KOHIMA, May 17: The 75th Naga Plebiscite Day was commemorated on Friday at Khuochiezie, Kohima Local Ground in a significant event organized by the Naga National Council (NNC), in collaboration with tribal hohos, church organisations, and the Naga Plebiscite Commission. The event marked a poignant reminder of the historic May 16, 1951 Naga Plebiscite and the Naga people’s enduring aspirations for self-determination.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Villo Naleo, Convenor of the Planning and Coordination Committee, paid tribute to the surviving participants of the 1951 plebiscite, NNC leaders, tribal apex bodies, and attendees from across Nagaland. He honored the pioneers who endured displacement, imprisonment, and intimidation in their effort to preserve Naga dignity.
Citing the Bible verse Acts 17:26, Dr. Naleo affirmed a divine purpose in the Naga people’s existence and resilience, stating that no nation emerges by accident. He noted that while opportunities may have been lost due to internal divisions, nation-building remains an ongoing process that demands unity and active participation.
During the event, surviving participants of the historic 1951 Plebiscite were also honored. Among them, Putha Tunyi from the Chakhesang region and Siesa Yano from the Angami region were present and felicitated for their courage and contributions as signatories to the collective decision taken 75 years ago.
Other surviving participants, though unable to attend, were recognized and their names were listed by the commission.
The original 1951 speech delivered by A.Z. Phizo, who led the NNC during the Plebiscite, was presented at the event by a group of readers.
The reaffirmation of the Naga Declaration was marked by a mass reading and prayer led by Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao. The declaration stated:
“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.”
