Isak Sumi
I agree with Kaka Iralu’s contention on Nagas quest for Sovereign Independent nationhood and nothing less. Yet , considering the complications of Naga’s situation as being segregated into two Independent countries-India and Burma followed by internal administrative/territorial divisions and displacements, thus, hypothetically speaking it is felt that instead of 16 point agreement, Nagaland statehood, RGN or Shillong Accord, Bhutan Status proposal could have been considered even though it fell short of Sovereignty.
My opinion is, Nagas could have been better off, had the NNC/FGN conditionally accepted the proposed settlement with provision and scope enshrined for time bound discussion on resolution of Sovereignty issue, since absolute sovereignty was not achievable at one go at the given time. The “missed opportunity” does not necessarily imply missing Bhutan status solution alone but also mean to indicate that the NNC/FGN could have availed the opportunity to resolve issues realistically feasible at the given circumstances and could have possibly paved way for the successive generations to finish the unfinished task, i.e Sovereignty since NNC/FGN during the time has the support and absolute mandate of the Nagas.
Sovereignty cannot be substituted however, the complexities of Nagas situation required gradual processes of streamlining and retrieval of all major components that constitutes a sovereign nation. Without much argument, it is thus pre-requisite for any Naga political groups or leaders to first undertake the task of combining all the required elements of Sovereignty. The basic element lacking towards attainment of sovereignty in the case of Nagas is the unfinished task of consolidation of demarcated ancestral Naga territory into one compact political/geographical entity, one mandated national platform to represent the Nagas or even a common political platform that could command representation of every political groups etc. It may be understood that “Naga Nationalism” is more than a physical institution and does not ascribe to particular individual leader, clan or tribe but an undying patriotic spirit inherent in every Naga and which found expression over the ages through concretised political institution formed collectively for effective manifestation of the people’s will.
Yet, it is doubtlessly creditable that exceptional Naga elders who served in the Allied Labour corps and having exposed to the concept of modern nation state on their return from Europe (World War-1) germinated the seed of Naga Independence, instituted Naga Club in 1918 headed by T.Aliba Imti and launched the movement through submission of Memorandum to Simon Commission later in the year 1929. The credit thus should be given to Naga Club for having laid the first historical political foundation of the Nagas.
Prior to this, no organised modern political movement as such could be seen except armed clashes, skirmishes etc with Ahoms and British expedition teams by Naga villages. These incidents were however restricted to certain geographical areas in the periphery and hence did not assume significant political proportion.
However, with India’s independence becoming reality and Naga’s fate in dilemma, the Naga leaders convened at Wokha in the year 1946 and formed NNC. Mr. Imkongliba Ao became the first President and hoisted Naga flag on 14th Aug.1947 in assertion of Naga sovereign independence.
Later the landmark plebiscite of 1951 administered by AZ.Phizo, the fourth President of NNC/FGN, in a sense eclipsed even a symbolic independence declaration of 14th Aug.1947. However, taking the significance of Naga plebiscite (not AZ.Phizo Plebiscite or NNC/FGN Plebiscite) but i repeat “Naga Plebiscite” certain section of the Nagas created a personae with larger than life image above NNC/FGN or the Nagas aspiration. The Plebiscite was a result of Nagas patriotic fervour declaring that Nagas are not Indians and hence to live independent of India. The historical event was not necessarily an act of giving mandate to the NNC/FGN and was never in any way, an absolute affirmation to create an individual leader’s iconic over bearing over and above Nagas rights or the lone political institution, NNC/FGN of the time.
It is however justifiable to give accolade to NNC/FGN for successful demonstration before India and the World of the Nagas desire to live as sovereign, independent people. Similarly AZ.Phizo being the then incumbent President deserves great compliment for immaculate execution of the exercise even though the effort has been collectively undertaken for collective Nagas aspiration.
However the sad narrow reality that has been a bane to commonality of the Naga struggle has ever been the eccentricity and over-zealous indulgence of the Nagas to ascribe credit, glory and legitimacy to own tribesman without realising the fact that the “noble cause” belongs to each and every Naga. Either by default or destiny the term “NAGA” is the beginning and an end through which and for which we continue to unite or disunite, weep or laugh, fight or reconcile.
