Naga political struggle, over the decades have attracted many non-naga sympathizers, from within and outside. Nagas owe a lot to the Chinese, the then East Pakistanis, the Pakistanis and host of other Nations for understanding that political freedom is essential for the progress of humanity. During the 1950s and 60’s, even as the war raged in Nagaland, there were many non-naga communities settled in Nagaland. Importantly, there were hundreds of Gurkhas settled in Nagaland’s town and villages earning livelihood sawing timber and other jobs. This community is perhaps the only one whose members enrolled and actively participated in guerilla warfare in our National struggle against the aggressors. In recognition of their contribution, the GPRN/NSCN under the Leadership of President Gen. (Retd.) Khole Konyak and Ato Kilonser N. Kitovi Zhimomi established ‘Gurkha Affairs’ desk under the Ministry of Kilo Affairs to look after the affairs of Gurkhas in Nagaland. There are many Gurkha clans and families in Dimapur and Kohima whose forefathers settled in Nagaland even before India got her independence. GPRN/NSCN believes Naga Gurkhas could blend with Naga history and play a positive role in future.
It is most unfortunate that few Gurkhas from Assam side are hobnobbing with illegal immigrants and attempting to sow trouble between communities living in Nagaland–Assam border. Those illegal immigrants found interfering and creating obstacles between Naga and Karbi communities in the border areas shall be accounted for. The Joint Action Committee (JAC), formed by Border villages in Dimapur, is advised to invite Gurkha Union to stop individuals from tarnishing the image of Gurkhas. The statements on 12th March and 17th March, have mentioned establishments in disputed areas between Assam and Nagaland. GPRN/NSCN clarifies that the land in question was endorsed to Assam forest department to look after in 1970. Ancestral land cannot be transferred or give away to suit administrative purposes. The people own the and not the government. It does not belong to Assam. Traditional landowners must amicably settle land disputes in their own wisdom and understanding instead of empowering anti-social elements to disrupt social harmony. Naga Gurkhas could play a crucial role in facilitating peaceful resolution of the issue. In recent times, owing to haphazard statements and activities perpetrated against Nagas by illegal immigrants and ill-advised leaders working for their selfish gains, innocent Nagas and Karbis have lost their lives. Although Naga lands have been illegally bifurcated into other states, for ages, peaceful co-existence respecting each other’s customs and traditions was witnessed and this should be restored. Nagas have their land and ‘encroachment’ is a terminology used by illegal immigrants seeking attention of state governments to make it a disputed area and claim their share.
Land is one element whose size and mass can never be stretched or manufactured to accommodate the increasing population. It is God given, an inheritance for peoples and Nations to protect and defend against external and internal subjugation, oppression and enslavement. Mahatma Gandhi defined the position and status of future Nagaland and its inhabitants so lucidly on July 9, 1947. It is a shame that the world’s largest democracy and its successive governments poured its military to crush and annihilate Mahatma Gandhi’ free Nagaland. What the great man said then at Bhangi Colony, Delhi on the morning of July 9, 1947 applies till today. Nagas are the sole owners of Nagaland and their destiny is what they decide.
Ministry of Information & Publicity,
GPRN/NSCN.
