KOHIMA, May 12: The Naga National Council (NNC) will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Naga Plebiscite Day on May 16, 2025, at Khucochiezhie (Kohima Local Ground) at 10:00 AM, the Naga Plebiscite Commission has announced. This significant event will mark the historic plebiscite held in 1951, under the leadership of A.Z. Phizo, in which the Naga people exercised their democratic right through thumb impressions, with 99.9 percent voting in favor of independence.
The NNC has described the plebiscite as “the finest democratic expression of the collective political will exercised by the Naga people,” a defining moment that showcased the Nagas’ political consciousness and their determination to organize themselves as a people and a nation. The result was an unambiguous endorsement of the NNC’s Declaration of Naga Independence, made on August 14, 1947. The plebiscite’s outcome was also consistent with the political stance taken by the Naga Club in 1929 when it presented a memorandum to the Simon Commission stating, “leave us alone to determine ourselves as in ancient times.”
Reflecting on the struggles since the 1950s, the Commission highlighted the enduring resilience of the Naga people in the face of brutalities and atrocities. “Nagas have experienced unimaginable atrocities and brutality when external forces struck the nascent Naga nation on its soil. Nagas were persecuted, but they could neither be crushed nor destroyed,” the statement read. Despite the hardships, the NNC emphasized the strength and unity of the Naga people throughout history.
The NNC also acknowledged the current division and discord within the Naga political landscape, acknowledging that the prevailing situation has caused confusion and insecurity among the Naga people. However, they reiterated that this does not diminish the historical legitimacy of the Naga struggle. “We accept that the Naga political struggle today is characterized by deep division and discord. However, this momentary phase does not take away the irrefutable historical right and legitimacy of our political foundation,” the statement affirmed.
The Naga Plebiscite Commission further stated that this commemoration would not be a one-time event, but a year-long series of activities leading up to the 75th Anniversary Year in 2026. The celebration is designed to bring all Nagas together, reaffirming their commitment to the mandate of the 1951 Plebiscite. The Commission expressed its support for this unity, stating, “This year’s commemoration will be a year-long event with various activities planned leading to the 75th Anniversary Year in 2026.”
The NNC also called upon the younger generation to take an active role in preserving and nurturing the Naga story. “We entrust the young people to step up and nurture our story handed-down to us with all your hearts, minds, strengths, and resources to ensure that the baton of our birthright, heritage, and indelible living history is passed on to our children for our tomorrow,” the Commission urged.
The event on May 16, 2025, is supported by the Planning and Coordination Committee, consisting of various Naga public organizations tasked with organizing this historical occasion. The NNC reaffirms its faith in the vision of the plebiscite, asserting that the Naga people will continue their journey with strength and resolve. “Together, we remain strong,” the statement concluded.