Sidelining this common thread “NAGA” by bigot section of the Nagas while in pursuit of individual tribe’s superiority over other Nagas has always been a big stumbling block to unite the Nagas for decades all together. Both in terms of origin, history, culture and most importantly ethics of freedom struggle - the Naga tribes despite numerical population disproportions, none is second to any. The struggle basically is to preserve an already established identity- NAGA. Therefore no matter how disproportionate may be the sacrifices in terms of numerals between one tribe or the other, the instance gives no legitimacy to any tribe to claim principal nationality or prime nationalism over others.
The Naga Club, NNC/FGN,NSCN etc all belongs to every Naga alike and has nothing to do with any tribe’s ownership, therefore to create spirit of collective struggle, the Nagas need to start inculcating “Naga Nationalism” and discard tribal fanaticism or factional superiority. If not the Nagas would definitely miss another opportunity. And also to avoid ourselves in title haggling, if it is not too presumptuous, i would gladly bestow the honour “FATHER OF NATION” to Naga Club, for distinctive performance as first formal political precursor to demonstrate Naga’s identity before the world. Judging from Nagas pre-mature onrush for this title, it may also be worth a consideration to institute “pre-father of nation”, “on-going father of nation” and “post-independent father of nation” besides nominations from every political groups and tribal candidates.
The Federal Government of Nagaland initiated reforms in the year 1963 and Gen.Kaito was appointed Defence Minister and Gen.Mou-u was appointed as the Army Chief. In the next year July 6, 1964, Cease-fire was declared between Federal Government of Nagaland and Government of India and Peace Mission were constituted.
Gen.Kaito asked the Federal Government to designate Army zone to be witnessed by third party (Foreign country) and also to establish Naga Army base camp outside the border, the appeal were however rejected and Gen.Kaito was branded as dictator and traitor. Frustrated with his effort to strengthen and preserve the Military capability even in the event of cease-fire, Gen.Kaito termed the Federal Government as Funeral Government, for which he was removed from Defence Minister as well.
Meantime Gen.Kaito and Gen.Mou-u were displeased with both the lack of progress or achievement on the part of AZ.Phizo in the international arena and also failure to make any positive headway on Kughato Sukhai led dialogues with India. Gen.Mou-u, thus invited Gen.Kaito to Shepoumaramth HQ and discussed alternative means and ways to sustain the struggle. According Army Govt.of Nagaland was formed on 24th June 1967, and Nagas were once more enthused and pledged to renew the struggle, however, Gen.Mou-u later backed out, and on the fateful day 3rd August Gen.Kaito was shot at in Kohima and succumbed to his injury on 4th August 1968.
Those days, Angami and Sumi formed the crucial bulk of NNC/FGN but unfortunately petty suspicion and misunderstandings crept between the two brothers and instead of overcoming the pitfalls in the greater interest of the Naga issue, the differences extended beyond redemption. The evil anti-Naga elements also did endeavoured painstakingly to accentuate the chasm, meantime then Ato Kilonser, Kughato Sukhai introduced in Parliament session, the six rounds dialogue deadlock with Indira Gandhi and raised agenda on the need to discuss and orchestrate new strategy and policies to carry forward the Naga struggle for sovereignty. However, the burning issue was ignored and unprecedented bill was moved, to introduce Presidential form of Government and abolish then existing Prime Ministerial form. The implication was thus clear, to curb Ato Kilonser Kughato Sukhai’s functioning and power and to empower AZ.Phizo who was then in London with over all authority. The motion was passed and Presidential Government came into being. Thus Scato Swu and Kughato Sukhai were rendered idle.
On Kaka’s contention of the true identity of Gen.Kaito’s assassin, since the purpose of my writing is not to put the blame on any individual but merely an analysis of the events, therefore i leave the matter to the best judgement of the God Almighty and those who were privy to the incident. It is also my foresight that as and when Angami and Sumi brothers humbly acknowledge each other’s errors of judgement, unconditionally reconcile and come together to loving embrace as in the beginning, Naga nationalism would once again gain the much needed momentum and strength.
On the issue of Sumi patriots turning away from National struggle due to narrow tribalism of Angamis as being queried by Kaka, let me put it this way- the host of Sumi national workers were disappointed with the removal of Sumi key leaders from NNC/FGN and either circumstantial or intentional, the Angami workers happened to campaign for removal of Sumi leaders and fully supported and endorsed the restructured Presidential Government. This was an account for which Sumi patriots resigned from NNC/FGN and formed RGN as narrated to me by senior Sumi patriots who were actively involved in the processes. I would like to solicit the true version of the unfortunate turn of events from living veterans, Naga scholars and historians so that blame game may be put to an end and true reconciliation arrived at for the sake of younger generation Nagas.
