United we stand, Divided we fall

Amsterdam, January 15 2013

We all know unity equals strength and so we are familiar with the saying United we stand, Divided we fall. Nagas know the Right to Self Determination is theirs and so it should be an important factor contributing to Unity.

Then why stand Nagas Divided?

In the not so remote past most Naga tribes knew and practiced the Village State Democracy, they were self-sustaining societies which had equality among the villagers at heart. Three factors of importance influenced this way of life

1 – Nagas embraced Christianity but also imported a hierarchy structure
2 – Nagas became familiar and partially dependent on British and Indian structures of governance
3 – Due to the former factors plus the Indian Divide and Rule policy Nagas became susceptible to power and money

Over time these three factors but especially the Indian Occupation gave birth to several factions who did not stop at fighting and killing each other. The Divide and Rule policy of the Government of India worked and so the peace talks on the basis of a cease fire (since 1997) could not progress. Right now these talks are in a state of inertia, a stalemate. ‘Infighting’ favors the Indian State; consequently progress towards an honorable solution is out of sight.

Because this is a situation, one without perspective for the Naga Peoples in India as well as in Burma/Myanmar the Naga International Support Center URGES:

- All Naga military groups, factions, representative organizations to come together as one
- Nagas to fight out differences democratically through debate, so without weapons
- Nagas to stand for Naga democracy, a Naga legacy

The Naga International Support Center calls on all Naga Organizations to work together so the Naga Right to Self Determination can be achieved

A Naga International Support Center, NISC www.nagalim.nl
A human rights organization
For more information www.nagalim.nl or email us [email protected]