Ukhrul: The Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD), commemorated Naga Plebiscite Day on Thursday at the Indian Social Institute (ISI), Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
Jepi Y Chisho, General Secretary of NSUD, who chaired the program, lamented that the younger generation of Nagas has become distant from the Naga political cause and has forgotten the great sacrifices made by our predecessors towards the collective cause. He expressed hope that the commemorative program would serve as an impetus towards rekindling the flame of Naga consciousness among the younger generation of Nagas.
The program began with an invocation prayer by Rev. Kadimna Gangmei, Pastor, Gospel of Grace Church, Delhi.
Yaorei Horam, outgoing President of NSUD, in his welcome address, called upon the members to remain wary that the commemoration of Naga Plebiscite Day should not become merely ritualistic but should represent a commitment to the ideals and aspirations that the historic Naga Plebiscite represented. He spoke of the crucial need for Nagas to unite and build bridges to foster understanding and collaboration. Stressing diversity among the various Naga tribes, he stated that diversity should be our strength, rather than a divisive force.
Dr. Isaac Inkah, Co-convenor of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights Delhi Sector, delivered a statement from the office of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR). In its statement, the NPMHR recounted that the then President of the Naga National Council (NNC) launched the Naga plebiscite on 16 May 1951, declaring that “the only way to live in peace is to live apart”. The Plebiscite of 1951 served as a demonstration to India and the world that the Nagas are united in their aspiration to live as independent people.
The statement further emphasized that “to subdue the Naga political aspiration, the Government of India responded violently using its military machinery and adopting tactics such as psychological warfare by pitting the Nagas against Nagas both within the political movement and the general Naga public, only to realize that it was a futile attempt to crush a “people’s movement” militarily”.
Prof. Yaruingam Awungshi, University of Delhi, highlighted that “the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 is one of the most significant events in the history of the Naga Political movement”. And despite the unspeakable atrocities committed against the Nagas by the Indian army, the Naga spirit persevered and grew stronger. Suggesting the way forward, he impressed upon the need for a mass movement. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s political approach of inculcating the spirit of nationalism at village levels in his fight for Indian independence, he stressed the need to undertake intensive mass sensitization programs through discourses and dialogues. He called on the Naga Students’ Union Delhi and the Naga Students’ Federation to take the initiative.
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Er. Hutovi Yeptho stated, “it is a testament of God’s wisdom that our forebears and the leaders of the past and the present have taken steps and actions required at any given time.” He reminded the audience that the Naga Plebiscite of 1951 did not emerge out of thin air but was borne out of rigorous deliberations, discussions, and prayers, and that this historic achievement does not belong to only a section of people but to all the Nagas as a whole. He impressed upon the Nagas the need to sincerely forgive, reconcile, and repent and sincerely pursue justice by adhering to the motto “Nagaland for Christ”.
A special prayer in commemoration of Naga Plebiscite Day was led by Rev. Dr. Avi Sophie, Golden Gate Christian Revival Church, Delhi.
Artists Ring Dangsha, Shel Dawn, and Dziipani enthralled the audience with their melodious musical performances.
Former leaders of NSUD, federating units of NSUD, Delhi-based frontal Naga organizations and students’ unions, leaders of various Naga churches in Delhi, and Naga elders in Delhi attended the event.
The commemorative program concluded with a prayer for the Naga people and its movement by Hepuni Kayina, Sr. Pastor, Mao Baptist Church Delhi.
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