DIMAPUR, MARCH 25 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today issued a statement objecting to the polling date for the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) elections in the State, which is May 16, which also happens to be the Naga Plebiscite Day.
A press release from the MIP of the NSCN (IM) said that after the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, Naga Plebiscite was held on May 16, 1951 to “reaffirm the sovereign will and aspiration of the Nagas as declared on 14th August, 1947 to live as a free and a sovereign nation as ever.” This is an irrevocable solemn vow that defines the Naga people's political identity as a nation, it asserted.
“Nagas have history and it is the defence of Naga history that Naga political struggle started and it is the recognition of Naga political issue that 1997 Indo-Naga Ceasefire was signed between the Government of India and National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) to pave the way for political dialogue. It takes blood, sweat and tears to keep the political struggle going to defend the political identity as given by God,” the NSCN (IM) stated.
It therefore stated that the notification by the State Election Commission, Nagaland, to conduct ULB election on May 16 “is an affront to the Naga national sentiment.” “Such historic and auspicious day that made the Naga history so unique and revered should not be buried to fulfill local electoral process,” it added.
