Naga Plebiscite Day, a day of Prayer and Thanksgiving was held today at the NBCC Convention Centre in Kohima.
Several greetings were received and pronounced at the program. Zhopra Vero Kedallo,NNC/FNG and Co-Convenor WC,NNPGs said, “Until the Naga Plebiscite of 1951, probably, no act of the Nagas can be legitimately claimed as having a real national character. It expressed in no uncertain term the deep and genuine desire of the Nagas to become citizens of a Naga nation.”
According to Vero, the historic Naga Plebiscite of 1951 reaffirmed and endorsed the earlier representative will of the Naga people expressed through the Memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 and the Declaration of Naga Independence of 14th August, 1947.
“With 99.9% voting in favour of the Naga independence, no known plebiscites for self-determination in the world, before or after, has surpassed our record. This is truly remarkable, a historic event that cannot be repeated and one that did not happen by fluke of history. The Nagas under the banner of the Naga National Council and the visionary leadership of A.Z. Phizo made it happen. A choice like the Naga plebiscite of 1951 demands sacrifice and true enough, much sweat and blood have been shed because of it. It was a costly choice we made but not a mistake nor in vain,” asserted Vero.
From this struggle, Nagas gained their collective identity as a people, viewed Vero.
The essence and impact of the Plebiscite was also highlighted where Vero asserted that it was timely demonstration of what Nagas cherish on the one hand and on the other, the capacity of making rational choices regarding their destiny.
“In today’s political jargon, it was a political statement and declaration of our aspiration. It was truly a peoples’ movement for liberation. Seventy three years down the line, even as we recall and thank God for the Plebiscite of 1951, it is also a time for us to examine where we stand today and where we are headed to. At one time, our adversaries made us stronger and helped us to bring down the dividing walls among us. But today, I doubt if we are a stronger people because of our adversaries, both from within and without. Pondering upon the multitudes of walls that divide us today, I wonder if all these contemporary challenges are a necessary indication that the time has changed and so are the political realities that come with it. I pray that we, as a people, would draw inspiration from the miracle that happened in 1951 – the Naga Plebiscite – and take corrective and pragmatic measures that will bring us together to forge our collective identity and destiny,” added Vero.
In his message, Gen Niki Sumi(Retd) President NSCN/GPRN said, “There are but few defining milestones that act as a turning point and 16th May 1951 is undoubtedly one of the finest defining moments in the Naga’s journey for self determination.”
The plebiscite was conducted with the participation of all Nagas irrespective of creed, color or tribe and bears as a unified testament to the common commitment towards sovereignty.
“It is a political legacy that we have inherited from our forefathers and also a stark reminder of the thousands of martyrs that have laid down their lives for the beliefs and principles of a Naga Nation; United under the banner of Christ. The same blood of those who voted in the plebiscite still flows in us; Therefore, we should not put the sacrifices of our forefathers to go in vain. At the least, we should be able to take an inch or a step closer to our aspiring goals,” asserted Gen Niki Sumi(Retd).
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While acknowledging the historical significance of the Plebiscite, Vilanuo Yhome, President, Naga Mothers Association (NMA) brought attention to the bloodshed, torture, trauma and the thousands of lives that has been lost.
“As mothers and sisters, Naga women have stood by our men, our fathers and brothers, whether it be in the darkest of jungles, carrying food or weapons, as we marched in the shadows of our warriors, unheard, unspoken in the records of our political history, yet faithful to the Naga cause and the dream of freedom or in our search for peace over the years, we have walked in the belief that Nagas must come together in unity, peace and reconciliation.
We remember our dear departed Leaders and comrades on this Plebiscite Day, families, sons and daughters, friends we have lost along the years of our struggle,” said Yhome.
The NMA President also appealed to the younger generation, to remember the long years of the Naga struggle and to keep the flame alive in their hearts.
“To our Leaders of the Naga Political Groups, we appeal for peace and reconciliation and a rededication to the spirit of Nagas as one people beyond all borders and manmade boundaries.
We pray that the good/God forgives our sins of the past. May this Plebiscite Day bring the Naga family together in peace and better understanding,” implored Yhome.
Y.Wangtin Naga, President NSCN/GPRN (Reformation) in his speech maintained that the only invincible legacy left by our great past leaders for the generation is political consciousness and its movement for sovereignty. “This is the mass movement that has brought the Nagas together. This political consciousness of the Naga leaders began long before the advent of British administration which could be seen in their encounter with Ahom kings when they crossed Naga territories. The same spirit of political consciousness was displayed when Britishers entered into Naga territories in 18th century,” stated Wangtin.
He also credited the unparalleled leadership of Late. A Z Phizo who led the Naga National Movement in an unconditional selfless sacrifice by alleviating the movement from domestic to international level.
Several other parties and individuals also greeted and shared their messages. The Harvest Choir Dimapur presented the ‘Nagas Without Borders’ and the Naga National Anthem. Manngai H Phom sang the ‘Kahvangei Nagalim’ (Almighty Nagalim) while the Zhaimai (Liyai) Baptist Church presented a Poumai Folk Song.
The program was earlier blessed with an invocation by Rev.Khrotso Mero. The program was organised by the FNR and supported by the Naga Political Groups, apex civil Society organisations and the church. The program was followed with benediction with prayer by the congregation.
