Amid looming uncertainty surrounding the longstanding Naga political problem, the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) marked the 73rd anniversary of the Naga Plebiscite at Camp Hebron on Thursday. In a deeply symbolic event, NSCN-IM was joined by Naga civil societies from Nagaland, Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, highlighting the unity and shared history among Naga communities across borders.
International recognition also poured in, with organizations such as UNPO, the Naga International Support Center, and the Asia Indigenous People’s Pact extending their greetings to the Nagas.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Ng. Lorho, President of the United Naga Council Manipur, emphasized that the Naga Plebiscite represents a clear assertion of Naga sovereignty. According to Lorho, GoI also betrayed the essence of the Framework Agreement by denying acknowledging a separate flag and constitution. However, he said the spirit of Nagas remains undeterred. He also observed that it needs intervention from a third party for this precarious situation.
Ngungtim Changmi, President of Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Forum (TCLPF), reiterated the history of how Naga areas were not within India. He asked how many agreements GoI will propose and urged leaders to come together, reflect on past agreements, and forge a united path forward.
“My team and I came from Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate May 16, 1951, but many are unaware of its significance,” said Changmi. Admitting that this was his first time attending, Changmi expressed belief that this would bring the Naga family together and strengthen Naga aspirations.
Michael Kiyarlynn, Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Myanmar, extended his solidarity, saying the Myanmar Nagas are with the Nagas.
General Ningkhan Shimray, MC, VC, Longvibu of the Naga Army, acknowledged that it was the first time commemorating Nagaland Plebiscite Day, May 16, 1951. According to Shimray, it would be a ‘political crime’ to forget the achievements made by the best political leaders.
Tongmeth Wangnao, Vice Chairman, NSCN-IM, delivered his presidential speech where he reiterated the unique Naga history and emphasized that the Nagas had been a free nation since time immemorial. Wangnao also elaborated on the history of Naga Plebiscite Day and its significance.
Lt. Gen VS Atem VC (Retd), Deputy Ato Kilonser, GPRN, insisted that Nagas had nothing in common with Indians since time immemorial. He highlighted the differences in race and religion between Indians, who were of Aryan and Dravidian descent and were Hindus or Muslims, and Nagas, who were of Mongoloid descent and were animists before converting to Christianity.
The Deputy Ato Kilonser criticized India’s ‘lofty and hypocritical’ statements for crushing the Nagas with brute force, such as AFSPA since 1958, while portraying itself as virtuous in the public eye.
Neingulo Krome, Secretary-General of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), acknowledged the Naga Army, stating that without them, the Nagas have nowhere to turn.
Krome also acknowledged that following the 1965 Shillong Accord, many opinions accused the government of going against the very objective of the Naga Plebiscite. It was then that NSCN carried forward and upheld the Plebiscite and the declaration of Naga Independence.
He narrated how India escalated violence following this until a ceasefire was attained on August 1, 1997. “Unlike the 1964 ceasefire, now the UN is also watching. India will not get away easily this time,” Krome said.
He reiterated that the celebration of the 74th Naga Plebiscite Day is “to salvage the costs endured during its most crucial days”.
Medovi Rhi, President of NSF, said, “It is a saga of resilience, courage, and an unyielding pursuit of sovereignty.” He lamented internal divisions and advocated for unity, adding that Nagas cannot afford internal division and external pressure.
Highlighting the confusion faced by the younger generation due to fragmentation, Rhi urged for reconciliation and emphasized the pivotal role of the women’s wing of Naga Army.
Apeuna Iveilung, Vice President of Nag Mothers Association, appealed to the younger generation to remember the long years of the Naga struggle and keep the faith. She urged for reconciliation and acknowledged the women’s Naga Army for representing the women.
Chuba Ozukum, Convenor of the Global Naga Forum (GNF), called the Plebiscite a self-defining political act. He asked why, after 73 years, they are still celebrating. According to Ozukum, it means the yearning for sovereignty still lives, that the Plebiscite has a future, and that Nagas are still determined to face the hurdles.
Ato Kilonser Th Muivah also attended the commemoration, along with his wife. All ranks and officials of NSCN-IM were also present. General Secretary of Naga Hoho Atoho Kihi also delivered a short speech.
NSCN veterans who were as old as 80 years were also present. In an interaction with a few of the veterans by MT, they said they are certain that Nagas will achieve their desired independence.
“We have now stood firmly on the soil. We just need the flowers to bloom,” said one veteran who joined the Naga Army in 1953.
Meanwhile, another veteran, who had been sent on a Goodwill mission to Manipur, said, “Today, even NNC veterans are with me. They are both NNC accordists and non-accordists. That is the goodwill mission. We have, so to say, succeeded about 60%,” said the veteran.