Kohima: Seventy-three years ago, the Naga people made a historic decision that continues to resonate today. Few people outside Nagaland remember the significance of this day, when nearly 99.9% of Nagas gave their thumb impression for a “Sovereign Nagaland”. The plebiscite, held on May 16, 1951, was a significant moment in the Naga struggle.
It was a clear and resounding statement from the Naga people, expressing their desire to establish an independent Naga nation. However, despite the overwhelming support for sovereignty, the Indian government consistently maintained that Nagaland is an integral part of India.
Seven decades have passed since that historic vote, and while the day is still remembered by the Naga people, the question remains: Do Nagas still believe in the possibility of independence, or have they resigned themselves to being a part of India?
Under the sweltering sun at Camp Hebron on May 16, 2024, the heat was unrelenting as visitors made their way towards the NSCN-IM’s General Headquarters Church.
The high temperatures have left nearly everyone drenched before they can even step indoors. It’s almost poetic, considering the occasion is one that has made the Central Government sweat for decades: the Naga plebiscite.
Over the years, the Naga insurgency has seen numerous phases, from armed rebellion to peace negotiations. The NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah) has been at the forefront of the movement, advocating for Naga sovereignty and greater autonomy. The 2015 Framework Agreement between the Indian government and the NSCN-IM and the Agreed Position between the NNPGs and the Centre were seen as a significant step towards resolving the longstanding conflict, but a final settlement remains elusive.
At the largest Naga political group, the NSCN-IM designated camp, the dream of an independent Nagaland was very much alive. Those who attended the celebration hold onto the hope that one day, their aspirations for sovereignty will be realised.
Among the gathering were NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah, vice chairman Tongmeth Wangnao, Naga army chief Anthony Shimray, the NSCN-IM officers and cadres. Several prominent Naga tribal bodies from Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and the neighbouring country of Myanmar, as well as media representatives, were among the invitees.
Delivering the “presidential” address, Wangnao began by saying, “Let us praise the Lord for giving us the courage to commemorate together the Naga Plebiscite Day after 73 years”.
The Plebiscite Day, he recalled, was a “red letter day” in the history of the Naga freedom struggle, reaffirming the August 14, 1947, declaration of the Naga Independence day.
Under the banner of the Naga National Council (NNC) led by AZ Phizo, the 1951 plebiscite was conducted to reaffirm that the “Naga nation” did not need India.
To understand the significance of the NNC, former chief minister of Nagaland Dr SC Jamir, in his book “Naga People’s Convention and 16 point agreement”, said, “There can be no shadow of doubt or prevarication on the fact that Naga National Council (NNC), formed at Wokha in 1946, was the only empowered and truly representative institution, authorised to reflect and fulfil the genuine aspirations and political ambitions of the entire cross-section the Naga community.”
He observed that in 1951, the Naga people, cutting across tribal, clan or religious affiliations, had “wholeheartedly and enthusiastically” mandated the NNC to realise their cherished political aspiration of a “Sovereign Nagaland.”
Despite 99.9% voting for independence in 1951, cut to 2024, Nagaland remains a state within the Indian Union. The Naga population is spread across Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and even extends across the international boundary into Myanmar.
However, the 1951 plebiscite day is still seen as the “most powerful symbol of the Naga people’s inalienable right for sovereignty”. NSCN-IM’s vice chairman said the plebiscite was a moment which “ignited the flame of the irreversible political identity of the Nagas as a sovereign nation.”
He recalled that following the plebiscite, NNC delegates met then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on March 11, 1952, to convey the will of the Nagas as expressed through the plebiscite. When the Centre imposed state elections, the Nagas boycotted two general elections, one in 1952 and the other in 1957. In response, the Indian government resorted to “violence”, attacking the “human dignity of the Nagas”.
For the Naga national workers, the Plebiscite remains imprinted indelibly in the psyche of the Nagas.
A Reawakening?
Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) Secretary General Neingulo Krome, while speaking to EastMojo, acknowledged that many in the younger generation are unaware of the significance of Plebiscite Day, a mandate given by the Naga elders 73 years ago.
Krome described the commemoration of the day as a reawakening for the Naga people, who are increasingly recognising the prolonged nature of the ongoing peace talks.
He shared that there is growing concern among the Naga people about the extended duration of the peace negotiations. Some, he noted, fear that the talks might collapse.
Krome pointed a finger at the Indian government, accusing it of “keeping things under wraps” and causing delays in the Naga peace talks.
Myanmar Nagas long for unity
Speaking to EastMojo, Michael Kiyarlynn of the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) Myanmar shared the aspirations of the Naga community in Myanmar. Despite the improbability of achieving a sovereign nation, Kiyarlynn emphasised the desire of Myanmar’s Nagas to unite with their counterparts in India.
He noted that many Nagas in Myanmar are unaware of the history of the 1951 plebiscite, but feel a deep connection with the Nagas in India. “We want to be like you (Naga in Nagaland),” he said
Kiyarlynn highlighted the harsh living conditions faced by Nagas in Myanmar. “The living conditions are very, very bad, but we are thankful that we are surviving,” he said, emphasising the resilience of the community and their determination to never give up.
What Naga youths say
Isaac Charenamei, a Naga youth from Manipur, opined that Naga leaders should work rigorously and religiously based on the founding principles of the Naga political solution.
In a conversation with EastMojo, Charenamei emphasised the critical role of both leaders and the Naga populace in achieving their long-cherished political aspirations as he highlighted that the responsibility does not solely rest on the leaders.
“The onus also lies with the Naga populace to sincerely support the leaders by creating an urgency emboldening the unity of the Naga people in achieving our long-cherished political aspirations and destiny,” the Naga youth shared.
Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) president, Medovi Rhi pointed out the challenges posed by the proliferation of multiple voices, groups, and vested interests that have fragmented the Naga community, diluting its collective strength and hindering progress towards shared goals.
“For the younger generations, this fragmentation can be deeply confusing and bewildering,” he observed.
Rhi stressed the importance of setting aside differences and coming together in solidarity and unity, emphasising that the responsibility for overcoming these challenges does not rest solely on the shoulders of Naga political groups.
“Let us remember the words of wisdom from our forefathers, who understood the importance of unity in times of adversity. They stood together, shoulder to shoulder, against external forces that sought to oppress and divide us. It is our duty to honour their legacy by following in their footsteps and forging a path of unity and solidarity for future generations,” the student leader said.
What Phizo felt when he led the Plebiscite
“If Nagaland is not disturbed, our country will remain an oasis of peace in the present form of purest democracy in this corner of the world. This is what we like to see it continue,” Phizo had said when the voluntary plebiscite commenced 73 years ago.
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To him, the plebiscite was not whether Nagaland should become a part of India or not. The plebiscite served as a means to communicate the collective will of the Naga people to India and the world.
“Nagas’ stand for independence, that is, the continued existence of Nagaland as a sovereign state, is not a political challenge to India. We stand on, and try to reaffirm, our own right as a nation. We Nagas are not against Indians. We never wanted enemies. We only hope that India shall not become our enemy,” Phizo had said.
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