The Naga Students’ Union Shillong (NSUS) and its federating units in collaboration with the well-wishers, on Monday, observed “the Naga Plebiscite Day to uphold and understand the importance and the legacy of Naga Plebiscite 1951, where 99.9% of the Nagas pledged in favour of free sovereign Naga nation,” an update from NSUS said. The day was observed under the theme, “Rekindling Our History.”
On the occasion, Professor Xavier Mao, NEHU, the resource person of the program, explained how the Naga Plebiscite gave birth to the consciousness of ‘Nagas as One’ and pitched for the unification of all the Nagas.
The Ato Kilonser of NSCN-IM, Th. Muivah echoed the message of unity and called on the youth to carry forward the cohesive spirit of the Nagas while the President of NSCN (K), General (Retd) Niki Sumi,in his virtual greeting stressed unity amongst the Nagas as the top priority in achieving the common goals.
Pinning on the objective of the program, a documentary clip on Naga Plebiscite was shared to the gathering which was followed by exhortation from Tiatemsu Longkumer, Convener, Naga Research Scholars’ Forum.
The gathering was moderated by Eno Moranthyel Saka and invocation was pronounced by Eno Kayio Basena, followed by the welcome address from the president of NSUS, Eno Imeka Z Awami. Eli Chiziinai Esther delivered the vote of thanks and concluded with a benediction said by Keveseyi Vero.
The NSUS in its press release expressed pride in how the Nagas continue to stand their ground despite “divisive political agenda and vexed socio-political issues” and hoped to “inform, instill and preserve the spirit of the glorious legacy in the soul of the younger generation” through the observation of this day.