Context Nagaland, Naga Insurgency : Time for introspection as India will turn 75 in August 2022

New Delhi

Debate is the essence of democracy. Nagaland is debating the much expected Solution as a prelude to lasting peace.

Two principal documents form the basis of one or more possible accords - the Framework Agreement of 2015 and the Agreed Position of 2017.

The 'perceived' delay in finalising a formal accord between 2015 and November 2017 essentially led to the formation of NNPGs. The Government of India said there was little option left not to 'encourage' NNPG -- an umbrella organisation of seven militant groups - towards the peace process once the Naga Tribal Council had chipped in.

"NTC realised the need for a holistic approach in arriving at a logical conclusion of the Indo-Naga political conflict," says the Status paper agreed upon between the working committee of the NNPG and the Government of India.

In the meantime, the influential Ao Senden in its latest statement says - “Naga people are fatigued by the conflict and are growing more and more impatient with each passing day” and so keeping the “competencies (between stakeholders) shrouded in secrecy is perhaps the reason why Naga people are losing faith". (as reported by 'Nagaland Page' May 23, 2022)

NNPG leader Kitovi

This issue is vital as such matters came up at the meeting between the Core Committee headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and new peace emissary A K Mishra in Delhi last week. The competency details are not known to players such as Chief Minister Rio as well. But the Core Committee has nevertheless decided to work on the peace process and is expected to meet key NSCN (IM) leaders anytime soon.

In all these, we must keep an eye on the calendar. This August, India will turn 75 - a mega milestone to have upheld parliamentary democracy amid all challenges. Look at India's neighbours and countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and even nations such as Myanmar and Indonesia.

Democracy is a big 'absence' in these countries. Nagaland had a turbulent history between 1947 and 

1963 but ultimately it chose democracy and path to peace and progress.

By December 2023, Nagaland statehood will also turn 60 and is expected to achieve the much 

deserving 'matured status'.

Come what may, Nagaland voters have been casting votes and decide who should be their

elected representatives both in parliament (Lok Sabha) and the state assembly.

This year at the instance of BJP high command, almost all 60-MLAs backed the idea of having

a woman representative in Rajya Sabha in the form of S Phangnon Konyak.

The twin celebrations of India's 75 years and Nagaland's six decades truly give people a chance to

introspect what has been achieved. It is time to rekindle the minds and thought for the betterment of the

Naga people on one hand and the country as a whole on the other.

The successful functioning of parliamentary democracy is truly the largest of its kind in the world.

Hence, it is never wise to ignore or sidestep history. In any individual's life, the past is the only reality and hence

it deserves closer scrutiny no doubt, but need not be dismissed. 

India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru on August 28, 1962 moving an amendment Bill on Nagaland

in Lok Sabha had said - "We have always made a political approach in order to make these

people (Nagas) our friends and citizens of India".

Prior to that on Feb 18, 1961, 'Nagaland' got its formal nomenclature (from the erstwhile Naga Hills

Tuensang Area). This followed a strong recommendation by the Naga People's Convention by 

its resolution in Mokokchung in 1959.

The formation of NPC was perhaps a mega event in Naga history after the movement was launched

by Naga National Council headed by A Z Phizo.

All these issues have come into play and more so when things are at a critical stage.

The Ao Senden has made it clear that “blame game is not going to win" anything.

This is also important; and all concerned parties need to make forward movement.

Obviously as part of the incumbent state government, Chief Minister Rio and his colleagues

in the Core Committee will have to do a tightrope walk and also walk-the-talk.

New Delhi is having high expectations.

Scanning some old newspaper clippings and documents on Nagaland, one was impressed 

to find one Souvenir brought out by DIPR, Nagaland in August 1997. 

India had turned 50 then.

It throws light on what India and Nagaland were prior to 1947; how things changed around 1963

and how the development march sustained around 1997 and also later stage.

Just a few odd examples. In 1963 only six towns in the state had the privilege of electric lights

and that too operated by diesel generators. Only a modest 1950 families reportedly benefited.

In 1988, Nagaland became the first state in north east India to achieve 100 percent

rural electrification. This was around the Silver Jubilee of Nagaland statehood.

Prior to Indian independence, there was only one road worth its name from Dimapur to Mao. In 1963,

there were just 56 km of black topped roads and about 3000 km of unsurfaced roads. 

In short, look at the way things have changed. Many may call these only a process of human

survival. Who am I to deny this ? But we may always note that things could have been much more

with peace and enhanced industrialisation and adequate use of natural resources and tourism

potentials.

Notwithstanding insurgency and all issues of extortion menace; once a visitor reaches Dimapur, the Gateway of Nagaland, he or she is in a changed world of courtesy, hospitality and friendship.

There is nothing harsh - either from nature or the man or the woman of nature. It will be worth preserving these.

