1. In 1963 a large contingent of Naga army crossed the border to East Pakistan to procure arms and camped at Chittagong. To work out the modalities the Pakistan general from west Pakistan with his entourage came to meet the Naga army and held a joint meeting. In the meeting the Pakistan general asked the Naga General “What do you eat?” General Maken answered – “from ant to elephant.” They glared and measured each other and that was it.
2. The agreement for ceasefire between the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and Government of India was agreed in principle. Three member Peace mission team was formed namely.
(1). Rev. Micheal Scott.
(2). Jay Prakash Narayan (Gandhi follower).
(3). B.P.Chaliha, Chief Minister of Assam.
Ceasefire agreement was signed between the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Government of India (GOI) and the members of the Peace Mission in the month of May 1964 at Sakraba Village (Phek District). However, Gen. A. Maken disagreed and submitted a written letter wherein, he stated that unless the Indian Army is totally removed from the Naga soil, the Naga Army will not accept the ceasefire with India.
In order to thrash out the differences the government detailed Mr. (Late) Suzumar, MLA (Unger) to meet Gen. A. Maken at Longmisa Camp to arrange for a meeting between him (Gen. A. Maken) and Mr. B.P. Chaliha.
This being arranged Mr. B.P. Chaliha had one to one meet with him on the appointed day at the camp. After a long discussion Mr. B.P. Chaliha announced the ceasefire between the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and Government of India (GOI) from the football ground of the village on 06-09-1964.
3. In October 1964, Gen.A.Maken was hospitalized at Impur Christian Hospital. A make shift room was arranged for him at the residence of Dr. Ngangshijenba (Dr. Ngangshi Aier) where he was attended by the medical team. While there Mr.B.P. Chaliha and Mr. J.P. Narayan visited him. Their purpose was to deliberate on the issue of ceasefire and how fruitfully it can be implemented. Dr. Ngangshi and Rev. L. Kijung, the then Executive Secretary ABAM were in attendance. After the social niceties they brought out the topic of ceasefire.
Gen. A.Maken : “How many good Indians are there besides you two?”
Visitors: “Many more.”
Gen. A. Maken : “How then, the Indians are prosecuting and torturing the Nagas?”
Visitors : (keep mum)
Gen.A.Maken: “One group armed with weapons, the other empty handed, what will happen if both sides are not equally equipped?”
B.P.Chaliha (parting shot) : “We will see that Indian Army is taken out of Naga soil shortly.” (commitment)
After the departure of the visitors Dr.Ngangshi commented that, “Gen.A.Maken is an insignificant small statured person but his heart is like a ROCK, unshakable.
I testify that Gen.A.Maken :
(1). Was a philosopher who could foresee and read the future of the Nagas.
(2). The one who laid down the foundation of Naga history. ‘Nation above self.’ Senkanungsang. (Longmisa)
*Speech delivered during the funeral service of the late Gen.A. Maken on 30-05-2016.
