Dimapur: The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) commemorated the 73rd anniversary of the Naga Plebiscite on Thursday, emphasizing its significance as a powerful symbol of the Naga people’s unwavering demand for sovereignty.
The Naga Plebiscite of 1951 remains a pivotal moment in the Naga people’s struggle for sovereignty, according to the NSCN (IM). “May 16, 1951, was a red-letter day in the history of Naga freedom struggle when the Naga plebiscite was conducted to reaffirm the declaration of Naga Independence that was announced before the world on 14th August 1947,” stated NSCN (IM) Vice Chairman Tongmeth Wangnao in his presidential speech at the commemoration program held at Camp Hebron.
Wangnao highlighted that “It was the day the Nagas portrayed themselves loud and clear with their thumb impressions, in which 99.9% of the Nagas voted for a sovereign Naga nation.” He stressed that the plebiscite not only represents the virtues of being Nagas but also “ignited the flame of irreversible political identity of the Nagas as a sovereign nation.”
Deputy Ato Kilonser VS Atem also addressed the gathering, mentioning that Mahatma Gandhi understood and supported the Nagas’ “right to remain independent” if they did not want to join the Indian union. “But unfortunately, Gandhi did not survive long enough to help the Nagas and see them live a dignified life in their own vision and express will as an independent nation,” he said.
The commemoration underscored the enduring spirit and political aspirations of the Naga people as they continue to seek recognition of their sovereignty.
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