Since the genesis of our forefathers, we the Nagas are a sovereign independent people and a peculiar nation by tradition. Therefore with the evolution of the world in reaffirmation the Naga people constituted the Naga National Council (NNC) in 1946 to safeguard the sovereign independence of Nagaland as a nation. Therefore the NNC formally declared Naga independence on 14th August, 1947 and announced to the world (UNO) through cable one day ahead of the India’s Independence.
On reaching the 61st Anniversary of the Naga Voluntary plebiscite, the Naga National Council (NNC) reminds once again the historical background of our nation. The Voluntary plebiscite of the Naga nation was conducted on 16th May, 1951 and the Naga people thus overwhelmingly gave mandate to NNC to guide and control the political policy and decision of the Naga nation.
But India invaded Nagaland in 1954 and an undeclared war was fought in Nagaland for 10 (ten) years between the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and the Government of India (GOI). However both the governments agreed in principle to bring about peace. Thus the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the Federal Government of Nagaland was singed and officially declared at the midnight of 5th/6th Sept. 1964 through the initiative of Nagaland Peace Mission members, namely; Rev. Michael Scott (an International Peace Maker), B.P. Chaliha, J.P. Narayan and Nagaland Baptist Church leaders like Rev. Longri Ao and Rev. Kenneth Kerhuo.
The condition of the Ceasefire agreement was that,
(i) the Government of India undertook the Indian Army to be confined within the periphery of one thousand yards from its respective posts.
(ii) and the Federal Government of Nagaland undertook not to allow the Naga Army to attack the Indian Army.
(iii) and in an unexpected encounter there was to be; “No firing unless first fired upon.”
But India unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire agreement on 31st August, 1972. However the Federal Government of Nagaland upholds the ceasefire agreement up to this day the 14th May, 2012.
With an attempt to overthrow the Naga National Council and the Federal Government of Nagaland in 1979-1980, some NNC/FGN workers defected from NNC/FGN and formed the so-called NSCN on 31st January, 1980. In this connection, the London base Myanmar International News Editor Aung Ye Myit wrote, “In 1979… Muivah and Isak were contacted and recruited by Mrs. Gandhi’s administration through Research Analysts Wing ‘RAW’. (Quote: News Magazine Feb. 1981 Vol 2, No. 2, page 2). To this, our leader Dr. A.Z. Phizo said, “The NSCN was created by India and India will settle it”.
There is no other mandated Naga political institution in Nagaland except the Naga National Council (NNC). Therefore NNC always opens door. The Nagas demand nothing from India, but to “quit Nagaland.” Lest we shall continue to appeal to the world communities to extend any kind of support to Nagaland for justice, human dignity and international brotherhood.
Urra Uvie.
Acüyi Vadeo
Joint Secretary,
Naga National Council.
