Naga Plebiscite at 75: NNC reaffirms opposition to Indian Constitution, The Naga Rising seeks common voice

On the 75th anniversary of the Naga Plebiscite Day, the Naga National Council (NNC) and The Naga Rising issued separate messages reaffirming the historical significance of the 1951 plebiscite and called on all Nagas to unite under a common cause for sovereignty and reconciliation.

In a statement issued, NNC President Thepushuyi Keyho recalled the 1951 voluntary plebiscite, where 99% of Nagas reportedly voted in favour of independence. “The NNC will never accept to live under the Indian Constitution nor acknowledge any agreement to accept it,” he said, reaffirming the Council’s long-held position on Naga sovereignty.

The 1951 Naga Plebiscite, organized by the NNC under the leadership of AZ Phizo, was a landmark event where Nagas exercised what the NNC terms their “right to self-determination.” The Council continues to regard this act as the foundation of the Naga national movement.

Calling for unity across divisions, the NNC urged Nagas “to come into one accord” and remember the sacrifices of early leaders who envisioned a sovereign Naga homeland.

Separately, The Naga Rising welcomed the initiative of the Naga Plebiscite Commission to “collectively mark” the 75th anniversary, calling it “a wonderful opportunity for Nagas to reason and unite under one flag.”

Acknowledging the divisions in the Naga political landscape, The Naga Rising said, “We must realize we are all in this for the same cause. The Naga National Movement can no longer remain divided.”

MT