I send my warmest greetings to our people as Nagaland commemorate the 64th Anniversary of Naga Independence Day on 14 August.
By the grace of God, despite the prevailing semblance of normalcy, the people of Nagaland today proudly identify themselves as Naga society belonging to Naga nation. Modern Nagaland has confounded the world on account of the Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) unflinching stand against enemy bully regardless of the unremitting Indian occupation army militarised tyranny in Nagaland since 1954.
Adinno Phizo on 64th Anniversary (1947-2011) of Naga I-Day
On this Independence Day, together let us calmly reflect on being a Naga today, Naga people in political and juridical context, why in conflict with India, the prevailing state of affairs, and the challenges ahead.
Being a Naga today: In today's Connected Age, what goes on in the world can be seen instantly and impact opinion. Many Naga people raises being a Naga today need clarity of understanding. In other words, not who is a Naga but from a perspective of Nagaland as well as Naga inhabited area (NIA). Until NNC was founded in 1946 as the central organisation of the erstwhile "Naga Hills District Excluded Area", the word 'Naga' hitherto served as an adopted generic description of a distinct ethnic group invariably native of a self-governing Village. Then in the aftermath of the Second World War, not to miss a momentous moment of shaping future political map in Asia, Naga sagacious representatives led by A Z Phizo persuaded Naga Regions/Tribes to join and share a common destiny and declared to the world that Nagaland will stay independent in August 1947. Subsequently, under the aegis of NNC, the historic Naga voluntary plebiscite held on 16 May 1951 overwhelmingly (99+%) opted for a single Naga national identity and affirmed to uphold Nagaland independence. Meanwhile, NNC reached agreement with the former Free Nagas in the East for an organic integration and established the Federal Government of Nagaland on 22 March 1956.
However, by a quirk of history, a large proportion of Naga people in NIA remain stranded under the administration of post-colonial India and Burma (Myanmar), respectively.
Thus being a Naga and belonging to Naga nation couldn't have been the same.
Naga people in political and juridical context: Firstly, the people of Nagaland and Naga people of NIA may share a common ancestry but in political context, modern Nagaland is a sovereign nation-state represented by NNC and FGN, and enshrined in the Yehzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland, whereas NIA political status is yet to be determined by mutual consensus. And secondly, in juridical context, the sovereign jurisdiction of Naga nation rest with FGN and NNC retain executive independence on foreign relations, treaty and agreement.
Why in conflict with India: from ancient time, Nagaland never shared a common history with India, including during the British India Empire. Nevertheless, before the British imperialist departed, to ensure good understanding for the future, Naga representatives had a series of meetings with Indian leaders in Delhi and in Shillong, Assam. But after a Hindu zealot assassinated the Father of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi, even though both countries by now independent, India continued to make every effort to persuade NNC leaders to join the fledgling Union of India. Before India officially became a nation, NNC informed the world "the Nagas don't accept Indian Constitution" on 24 January 1950. Thereafter, despite India's strenuous attempt to rope in, the people of Nagaland refused to participate in a foreign First Indian General Election in 1952. From then on India resorted to discredit NNC by any means and brazenly interfered in the affairs of Nagaland.
Incredibly, the Government of India (GoI) clandestinely escalated an undeclared war against Nagaland in 1954. The Naga people will never forget Indian army brutality that had caused the death of over 100,000 Naga civilians, including children, women and senior citizens. In spite of the sufferings and hardships, the indomitable Naga people have weathered the very dark days stoically with hardly any support or help from others.
In the midst of an intense war involving 10 Divisions of the Indian army against Naga Home Guards supported by every Village, at the initiative of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), an international Peace Mission brought about the GoI to enter into an international Cease-fire Agreement with FGN in 1964. Apart from Nagaland. the said Agreement was seen as a catalyst to political awakening of NIA especially those who live under the Indian state of Manipur. Subsequently, GoI unilaterally abrogated the Cease-fire Agreement in August 1972 and "declared" NNC and FGN as "illegal organisations" along with indefinitely placed every village in Nagaland under siege to cut off public support for NNC and FGN.
During 1975 'President Rule' in India, also known as Indian 'Emergency' in order to alleviate the horrendous plight of civilians in the villages, NBCC sponsored Nagaland Peace Council (NPC) succeeded to get Indian 'Emergency' officials and Naga representatives to reach a non-political 'Administrative Agreement'. It was signed by the Governor of Assam, on behalf of India, and non-status Five named Nagas, on behalf of "Underground Organisations", in November 1975. Significantly, in the construction of the entire text of the said agreement, the 'word' Naga and Nagaland were not INSERT IGNOREed in a single instance, that left no one in doubt that political commitment was never intended. In pursuance of the agreement, the Indian army lifted the inhuman siege of villages and hundreds of Naga war prisoners in various Indian jails were set free. Moreover, to the great relief of the people a semblance of normal life was restored in the country. On their part, to serve its own agenda India proclaimed it as "Shillong accord".
