Our Correspondent
Chedema | May 16
The Naga National Council (NNC) today commemorated 66th anniversary of Naga Plebiscite here at Peace Hall, Chedema.
Addressing the gathering, NNC president Adinno Phizo said every year has been a precious year for the Nagas. “Sixty-six years ago, on this same day of May 16, 1951 the Naga National Council joyfully gathered together in Kohima to give their thumb impression not to join the Indian Union. At the end of the national plebiscite, 99.9 percent of Nagas expressed their wish to be independent,” she said.
Adinno explained that the plebiscite was necessary to refute India’s claim that “only a few educated Nagas were talking about independence.” The result was an overwhelming verdict to show both India and the world the Naga stand on independence.
“Many people who took part in the plebiscite are no longer with us but we will always remember our people who saved our country,” Adinno said. At present, the NNC president observed that Naga country is in a chaotic situation because of India’s armed occupation.
“Unfortunately a few group of Nagas have been playing politics with the enemy. These people should know that Nagas are not demanding anything from India. The present situation is aggression by India and the solution would be the simple act of India withdrawing from Nagaland. Nagas are not Indians and Nagaland is not Indian Territory. This is the absolute and indisputable historical fact,” Adinno asserted.
She said for the first time in this long conflict with India, one Indian mentioned of “genocide” in Nagaland in a recent article published in the local newspapers.
“But at the same time he blamed a British missionary of having patronized Phizo and pushing Nagaland into genocide! This is a mischievous article, but he admitted “genocide” committed by the Indian army in Nagaland. The problem with India is that they see the Nagas as uncivilized. But Nagas are a matured people and that is why we continue to uphold our rights whatever the circumstances we face in these troubled times.”
She added, “The Naga people have given their best to save Nagaland. In the course of the conflict, many suffered and died in the hands of the cruel Indian armed forces. But miraculously, God has saved our small nation from a big nation like India. Even the enemy had sometimes wondered whether the Naga army of the FGN used “black magic.”
Gen (Retd) Viyalie Metha, Kedahge, FGN was also present on the occasion.
The service also witnessed exhibition and sharing of plebiscite documents. The service was led by Kolezo Chase, member, CEC, NNC.
‘Plebiscite a pillar of Naga rights and aspirations’
A Naga Plebiscite commemoration programme was held today at Khensa Peace Talk Camp, Mokokchung with Gen. Rtd. Thinosalie, President of NNC addressing the gathering after the unveiling of the memorial marking the day.
“The remarkable feature of the plebiscite was the overwhelming vote in favour of Naga Independence which still stands as a testimony of the Nagas to belong as free people,” he stated. He added that if India had any respect for democracy, “she should have respected the mandate and desire of the Nagas.” He also said that it was through the “providence of God that Nagas have managed to survive the onslaught of India.”
Thinosalie termed the Naga Plebiscite as “a pillar on which the rights and aspirations of Naga people are embedded, somewhat like a foundational pillar which cannot be undone and which cannot perish as long as heaven and earth exist.”
“Inspite of the unfulfilled dream of a free nation, Naga people still remain proud and continue to live with dignity just because of the fact that the Nagas have expressed their will sixty six years ago to live and exist as free people,” he added.
The program was chaired by Senka Ao, vice president NNC while short speeches were delivered by Zhopra Vero, FGN, R. Sunep Pongen, President OKM, and Pangertoshi, landowner.
