Plebiscite a reaffirmation of Naga independence, says Tongmeth Wangnao

DIMAPUR — Stating that May 16, 1951 was a ‘red- letter day’ in the history of Naga freedom struggle, vice chairman of NSCN (IM), Tongmeth Wangnao said that the Naga Plebiscite was conducted to reaffirm the declaration of Naga independence that was announced before the world on August 14, 1947.

He said that the plebiscite was “the most powerful symbol of Naga people’s inalienable right for sovereignty” as it not only represent the virtues of being Nagas but also “ignited the flame of irreversible political identity of the Nagas as a sovereign nation.”

Addressing the programme commemorating the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 at Hebron Camp, Wangnao highlighted the ‘background story’ of the Nagas as a nation and how the declaration of independence took place in 1947 and how the plebiscite was conducted. He asserted that Nagas have existed as a free nation since time immemorial and have fiercely defended against any kind of intrusion or incursions over their sovereign right.

“The passion for political freedom and independence are intrinsically link and this had been the motivating factor that drives the Naga political movement,” he added.

He went on to stated that during the Indo-Naga political dialogue, NSCN leaders led by chief negotiator Th. Muivah spotlighted the declaration of Naga independence and Plebiscite based on solid historical foundations and ultimately, the government of India accepted the historical truths that the Nagas were in existence with sovereign Identity as a nation.

Accordingly, two agreements were signed– the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué of July 11, 2002, that recognises the unique history of the Nagas and the  Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 that recognise the bona fide status of the Nagas with sovereign rights, he maintained.

Deputy Ato Kilonser of GPRN, VS Atem also addressed the programme, stating that India is a union of states of their own volition and Nagas are under Indian forcible occupation. But no Naga can be made Indian by force nor an Indian can be made a Naga by force, Nagas have declared their nationality independents from the British rule on August 14, 1947, he maintained.

Furthermore, Atem maintained that Nagas have nothing in common with the Indians, be it in their origin, history, politics and polity, languages, customs or culture, and it was only because of the British occupation and their ‘divide and rule’ policy that Nagas are where they are now.

We are proud of the Naga national leaders of the NNC who, at the nick of time, had taken the right step at the right time, he said, referring to the Naga plebiscite.

The dream of Naga national independence did not happen with a sudden stroke in the heart of a leader, but it had remained in the DNA of the Nagas, he added.

During the commemoration, speeches were also delivered by Secretary general of Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, Neingulo Krome; General Secretary of Naga Hoho, Atoho Kiho; President of Naga Students’ Federation, Medovi Rhi; Vice President of Naga Mother’s Association, Apeuna Iheilung; Convernor of Global Naga Forum, Chuba Ozukum; President of United Naga Council Manipur, Ng. Lorho; President of Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Front, Arunachal Pradesh, Ngungtim Changmi, and Naga People’s Organisation, Myanmar, Michael Kiyarlynn.