Why such divisive thoughts ?

Ngaranmi Shimray *

An Ao gentleman, Mr Limatemsu L Jamir, reportedly the Information Secretary of DAYO (Dimapur Ao Youth Organization) has called for a “total social revamp as almost all the CSOs have been allowed to be hijacked by outsiders from other States”...posted in Face-book group, “The Nagas” on the 27th June 2022, but recently found circulating in social media.

He has asked the Nagas of Nagaland to think of an exclusivist CSOs of Nagas of Nagaland only without the outside Nagas, specifically mentioning, from the south. This is a disturbing thought and calls for putting the matter in its proper perspective.

Every Naga must not forget that there was no concept or political entity for a land of Nagas before some Nagas recruited under the Labour Corps were exposed to the outside world during WW-1. “Naga hills” and “Tuensang” were part of a district in Assam and was not even a separate district.

Nagaland was created out of mountain ranges inhabited by certain tribes as a separate political entity only in 1963 through a political settlement after a number of Naga leaders abandoned the idea of independence through armed struggle.

The political map for the lands of the Nagas was carved out from the State of Assam only and was confined to the “Naga hills” and “Tuensang” following the 16 Point Agreement signed in 1960 between the Naga People's Convention (NPC) and the Govt of India.

Nine Point Agreement between Governor of Assam, Sir Akbar Hydari and the Naga leaders at Kohima in June 1947 wherein the Nagas were given full autonomy in judicial, legislative and execu- tive matters, and guaranteed non-alienation of their lands would have kept the “Naga hills” and “Tuensang” under Assam and this idea was resisted by Naga leaders.

There was a pressing need for many tribes who suffered atrocities from the Indian army for a settlement that not much efforts were made to enlarge the map of proposed Nagaland for inclusion in the new State. The political settlement under the 16 Point Agreement only made a cursory mention of the issue of consolidation of Nagas living beyond the “Naga hills” and “Tuen-sang” as evident from Point 13 which is reproduced :-

“13. Consolidation of Contiguous Naga Areas: The delegation wished the following to be placed on record: "The Naga leaders expressed the view that other Nagas inhabiting contiguous areas should be enabled to join the new State. It was pointed out to them on behalf of the Government of India that Article 3 and 4 of the Constitution provided for increasing the area of any State, but it was possible for the Government of India to make any commitment in this regard at this stage".

In the real sense of the term, Naga hills and Tuensang were never under any kingdom nor were the tribes in the hills of Manipur. Administration in its basic role was brought by the British empire. Political masters have drawn boundaries by divid ng people and this is one of the reasons why there are Naga tribes in Myanmar with some tribes in both countries.

As a people Nagas of Nagaland are fewer than 20 lakh persons. Manipur Nagas are 6 lakh and Assam and Arunachal Nagas a few lakhs. Nagas combined are less than 3 million in India against the country’s population of 1210 million. Meiteis are 12.5 lakhs. Nagas should remain united and not weaken ourselves by divisive thoughts.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries who were under the British Empire as its colonies. A few countries have opted out of the Commonwealth, but the bulk still continue to share oneness of being once under the British empire. Why should Nagas who have lived in the Patkai ranges for time immemorial not share common cultural and social ties even if it is divided by political boundaries?

Nagas of Nagaland are blessed that they have a State which they can call their own and are also masters of their own destiny. But not for Nagas outside Nagaland. They are dominated by other communities.

For a moment Nagas, like Mr Limatemsu L Jamir, should sit back and ponder at the plight of the “outside Nagas” who, as minorities in their State, are oppressed, exploited, subjugated by the dominant community of the State.

The “outside Nagas” enjoy the thought that they have a big brother who can come to their rescue when they need their help. This hope and thought need to be kept alive. What is needed at this crucial hour is unity and not division.

People should not forget their history as all Nagas have lived in the sub-Himalayan/Patkai ranges for time immemorial in isolation due to head hunting practises, but the word of God brought hope, love and compassion. Nagas should not be separated by man made boundaries. Rather, Nagas should promote and strengthen social and cultural commonness and stay united as one.

The Nagas of Nagaland are the lucky ones and blessed by Almighty God. They are the pioneers to the idea of Naga brotherhood and it should not be easily given up and forgotten. One can never tell what the future holds for the Nagas as a whole, regardless of the State they hail from, and should therefore support each other and strengthen Naga solidarity.