The Naga National Council (NNC), marking the 71st ‘Republic Day’ of the Federal Government of Nagaland, has revisited some of the most contested chapters of Naga political history, questioning the Shillong Accord, defending AZ Phizo, and reaffirming its position on sovereignty.
In a detailed address, NNC president Thinoselie M. Keyho described the Shillong Accord as having been signed “under duress just to save the intolerable situation at that particular period of time,” while asking how long people must “wait” for a final settlement even decades later.
He also pushed back against what he called attempts to associate Phizo with the Accord, stating that “Phizo was never informed or consulted,” and termed bringing his name into the issue a “political blunder.” The assertion revisits a long-running divide over how the Accord is interpreted across Naga groups.
The speech repeatedly returned to the question of legitimacy. Referring to the 1951 plebiscite, Keyho maintained that “99.9% voted for Naga sovereignty,” and said the NNC continues to stand by that position, adding that it “can never accept the Constitution of India.”
At the same time, the address took aim without naming groups at internal divisions. Keyho remarked that “pointing fingers at one another… is not going to help anyone” and called on Nagas to “join hands and face the challenges,” even as he warned of “challenges… planned by special brains.”
There were also personal clarifications woven into the speech, including a denial of allegations that he had taken rehabilitation money, stating that he had been a “political prisoner” and not among those who had surrendered.