The NSCN (IM) on Saturday commemorated the 75th anniversary of the historic Naga Plebiscite of 1951, reaffirming the Naga people’s political rights and sovereignty while accusing the Government of India of failing to honour its commitments under the Framework Agreement.
In a message on the occasion, NSCN (IM) Chairman, Q Tuccu described the May 16, 1951 plebiscite as a defining moment in Naga history, stating that 99.9 percent of the Naga population had affirmed their desire to remain an independent and sovereign nation, separate from the Indian Union.
He said the plebiscite, organised under the leadership of AZ Phizo and preceded by the declaration of Naga independence on August 14, 1947, remains an “unassailable testament” to the rights of indigenous people as echoed in Article 3 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007)
“The Plebiscite was no historical accident but a profound act of leadership that followed key assertions like the 1929 Nag a Memorandum to the Simon Commission and the 1947 independence declaration, charting the pathway for Nagalim’s future,” he said.
Paying tribute to pioneer leaders, freedom fighters and martyrs of the Naga movement, Tuccu said their sacrifices must not be forgotten and urged Nagas to remain steadfast in defending their political identity and history.
“Despite the passage of 75 years, the rights and aspirations of the Naga people continue to be tested, with Nagalim never part of India or Myanmar by conquest or consent. We have withstood decades of oppressive policies and artificial boundaries imposed up on us,” Tuccu said.
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The NSCN (IM) chairman alleged that Indian security forces were colluding with “Kuki narco-terrorists” and accused them of dismantling Naga defensive bunkers, supporting attacks on Naga civilians, burning homes and protecting the Kuki terrorists and violating ceasefire ground rules.
He specifically referred to recent attacks on Tangkhul Naga villages (Namlee, Wanglee and Choro), claiming that the incidents reflected the Government of India’s use of Kuki militants as proxies against the Nagas.
Tuccu further accused the Government of India of betraying the promises made under the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, saying the agreement envisioned recognition of Naga uniqueness and rights but had not been fully implemented.
“Our political consciousness and sovereignty movement remain invincible legacies; we stand resolute for an honourable solution affirming our unique history and rights,” Tuccu said and warned Nagas against accepting “economic packages at the expense of sovereignty”.
Calling for unity and reconciliation among Nagas, Tuccu urged the people to transcend divisions and work towards building a stronger Naga family. He also encouraged the younger generation to draw inspiration from the 1951 plebiscite.