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Chartered plane, merry making, Goyiepra falling ill - Naga history has it all

New Delhi 

History or rather a few little known anecdotes from the pages of history 

often have the habit of peeping sheepishly through the half open window of time.

Hence as Nagaland awaits some historical moments in the next few weeks, it is time to revisit some chapters from the past.

The 16 Point Resolution was formalised by the Naga People's Convention on Oct 26, 1959.

Dr Imkongliba signed it as the president of NPC and other signatories were J B Jasokie (Secretary), Vizol (vice president) and S C Jamir (Joint Secretary).

In the early 1990s, I had interviewed former Chief Minister Jasokie for the Kohima-based 

'Nagaland News Review' weekly.

He recalled some anecdotes and requested to apply restraints while reporting. "I am taking you

into confidence as you know my son Riato and also write for his paper 'Weekly Journal'," he had said

in a lighter vein.

He also recalled how the NPC passed on a message for Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru

that while the Nagas were ready for negotiations, there should be an "extended period of amnesty - meaning no major army actions".

Jasokie then told me that he has already 'retired' from politics and thus could share some

historical facts without hesitation.

"Around that time (July 1960), A Z Phizo had already landed in London. We felt pressure on multiple

fronts. There was some hesitation among Naga leaders as the underground was still sounding

displeasure and so a Dakota plane was chartered to lift NPC leaders from Jorhat," he said.

The negotiating team was led by Dr Imkongiba himself and it had important leaders such as Goyiepra

Kenye, Kheloshe, P Shilu Ao, Imtichuba Chang, R C Chiten Jamir and S C Jamir.

The team was also accompanied by two officials H Zopianga and Shashimeren Aier.

The meeting with Nehru went off well on July 26, 1960. The issue of Naga integration figured prominently at the parleys. "The Prime Minister (Nehru) commented that the issue involved other

states and they will have to be consulted," recalled Jasokie also adding, Nehru had no objection to

other points. 

There were also some discussions on nomenclature 'Nagaland' itself.

"I will say it was a great day...The delegation returned to the Hyderabad House where we were staying.

There was merry making. India got its first state whose name will be in the fashion of England.

A grand feast was organised too. But our party ended in a sombre mood 

as we heard that Goyiepra had fallen ill...He was already hospitalized and later succumbed. His body was lifted to Jorhat by a special aircraft," he said.

Late Goyiepra Kenye is father of former MP and ex-state minister Keweze Kenye. Senior Kenye

actually had played a legendary role in creating tribe (name) Chakhesang bringing in

Chakros, Khejas and Santams. Many new generation youngsters might not bother to know these.

Answering questions, Jasokie had said - "Looking back, I have some fond memories. At the subsequent stage the Working Committee of the NPC met at Mokokchung between August 19 and 21 (1960). The role of NPC negotiating team and Government of India was appreciated," he had said adding, there was 

a special appreciation of Jawaharlal Nehru also as his "understanding" helped arrive at a decisive agreement.

After these, an Interim Body was constituted and it had the likes of Hokishe Sema, T Kikon, Silie Haralu, Lutjakai Kuki and also others like Jasokie himself, S C Jamir, Shilu Ao, Chiten Jamir, T N Angami, P Demo, Lothi Rengma and Hepong Phom.

The Interim Body leaders met in February 1961 and elected Dr Imkongliba as chairman, P Shilu Ao

as chief executive councillor and Akam Imlong, Hokishe, Chiten Jamir and Jasokie as executive councillors

.

On Feb 18, 1961, Governor Gen (retd) S M Shrinagesh formally inaugurated the Interim Body at the

Kohima football ground.

But sad things would follow soon and on Aug 20, 1961, Imkongliba Ao was shot at Mokokchung while he was returning from his pharmacy. He was rushed to the Army Hospital but he died on Aug 22, 1961.

Another prominent leader Pauting Phom of the time was also assassinated by gunmen, he had recalled.

There was a bit of an anecdote. Jasokie said for sometime Naga leaders debated on who should

be deputed to Parliament. S C Jamir, who was elected to the Interim Body, was finally selected for the crucial

job and in his place Zulutemba Ao was elected to the Interim Body.

Answering a specific question, he said - "The decision to depute Jamir for Parliament in Delhi

was our master stroke but that he later decided to come back to state politics was the master 

stroke of fate".

I could not help grinning, and to make myself sure - I asked - "Sir can I quote you on this...?".

He smiled back saying, "Today's interview is over. You write all these when I am not around and

Nagas finally make another big move to embrace peace with India".

Time - I do pay homage to illustrious Jasokie - whom I will always remember as a jovial person

and someone with a good sense of humour.

Tail piece:

Some months later, Jasokie was invited by Chief Minister Vamuzo to enlist support for trying to bring undergrounds for talks. I asked Jasokie what his response was. Jasokie rather unhesitatingly remarked - "I told him, peace cannot come without a price. You have to spend money and only the other day you (Vamuzo) told journalists the state is facing a financial crisis".

ends