally not as a politician, but as a son of this land, shaped by its history, struggles, and aspirations.
The 1951 plebiscite was extraordinary in its clarity and courage. Despite the odds, our people stood firm and spoke with one voice. From the highest hills to the remotest villages, the message was clear. The Naga people wanted self-determination, not domination. They wanted freedom, not assimilation.
That spirit of unity and political clarity is something I deeply admire. In today’s fragmented landscape, where voices are often divided by factions, fear, and fatigue, the memory of the plebiscite calls us back to our roots. It reminds us that real power comes from the people and that history is shaped not only by leaders but by ordinary citizens willing to speak the truth.
But commemoration without reflection is hollow. As I look at where we stand today, I must ask, have we honoured the sacrifices of those who dared to vote with their conscience in 1951? Have we lived up to the principles of truth, unity, and justice they so fearlessly stood for?
The reality is sobering. While much has changed over the decades, many of our core issues remain unresolved. Political uncertainty, socio-economic challenges, internal divisions, and a lack of transparency continue to haunt our land. At times, it feels as though the spirit of the plebiscite has been buried beneath layers of compromise and silence.
Yet, I still believe in the resilience of the Naga people. I believe we can rise above our divisions and rediscover the unity that once made us strong. I believe our youth can reclaim the courage of 1951 not by reliving the past, but by demanding accountability, upholding justice, and leading with integrity.
This anniversary is not just a date on the calendar. It is a call to awaken. A reminder that our destiny is not written by others but shaped by us. The future of Nagaland will not be decided in faraway halls it will be built in our homes, our villages, and our hearts.
As we remember the plebiscite of 1951, let us carry forward its legacy, not with anger or bitterness, but with vision and resolve. Let us build a Nagaland where every voice is heard, every life is valued, and every dream has a place.
May the coming years bring us closer to the truth our ancestors declared and the future they believed we deserved.
God Blessed my Nagaland.
