Zapuvisie lhousa
Member, Central Executive Council, NNC
The pioneering leaders of the Naga movement have clearly stated the stand of the Naga nation and announced it in no uncertain terms to the United Nations Organisation (UNO) and various other nations. The Naga National Council has preserved and upheld these historical truths about the Naga nation through the years down till today.
1. On 10th January 1929 the Naga Club, on behalf of all Nagas, submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission headed by Sir John Simon in which the clarion call of the Nagas leave us alone” was clearly stated.
2. In February 1946 the Naga National Council was formed for all Nagas in all Naga-inhabited areas.
3. All the lands inhabited by the Nagas will be known as “Nagaland” and there is no question of smaller or “greater” Nagaland.
4. The NNC is committed to the policy of non-violence and non-cooperation.
5. Naga National Council declared Nagaland as an independent nation on 14th August 1947, one day before India.
6. Prior to the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26th January 1950, the NNC outrightly rejected the Indian Constitution on 24th January 1950.
7. On 16th May 1951 the Naga National Council conducted a plebiscite in which 99.09 voted to be an independent nation.
8. The Naga National Council boycotted the Indian general election in 1952 and 1957. Not a single vote was cast in these two general elections.
9. On 22nd March 1956 the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) was formed.
10. Nagas are not secessionists, anti-Indian, ‘gangsters, hostiles or dacoits’.
11. Independent India was formed with the union of more than 500 princely states but Nagas were never a part of this union nor did they ever consent to be a part of it.
After the adoption of the constitution, India unleashed the might of her army on the Nagas and caused untold misery. Innocent Nagas were imprisoned and tortured without cause. On the early morning of November 15, 1954 the Indian armed forces attacked the small Chang village, Yingpang (47 houses), and killed 57 people. In the wake of the horrendous killings, the Changs were to first to form Home Guard.
In 1956 the Indian armed forces began a reign of terror by burning villages, wantonly killing and imprisoning innocent villagers, and the destruction of lives and property. The Nagas were forced to flee into the jungles to seek refuge.
Unable to survive the harsh life in the jungles the people who returned were forcefully grouped in concentration camps under the watchful eyes of the Indian armed forces where living conditions were even more harsh. Many died from diseases, lack of food and the absence of medication. Pregnant women and infants suffered the worst in these times.
Dear Nagas, these stories of pain and suffering are the stories of your grandparents and your parents. Today’s generation of Nagas must never forget these stories. Do not be afraid to speak and write the truth.
The Nagas are a distinct people and a distinct nation. It is taboo (Kenyü) for the Nagas to be subjected under the rule of another nation. We shall continue to hope in God. Wherever you are, in any part of the world, it is the bounden duty of every Naga to preserve, nurture and struggle for the right of the Nagas. May God bless the Naga nation. Kuknalim
