NNC/FGN observes 70th Naga Plebiscite Day

NNC president Adinno Phizo speaking on the occasion of 70th Naga Plebiscite Day at TCP, Kohima on May 16.

Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 16

The Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland on May 16 observed the 70th Naga Plebiscite Day at Transit Peace Camp, Kohima.

Speaking on the occasion, NNC President Adinno Phizo said “Every year as we commemorate this historic day, it is an occasion to observe with utmost respect and reflect on the significance and the important step taken by the Nagas of the day at the right time. “

She said that the occasion is also to draw strength and inspiration to move forward, “to remind us of the herculean task in organizing and conducting this voluntary Naga Plebiscite led by the leaders of the NNC beginning 16 May, 1951 on the issue of whether to join the Union of India or to remain in our age-old independence.”

The result of the Plebiscite was overwhelmingly in favour to remain independent, Phizo stated, while adding that “This verdict is not erasable and is a sacred pledge given by the Nagas for one nation and for one Nagaland, which the present generation and coming generations must cherish and uphold at all cost and at all time.”

Looking back at the history of the Nagas from time immemorial, she said, our forefathers never surrendered our land to foreigners and had passed on that legacy to the present generation.

Prior to the aggression of India on Nagaland, she said that the Nagas staunchly resisted the incursion of the British from 1832 to 1879, where intermittent wars were fought here and there in the Naga country. The last battle was fought at Khonoma on November 22, 1879, and having seen the resilience and determination of the Nagas, they entered into a verbal peace agreement with the Nagas on March 27, 1880 at Mezoma, Phizo said.

In a way, she said, it is regretted that due to Coronavirus pandemic we are not able to celebrate the day in a grand manner as we used to in the past years. And yet, we should be thankful to God that we are protected from this dreaded disease.

“In this difficult and trying time of pandemic we are all learning important lessons of discipline, self-reliance and community living as a people. Let us continue to pray that we are shielded from this disease and it is removed from the face of the earth,” she said.

FGN president Gen. (Rtd) Viyalie Metha also exhorted the gathering.
The programme was led by FGN Kilo Kilonser Shevolu Keyho.