Proliferation of multiple voices has fragmented our community: NSF

May 17, 2024 10 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 17

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) vice president, Mteisuding today said that the Naga plebiscite of 1951 marked a pivotal moment in Naga history, where the question of “Naga Sovereignty” was put to the test.

“Through this momentous plebiscite, the Naga people spoke with a unified voice by voting 99.9% in favour of Naga sovereignty, sending a powerful message to the world about our collective desire for sovereignty,” Mteisuding remarked while speaking at the Naga Plebiscite Day at Chedema Peace Hall, organised by Naga National Council (NNC).

Stating that the Naga plebiscite of yesteryears symbolized “our collective” desire for sovereignty, he maintained “It was a momentous occasion that embodied the hopes and aspirations of our people.”

“Yet, as we stand here today, we find ourselves grappling with internal divisions and external pressures that threaten to undermine our unity and dilute our purpose,” he said.

We are compelled to reflect not only on the significance of this historic event but also on the challenges that we continue to face in our pursuit of sovereignty. One such challenge is the enduring policy of “divide and rule” employed by external forces, he said.
“This divisive policy has sown seeds of exploiting internal divisions and rivalries by pitting us against each other, seeking to weaken our resolve and thwart our aspirations for sovereignty,” Mteisuding stated.

Mteisuding lamented that the proliferation of multiple voices, groups and vested interests has fragmented “our community, diluting our collective strength and hindering our progress towards our shared goals.”

For the younger generations, this fragmentation can be deeply confusing and bewildering, he said while urging the leaders and elders to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of unity, integrity, and perseverance.

“However, as we approach this crucial juncture, let us remember that the responsibility does not solely rest on the shoulders of the Naga political groups. It is a joint responsibility shared by all members of our community, including civil society organizations (CSOs) and every individual who calls themselves Naga. In the face of differing opinions and ideologies, let us not forget that we are bound together by a common identity and a shared history,” he said.

He, therefore, deemed imperative that “we set aside our differences and come together as one, standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity and unity.”

Let us also remain vigilant against any forces that seek to divide us or undermine the integrity of the plebiscite. Our unity is our greatest strength, and only by standing together can we overcome the challenges that lie ahead, he added.