Kohima: The Naga National Council (NNC) and the NNC/FGN held observances on October 18 to honor Naga martyrs. The groups marked the anniversary by recalling the 1952 death of Zasibito Nagi. Nagi, who served as an assistant judge for the Angami Tribal Council Court, died in Kohima after an Assam Police officer allegedly shot him during a peaceful demonstration.
The protest aimed to reaffirm Naga independence declared on August 14, 1947. Protesters also cited the 1951 plebiscite and the rejection of the 1952 Indian general election. The NNC/FGN, led by Zhopra Vero, stated that Nagi was no simple villager. They rejected narratives that dismiss the pioneers as blind followers.
NNC General Secretary V Nagi addressed India and Myanmar. He called on both nations to officially recognize Naga sovereignty and withdraw their presence. He claimed the two countries illegally divided the Naga homeland in 1953 without consent. V Nagi argued that such recognition is essential for regional peace. He stated, "Nagaland deserved its rightful place among the nations of the world in accordance with the aspirations of its people."
The movement claims a history spanning nearly a century. It began with a 1929 memorandum to the British Simon Commission. Later, the 1935 Government of India Act classified Naga Hills as an excluded area. The NNC/FGN criticized the 1963 creation of Nagaland state as a grave political error. They argued it forced a departure from the district autonomy originally planned under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Both organizations urged the public to remain committed to the original national principles. They called for unity among those supporting the collective cause. The NNC/FGN insists that Naga nationhood is a conviction defended by generations. The groups believe the martyrs' sacrifice will eventually lead to the fulfillment of their national goals.
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