Kohima, May 15: A controversy has erupted in Nagaland following conflicting stands taken by different organisations on celebration of A.Z. Phizo’s birth centenary tomorrow. An A.Z. Phizo Birth Centenary Committee headed by Thepf?lhouvie, who is associated with the Naga National Council (NNC) led by Phizo’s daughter Adinno Phizo, was formed a few months ago. The NSCN (I-M) had opposed the formation of the committee tooth and nail.
The Naga Hoho, which had maintained silence over the issue then, has tried to distance itself from the matter, adding to the confusion. The Hoho, in a statement signed by its president M. Vero and general secretary John Murry, said it would be unfair to promote Phizo through individual, clan, village or tribal colour. “It would degrade the noble image of the father of the nation,” the statement said.
“To organise a grand celebration, the organisers should represent the Naga people through a credible and recognised body and must be done through a consensus,” it stated.
The change in the date of birth anniversary celebrations this year has irked many organisations as well. When Phizo’s birth anniversary was observed on May 4 on earlier occasions, this year’s celebrations have been planned for tomorrow, the date of the “plebiscite” in 1951, the NSCN (I-M) alleged.
The outfit observes May 16 as “Plebiscite Day” and has cautioned the birth celebration committee against holding the centenary programme on that day, planned at the local ground in Kohima. The NSCN (I-M) said it would not allow anyone to hijack and convert the “red-letter day” into any individual’s birth anniversary celebration.
The United Naga Council, based in Senapati district of Manipur, has termed as unfortunate “the attempt by the committee to redefine Naga identity”.
Senior NSCN (I-M) leader Phunthing Shimrang refused to comment on the issue when contacted this afternoon.