Ngukato K. Tsuipu
Kohima
The Nagas movement for self-determination had witnessed ups and downs over the course of its journey. While, the present generation might consider the signing of Framework Agreement (hereafter FA) between GoI and NSCN-IM and Agreed Position (hereafter AP) between GoI and NNPGs as high watermarks in the history of Indo-Naga political conflict, the older generation too has their own version to counterstrike the younger generation, precisely the signing of ceasefire agreement on Sept 6, 1964.
For the purpose of avoiding confusion between the two ceasefires let's take as Phase I (1964-68) and Phase II (2001-till now). The momentous event in the history of Naga political movement occured at the time when the Naga political leadership was dominated by the Sumi Naga tribes viz Kughato Sukhai (Ato Kilonser of FGN), Sukhato Swu (Kedanghe of FGN) and Kaito Sukhai C-i-C of the Naga Army. For dissemination of information, Kughato and Kaito are blood brothers and Sukhato is their Brother- in-Law . The next four years after the signing of ceasefire agreement, the pages in the history book of Naga political struggle was overwhelmingly about a SUMI NAGA named KUGHATO SUKHAI who lead a Naga delegation in the Indo-Naga Prime Minister level talks. Later on Ashu Isak Chishi Swu continued as the torch bearer of the flame of Nagas struggle for Self determination that culminated into the signing of the FA in 2015.
The phase one of Indo-Naga talks were held from 1966-68. Though, the Naga delegation was lead by none other than his elder brother, Gen. Kaito was not happy with the manner in which the talk was conducted. He was apprehensive that Nagas might end up within Indian union. Rebellious and independent nature he was, nothing less than complete sovereignty was acceptable in his sight. After years of waiting and repeated warnings he finally declared Army government with another Naga General, Mowu Gwizan. However, before anything substantial could be achieved Gen Kaito was martyred and the Army Government also died along with him. Whatever is being said and heard about Gen Kaito, one thing remains for certain; he died fighting for sovereignty for all Nagas irrespective of geographical boundaries, including Nagas of Manipur.
The phrase "I shall not take everything but Sovereignty" is familiar with all nagas who pride themselves as patriots. The aforementioned phrase was the reply of Ato Kilonser Kughato Sukhai when offered to "Take everything but not sovereignty" by his negotiating partner Prime Minister Indra Gandhi. By the phrase, "Take everything", one can easily assume that the then Prime Minister was willing to concede anything and all-thing except sovereignty. One is convinced that the much hype in the present talks like 'Integration', 'Autonomy', 'Flag' and 'Constitution' were all attainable during the Phase one talks. One may look back and regret for the 'lost opportunities' but the then Ato Kilonser did what was expected of him- defend the God given sovereign right of Nagas. Kughato Sukhai could have convinced his colleagues and accept the offer to became the Prime Minister/Chief Minister of Nagaland thereby, make a name and wealth for himself, but he refused all these offers only to be condemned and forgotten. Kughato Sukhai did not seek solution for Nagas of Nagaland alone but for sovereignty of all Nagas tribes inhabiting naga ancestral land across artificial boundaries.
After loosing grip on the naga political leadership, for some years ashu Isak Chishi Swu picked up what was left behind by his predecessors. The rise of Ashu Isak leadership in the Naga political scene was a great redemption for Sumi Naga tribe who were hitherto tagged as traitors in the aftermath of RGN imbroglio. When everyone had given up, Ashu Isak stood his ground and led the Naga people. Though still paid in half, his sacrifices did not go waste as the opposing side finally recognized the uniqueness of Naga people through the signing of FA in 2015.
Very recently, Lt Gen. Niki Sumi co-lead NSCN had refused invitation to join NNPGs as equal partner in the negotiating tables. The reason for rejecting an invitation is beyond my comprehension but one thing that is certain to me; Lt. Gen Niki had always stood for sovereignty of Nagas irrespective of artificial boundaries. His allergy to Packages and piecemeal solution is known to many. Gen Niki is the latest to fall in line with past sumi naga political movement leaders who had rejected comforts and luxuries for the sake of Naga sovereignty.
Many leaders from Sumi tribe rose and led Nagas but their names are hardly remembered now because of their treacherous acts. But leaders like Kaito, Kughato, Isak and Niki had handed down to us a legacy.....the legacy of fighting for God's given Nagas right to self determination, and while doing so they withstood the tempest of time. They displayed all qualities befitting a warrior because they were one. Therefore, any sumi tribesman who pride themselves as warrior tribe should not deviate and negate from the legacy of our great leaders.
I reasoned but couldn't find an answer as to why the stance and legacy of our great leaders has to be murdered in exchange for mere packages? Why Past sacrifices of our forefathers and sovereign rights of our future generations has to be surrendered in pursuit of momentary happiness? Why so much rush to put ourselves into condemnation? Ato Kilonsers and Kehdanges will come and go but the stigma and Traitors tag will continue to be read in the pages of history for all ages to come. I am afraid we are in the course of repeating history.
Whether we want to be remembered as the carrier and bearer of Kughato, Kaito, Isak and Niki's legacy or be remembered otherwise, the choice is ours.
(To be continued in part-II)
