VK Shashikumar
CNN-IBN
Dimapur: Despite the ceasefire and peace talks to find a negotiated settlement to the Naga demand for a special federal status, Naga youth continues to be drawn to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M).
“Youngsters apply from all over the state. This time we had 800 applicants,” says NSCN (I-M) Instructor, Captain Ayo.
Brigadier Phunting, a guerilla warfare expert who has trained hundreds of rebels from other insurgent groups in the Northeast, symbolises the fierce independent spirit of the Nagas.
“No, we are not Indians! Not by blood and by culture or by any means. We are Nagas,” says Brig Phunthing, convenor of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell of National Socialist Council of Nagaland NSCN-IM).
Such is the social and political disconnect with India that the strain is obvious. “The Nagas have always been portrayed as rebels or divisive people rebelling against the Government of India,” says NSCN (I-M) leader, General V S Atem.
“Racially, historically, culturally, politically - in every way - we don’t find anything that’s in common with Indians,” he adds.
A unique character of the Naga struggle is that religion and war seem to co-exist. Most Nagas are practising Baptist Christians, and spiritual sessions are used to keep the rebels motivated.
Driven by freedom songs, the soldiers of the NSCN (I-M), well-armed and trained, are ready for combat if the peace talks were to fail. “I’m born free so it is my right to fight and get my freedom,” says Sergeant Major, Orender Jago.
And there is no dearth of Naga youngsters wanting to enlist with the NSCN (I-M). “Even though it is difficult I have made a commitment and live through at all,” says a Naga woman.
