Some of the surviving 1951 Plebiscite participants attending the 75th Naga Plebiscite Day held at Khuochiezie Kohima Local Ground on May 16. (Morung Photo)
A call for unity and purpose
Morung Express News
Kohima | May 16
Hundreds of people, dressed in vibrant Naga traditional attires gathered at Khouciezie (local ground, Kohima) on May 16 to observe the 75th Naga Plebiscite Day under the banner of the Naga National Council (NNC).
The event was regarded not only as a commemoration of the past but also a call for unity and purpose towards shaping the future of the Nagas.
It saw the attendance of elders Putha Tunyi (Chakhesang Region) and Siesa Yano (Angami Region), representing a generation that lived through the 1951 Plebiscite. NNC President Adinno, daughter of A.Z. Phizo, also attended and was accorded a warm welcome by the Khiamniungan cultural troupe.
Describing Naga nationalism as unique, Villo Naleo, Convenor, Planning & Coordination Committee, said that the Naga Plebiscite Day is significant because it reiterates the stand made to the Simon Commission in 1929 and the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947.
Honouring the pioneers, he said, “Without their fervent persistence, our history, our rights and our dignity as free Naga people would have been swept away by petty governmental offers and economic packages.”
Noting with regret the opportunities that were missed, he stated that Nagas must be proud of themselves for taking a bold stand to commemorate the occasion symbolically.
While time may have taken a toll on the Naga movement, Naleo held that it does not imply defeat.
He said, “Our coming together today is a sign that we are not numb and apathetic to the crisis we are facing.”
Stating that Naga nationalism is a collective journey, he said that the responsibility now rests on how “we” carry on the responsibility adding, “Nationalism surpasses beyond self” and expressed his belief that those, who gathered today, were there for the Naga future and its political credibility.
He highlighted the need to foster a sense of belongingness. According to him, understanding a nation's history can lead to an appreciation of its positive aspects, and expressed optimism that the people would contribute to the collective welfare and help protect fellow citizens from harm and injustice.
He questioned the current trajectory of Naga nationalism and the principles established by past leaders. He further queried whether what he described as entrenched inactivity, incompetence, and a decline in intellectual and moral standards, left any room for genuine reflection and reparation.
He asserted, “We are all first Nagas and we are brothers and sisters… nothing can dilute our brotherhood,” adding the caveat that only “our indifferences” could do so.
The Naga Plebiscite Commission, in a note, acknowledged that the Naga political struggle today is characterised by deep division and discord, creating confusion, fatigue, and insecurity among the Naga people. However, the Commission affirmed that this “momentary phase” does not negate what it described as “the irrefutable historical rights and legitimacy of our political foundation.”
It stated that the story must be told “truthfully and powerfully” for posterity, and reiterated its belief in the Plebiscite's vision.
It informed that the anniversary commemoration will be marked by a year-long series of events leading to the 75th anniversary in 2026.
Highlights of today's event included honouring elders who experienced the 1951 Plebiscite, a reading of AZ Phizo’s 1951 Plebiscite speech, and cultural performances by the Chakhesang Cultural Organisation and the Khiamniungan Cultural troupe.
Rev Dr Vevo Phesao led the Reaffirmation of the Naga Declaration, while Jütakhrie presented an elegy for AZ Phizo.