Post-'Emergency ' rule, the then Indian Prime Minister, Morarji Desai had a meeting with NNC President, A Z Phizo , on 14 June 1977 in London. He contemptuously said, "I will exterminate all the Naga rebels. There will be no mercy."
Citing "Shillong accord" as its bogeyman the so-called NSCN came about in 1980. What led to the renegade outfit destructive path could not have been more bizarre. It decided that FGN had caved in to accept Indian Constitution on the basis of hearing from the Indian state controlled 'All India Radio' enemy propaganda claiming India to have reached an "accord" with the Nagas during Indian 'Emergency' rule in November 1975. After the bloody massacre of their former comrade-in-arms, it broke away from NNC and FGN and since then targeted the two establishments as its Number One enemy. While wandering in political wilderness over the years the renegade outfit whose sectarian ring leaders could easily be identified as native of a particular NIA in the Indian state of Manipur, were responsible for the dastardly killing of many national workers and over two thousand Naga civilians.
The fundamental stand of Nagaland always has been no nation has a right to trample over the freedom of another nation. Nagaland conflict with India has never been a "political problem" as often expressed by GoI to cover up the real issue of Indian aggression. The fair and honourable solution is Quit Nagaland.
The people of Nagaland have many things to catch up and are ready to play a constructive role among the comity of nations.
The prevailing state of affairs: I applaud our resilient people for their indefatigable support particularly while the imposed paralysis of normal function of our national government, most Naga people have undauntedly shown civic responsibility in incredibly challenging time to ensure discipline and traditional harmony.
In common with other societies, Naga society is no different considering the habit of bickering and squabbling. However, post-1980 Naga society came across a pernicious alien culture of ranting, carping, intolerance, and intimidation, clearly to suit its sectarian agenda on the basis of mendacious nonsense. And yet a section of muddled educated young people and clergymen could be seen flirting along unconcern. Naga society needs to remain vigilant and discerning to stay in the right path.
Nothing can justify dissident renegades willing to sell future Naga nation freedom to another nation. It is a very grave matter and undoubtedly evil.
The challenge ahead: NNC and FGN are responsible for Nagaland, be it foreign affairs or national affairs. I have every confidence in the good sense of our people to look forward to a free and a happy Nagaland.
Nagaland stands ready for whatever the challenge and welcome any independent international fact finding mission whatever ploy GoI resort to deflect growing international scrutiny on its first and protracted foreign invasion against Nagaland. There can be no glory for India to prolong the illegal occupation of Nagaland.
By the grace of God, despite the prevailing semblance of normalcy, the people of Nagaland today proudly identify themselves as Naga society belonging to Naga nation. Modern Nagaland has confounded the world on account of the Naga National Council (NNC) and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) unflinching stand against enemy bully regardless of the unremitting Indian occupation army militarised tyranny in Nagaland since 1954.
Adinno Phizo on 64th Anniversary (1947-2011) of Naga I-Day
On this Independence Day, together let us calmly reflect on being a Naga today, Naga people in political and juridical context, why in conflict with India, the prevailing state of affairs, and the challenges ahead.
Being a Naga today: In today's Connected Age, what goes on in the world can be seen instantly and impact opinion. Many Naga people raises being a Naga today need clarity of understanding. In other words, not who is a Naga but from a perspective of Nagaland as well as Naga inhabited area (NIA). Until NNC was founded in 1946 as the central organisation of the erstwhile "Naga Hills District Excluded Area", the word 'Naga' hitherto served as an adopted generic description of a distinct ethnic group invariably native of a self-governing Village. Then in the aftermath of the Second World War, not to miss a momentous moment of shaping future political map in Asia, Naga sagacious representatives led by A Z Phizo persuaded Naga Regions/Tribes to join and share a common destiny and declared to the world that Nagaland will stay independent in August 1947. Subsequently, under the aegis of NNC, the historic Naga voluntary plebiscite held on 16 May 1951 overwhelmingly (99+%) opted for a single Naga national identity and affirmed to uphold Nagaland independence. Meanwhile, NNC reached agreement with the former Free Nagas in the East for an organic integration and established the Federal Government of Nagaland on 22 March 1956.
However, by a quirk of history, a large proportion of Naga people in NIA remain stranded under the administration of post-colonial India and Burma (Myanmar), respectively.
Thus being a Naga and belonging to Naga nation couldn't have been the same.
Naga people in political and juridical context: Firstly, the people of Nagaland and Naga people of NIA may share a common ancestry but in political context, modern Nagaland is a sovereign nation-state represented by NNC and FGN, and enshrined in the Yehzabo (Constitution) of Nagaland, whereas NIA political status is yet to be determined by mutual consensus. And secondly, in juridical context, the sovereign jurisdiction of Naga nation rest with FGN and NNC retain executive independence on foreign relations, treaty and agreement.
