Yilow Humtsoe
President, Naga National Council (Parent Body)
Dear Naga people,
I give thanks to God for the privilege of once again celebrating and addressing our people, both near and far, on this Naga National Day, the 16th of May 2025, marking the 75th year of the Naga Voluntary Plebiscite. I do so in the precious name of our living God, Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Today, I boldly affirm that God has been good and merciful to the Naga people. By His grace, we continue to stand as a distinct people and nation, with our history and political rights remaining inalienable and firmly upheld.
The Plebiscite conducted in 1951, under the unified voice and leadership of the Naga National Council, marked a historic and decisive moment in the assertion of the Naga people’s national identity. It was a democratic triumph that affirmed our status as a sovereign people. This expression of our inalienable right to freedom of sovereignty must be formally recognized by the Government of India (Bharat), and by the Military Junta of Burma (Myanmar).
The Naga political problem, stemming from decades of aggression and occupation by both India (Bharat) and Burma (Myanmar), must be resolved through the peaceful withdrawal of both countries from the Naga Homeland.
We, the Naga National Council (Parent Body), urge all nations that uphold justice and human rights to formally acknowledge the sovereignty of the Naga people in its entirety, recognizing that such recognition serves the best interests of all concerned.
On this special occasion of our 75th national celebration, I would like to take the opportunity to extend my heartfelt wishes and salute all our supporters, well-wishers around the world, and our neighboring communities. As we celebrate the 75th Naga National Plebiscite Day, this day holds particular significance for the Naga people.
The NNC (Parent Body) also remembers and pays homage to the pioneers, leaders, elders, and all those who conducted, participated, and cast their votes through thumb impressions on that significant day.
On this occasion of the 75th celebration, the NNC (Parent Body) extends its deepest respect and honor to the Naga Martyrs, remembering their sacrifices, blood, and tears for the sovereignty of our Homeland.
On this special day, the NNC (Parent Body) affirms that the sovereignty of the Naga people has always been and remains the very heart and soul of our existence. The lands inhabited by the Nagas, earned through blood, represent the essence of the Naga people and are the inherent birthright of our Homeland. This is the clear and unwavering stance of any true Naga freedom fighter.
It is truly unfortunate to observe and reiterate that today, the Naga freedom fighters are deeply divided, and the Naga civil societies, including the frontal organizations, are also unaligned with each other. As such, the NNC (Parent Body) once again calls on all concerned parties to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue to foster Naga national unity based on genuine principles and the true stand of Naga freedom. This is the only path toward achieving our cherished goal.
Once again, I on behalf of the NNC (Parent Body), would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to all the people, both in the homeland and abroad, on the special and momentous occasion of our National Plebiscite Day, commemorating the 75th year on 16th May 2025.
Lastly but not the least we express our gratitude to the Naga Plebiscite Commission for organising the 75th year celebration and inviting all the National workers to celebrate together at Khuochiezie (Kohima local ground).
God Bless the Naga people and the Naga Homeland.
KUKNALIM.
