Nagas must resolve buried divisions

Naga National Council observes 76th anniversary

Our Correspondent
Chedema | February 2

The Naga National Council (NNC) today observed 76th anniversary of its formation at Chedema Peace Camp, near Kohima.
Speaking on the occasion, NNC president Adinno Phizo began by expressing gratitude to God for the guidance and protection given to “our nation” throughout the past year and having brought them together to commemorate the 76th Anniversary of the Naga National Council. 

Talking on Naga national history, she said that it was ‘timely’ that the Naga Club of the day submitted a memorandum on behalf of the Nagas to the visiting Simon Commission at Kohima on January 10, 1929, asking them “To leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times.”

After this important submission, much was not heard in pursuing the matter as the Naga Club was more of a club on social matters, she said.

In the meantime, she said, AZ Phizo returned to Nagaland from Burma and felt the need to immediately organize the Nagas.  As a result, the Naga National Council was formed on February 2, 1946 at the Wokha meeting of the Naga regional leaders, she said.

Sensing the wave of nationalism across the world in the aftermath of World War II, she said the NNC felt the urgency to formally declare the age-old Naga Independence to the world, “and declared (Independence) on August 14, 1947.”

“To seal and dispel any doubting Thomases on Naga Independence, a voluntary Plebiscite was launched on May 16, 1951. And the overwhelming result was 99.9% for Naga Independence. Having declared our independence as a nation, the need to form its government followed with the formation of the Federal Government of Nagaland on March 22, 1956 by bringing together the Free Nagas of the eastern Nagaland,” she said.

Adinno pointed out that the Naga people are facing tremendous hardships and loss due to India’s aggression on Nagaland. “The crude shock of state terrorism and atrocity continue unabated till today. The recent killings of 14 precious Naga civilians at Oting and Mon on December 4 and 5, 2021 bear enough testimony to the horrific saga of India's occupation of Nagaland since 1950s,” she said adding that such wanton killing takes place under the cover of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA). 

“And this ridiculous AFSPA is extended every six months to Nagaland by the Government of India since 1958. It is absurd to make it appear that Nagas are demanding independence from India.  It is crystal clear that Nagas and Indians have no connection historically, racially, socially and politically. In fact, Nagas formally declared its Independence on August 14, 1947- one day ahead of India's Independence,” she said.

‘Naga society must grow mature’ 
Also speaking on the occasion, Thepfulhouvi Solo said that the Naga's most valuable  democratic actions, in addition to the peaceful formation of the NNC, is its non-participation in the Constituent Assembly of India, the boycott of Independent India’s first and second general elections, and the conduct of the free plebiscite.

“These actions of the NNC make legitimate capstone of the Naga struggle for freedom. The occupation of an area of a lesser power by a superior power is not internationally accepted and the sovereignty of a people doesn't vanish or is not something transferable; and His Majesty's Government handing over Naga sovereignty to India isn't internationally acceptable,” he said. 

Solo said that the national flag of a nation or an organization is the exclusive property of its owner; ‘it cannot be taken over by others or by army bullets; that is unacceptable under international Copy Right Act or Intellectual Property Right.’

“It is unfortunate the NNC flag is alienated from its original owner!  There are many issues the Naga has to peacefully settle with India, it will be done only in the fullness of time of India and of the Nagas; it may take generations or centuries or millenniums but it will be one day.  But before that, there are several deep underlying issues the Naga has to reconcile with themselves first,” Solo asserted.

He said the first issue is the deep almost buried division between the so-called “Underground Nationalists” and the so-called “State Overgrounds.”

“At one time the underground Nagas looked, and often treated the ‘Overground Naga' as the supporters of Indian Government and foes of the Nagas,” he said.

These feelings of division are so deeply buried in the Naga mind today, he said, underscoring that the Naga society must grow mature and honestly and courageously reconcile these divisions to become a free and open society in reality.

“The second issue is to reconcile the nationalist groups of the Nagas. This appears more daunting, but actually shouldn't be because the only trouble here is the ‘Holier than Thou' attitude in each of the groups. The simple solution is to have courageously large heart and deal the issue with courageous humility,” he added.

‘Nagas are independent’
Stating that “Nagas are independent,” Toshinaro Longchar said “This conviction is not mere belief. It is born out of some certain historical fact. These are powerful convictions. But this conviction should be connected in the reality of the economic, political, cultural, social and physical lives.”

“In simple words, there are three things- head, heart and hand. Independence is there in the head and heart but it is not in our hand. The hands are not working with the soil,” she said adding the conviction “our Independence” can only be actualised when the head, heart and hand work together.

“How then can we make this a reality? Where is Naga nation in the 21st century? Do we have our own economy to support our nation? What are the challenges and opportunities? What direction do we take?” she questioned.

She stressed on the need to explore ways to reach out and engage with the minds of the younger generation towards nation building by giving them the space to question, critique and allow them to come with creative innovation and ideas in all aspects of Naga polity.

The programme was led by NNC spokesperson Kolezo Chase.