Why in conflict with India: from ancient time, Nagaland never shared a common history with India, including during the British India Empire. Nevertheless, before the British imperialist departed, to ensure good understanding for the future, Naga representatives had a series of meetings with Indian leaders in Delhi and in Shillong, Assam. But after a Hindu zealot assassinated the Father of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi, even though both countries by now independent, India continued to make every effort to persuade NNC leaders to join the fledgling Union of India. Before India officially became a nation, NNC informed the world "the Nagas don't accept Indian Constitution" on 24 January 1950. Thereafter, despite India's strenuous attempt to rope in, the people of Nagaland refused to participate in a foreign First Indian General Election in 1952. From then on India resorted to discredit NNC by any means and brazenly interfered in the affairs of Nagaland.
Incredibly, the Government of India (GoI) clandestinely escalated an undeclared war against Nagaland in 1954. The Naga people will never forget Indian army brutality that had caused the death of over 100,000 Naga civilians, including children, women and senior citizens. In spite of the sufferings and hardships, the indomitable Naga people have weathered the very dark days stoically with hardly any support or help from others.
In the midst of an intense war involving 10 Divisions of the Indian army against Naga Home Guards supported by every Village, at the initiative of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), an international Peace Mission brought about the GoI to enter into an international Cease-fire Agreement with FGN in 1964. Apart from Nagaland. the said Agreement was seen as a catalyst to political awakening of NIA especially those who live under the Indian state of Manipur. Subsequently, GoI unilaterally abrogated the Cease-fire Agreement in August 1972 and "declared" NNC and FGN as "illegal organisations" along with indefinitely placed every village in Nagaland under siege to cut off public support for NNC and FGN.
During 1975 'President Rule' in India, also known as Indian 'Emergency' in order to alleviate the horrendous plight of civilians in the villages, NBCC sponsored Nagaland Peace Council (NPC) succeeded to get Indian 'Emergency' officials and Naga representatives to reach a non-political 'Administrative Agreement'. It was signed by the Governor of Assam, on behalf of India, and non-status Five named Nagas, on behalf of "Underground Organisations", in November 1975. Significantly, in the construction of the entire text of the said agreement, the 'word' Naga and Nagaland were not INSERT IGNOREed in a single instance, that left no one in doubt that political commitment was never intended. In pursuance of the agreement, the Indian army lifted the inhuman siege of villages and hundreds of Naga war prisoners in various Indian jails were set free. Moreover, to the great relief of the people a semblance of normal life was restored in the country. On their part, to serve its own agenda India proclaimed it as "Shillong accord".
Post-'Emergency ' rule, the then Indian Prime Minister, Morarji Desai had a meeting with NNC President, A Z Phizo , on 14 June 1977 in London. He contemptuously said, "I will exterminate all the Naga rebels. There will be no mercy."
Citing "Shillong accord" as its bogeyman the so-called NSCN came about in 1980. What led to the renegade outfit destructive path could not have been more bizarre. It decided that FGN had caved in to accept Indian Constitution on the basis of hearing from the Indian state controlled 'All India Radio' enemy propaganda claiming India to have reached an "accord" with the Nagas during Indian 'Emergency' rule in November 1975. After the bloody massacre of their former comrade-in-arms, it broke away from NNC and FGN and since then targeted the two establishments as its Number One enemy. While wandering in political wilderness over the years the renegade outfit whose sectarian ring leaders could easily be identified as native of a particular NIA in the Indian state of Manipur, were responsible for the dastardly killing of many national workers and over two thousand Naga civilians.
The fundamental stand of Nagaland always has been no nation has a right to trample over the freedom of another nation. Nagaland conflict with India has never been a "political problem" as often expressed by GoI to cover up the real issue of Indian aggression. The fair and honourable solution is Quit Nagaland.
The people of Nagaland have many things to catch up and are ready to play a constructive role among the comity of nations.
The prevailing state of affairs: I applaud our resilient people for their indefatigable support particularly while the imposed paralysis of normal function of our national government, most Naga people have undauntedly shown civic responsibility in incredibly challenging time to ensure discipline and traditional harmony.
In common with other societies, Naga society is no different considering the habit of bickering and squabbling. However, post-1980 Naga society came across a pernicious alien culture of ranting, carping, intolerance, and intimidation, clearly to suit its sectarian agenda on the basis of mendacious nonsense. And yet a section of muddled educated young people and clergymen could be seen flirting along unconcern. Naga society needs to remain vigilant and discerning to stay in the right path.
Nothing can justify dissident renegades willing to sell future Naga nation freedom to another nation. It is a very grave matter and undoubtedly evil.
The challenge ahead: NNC and FGN are responsible for Nagaland, be it foreign affairs or national affairs. I have every confidence in the good sense of our people to look forward to a free and a happy Nagaland.
Nagaland stands ready for whatever the challenge and welcome any independent international fact finding mission whatever ploy GoI resort to deflect growing international scrutiny on its first and protracted foreign invasion against Nagaland. There can be no glory for India to prolong the illegal occupation of Nagaland.
May God bless Nagaland. Urra Uvie
Adinno Phizo
President
