Speech of NSCN Chairman Q Tuccu on Naga Plebiscite Day

My Dear Naga Compatriots,

On this momentous and sacred day, May 16, 2026, marking the 75th anniversary of the historic Naga Plebiscite of 1951, I extend my warmest greetings and highest regards to everyone of you.

Organised by the Naga National Council (NNC) under the visionary leadership of A.Z. Phizo— who had previously declared Naga independence on August 14, 1947— this plebiscite saw a resounding 99.9% of the Naga population affix their thumbprints, unequivocally affirming their desire to remain an independent and sovereign nation, separate from the Indian Union.

This event stands as one of the finest and most defining milestones in the Naga national resistance movement to self-determination, serving as an unassailable testament in world history to the right of indigenous peoples as echoed in Article 3 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007).

The Plebiscite was no historical accident but a profound act of leadership that followed key assertions like the 1929 Naga Memorandum to the Simon Commission and the 1947 independence declaration, charting the pathway for Nagalim's future.

As we reflect on seven decades since 1951, we bow our heads in profound respect and gratitude to our pioneer leaders, brave warriors, and the thousands of martyrs who laid down their lives for the principles and beliefs of the Naga nation. The blood of those who cast their thumbprints still flows through us; we must ensure their immense sacrifices were not in vain by remaining steadfast in defending our God-given history and political identity. Despite the passage of 75 years, the rights and aspirations of the Naga people continue to be tested, with Nagalim never part of India or Myanmar by conquest or consent. We have withstood decades of oppressive policies and artificial boundaries imposed upon us.

My Dear Naga Compatriots,

The Indian security forces, while masquerading as neutral peacekeepers, are busy colluding with Kuki Narco-terrorist in dismantling Naga defensive bunkers, killing Naga civilians, burning homes and protecting the Kuki terrorists who target Naga villages by brazenly providing logistics support on land and by air. The recent attack on the three Tangkhul Naga villages (Namlee, Wanglee and Choro) by the Myanmar-based Kuki terrorist raises serious questions as to how low the Indian Security forces will stoop by allowing cross-border terrorism, inflicting untold sufferings to the Naga villagers. This blatant act of using the Kuki narco-terrorist by the Government of India as proxy is a clear violation of Ceasefire Ground Rules and the international indigenous rights laws.