The 75th Naga Plebiscite Day was commemorated today at Khuochiezie, Kohima Local Ground. The celebration has been organised by the Naga National Council (NNC), in collaboration with tribal hohos, church organisations and the Naga Plebiscite Commission.
The commemoration served as a significant reminder of the May 16, 1951 Naga Plebiscite and the Naga people’s aspirations for self determination.
Delivering the welcome address at the 75th Naga Plebiscite Day, Dr Villo Naleo, Convenor of the Planning and Coordination Committee, paid tribute to the surviving 1951 plebiscite participants, NNC leaders, tribal apex bodies, and attendees from across Nagaland. The pioneers who endured displacement, imprisonment, and intimidation to preserve Naga dignity were also honored.
Referring to the Bible verse Acts 17:26, Naleo affirmed a divine purpose in the Naga people’s presence and resilience, stating that no nation emerges by accident.
While opportunities were lost due to internal divisions, Naleo noted that nation-building is an ongoing process requiring unity and active participation. The gathering reflected enduring relevance and resistance, he remarked. The Convenor also urged for deliberations on whether present divisions align with the founding vision. “Naga identity transcends borders and must be upheld through unity and shared purpose,” said Naleo.
The surviving participants of the 1951 Plebiscite were also honored during the event. Putha Tunyi from the Chakhesang region and Siesa Yano from the Angami region were the only two present. They were felicitated for their courage and contribution as signatories to the Naga people’s collective decision taken 75 years ago.
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Although unable to attend, surviving participants whose names were listed by the commission included: Sümatho Nyusou, Rhietsütho Nyuwi, Khathiepa Nyusou, Сhürütho Nyuthe, Lüsipa Phoji, Кajirhü Kajiri, Zusietho Tsuori, Rasütho Nyuwi, Rasutho Nyusou, Rukhepa Nyuwi, Khazhipa Nyusou, Rüguozelie Chakrüno, T. Imchen, Nerünyo Puro, Kavamu Kezo, Alemchiba Waromung, and Kürethi Vero, among others.
The 1951 speech by A.Z. Phizo, who led NNC during the Plebiscite, was presented during the event by a group of readers: Rev. Tsolie Chase, Nibano V. Swüro, Imrongkumla, Khruhucho Rhakho, Chuti Semy, Thohrii Khapi, Kevino Savino, Düjuvi Nyuwi, Kivipu H. Jimomi, Tevino Kere and Lumrito Khipur.
The reaffirmation of the Naga Declaration, mass reading and prayer was led by Rev Dr Vevo Phesao. The declaration read:
“On this historic day, we reaffirm Naga unity and our collective position as a free nation. We proclaim to uphold the mandate of Naga plebiscite of may 16,1951 for independence and sovereignty of our distinct nation. We reiterate our unwavering stand on the founding NNC principles under one institution with one vision. We remember and accord our fullest honour, respect and recognition to our visionary pioneers and national workers who sacrificed their lives for our collective dream. We solemnly declare to nurture our story and ensure that the baton of our birthright, heritage and indelible living history is passed on to our children. We acknowledge that god is with us and guiding us in the making of our history and our nation. Therefore, let us reason together. So help us God. Kuknalim.”
During the commemoration, prayer and scripture reading was conducted by Rev Dr Visor H Zeliang, while Union Baptist Church Kohima led the congregation in singing the Naga National Anthem. An elegy on AZ Phizo, originally written by Methaneilie Jütakhrie, was performed by Dethosilie Sorhie, while a folk song was presented by the Chakhesang Cultural Organisation and the Khiamniungan Cultural Group pressnted e a cultural performance. The vote of thanks was proposed by the Naga Plebiscite Commission-Dr Toshinaro Longchar, while Rev Fr Mhabemo Lotha pronounced the benediction.
