The NNC/FGN is issuing this statement in response to “NPF refutes NNPGs allegations, calls for unity on Naga issue,” to place on record the historical stance of our pioneers and to clarify the circumstances that have led to the present state of affairs. This has become necessary in recent times because historical facts are increasingly subjected to distortion, selective interpretation, and political convenience in order to uphold the truth as preserved in the collective memory and political history of the Naga people.
History is unequivocal in demonstrating that we the Naga people, as a nation, collectively asserted our political rights and resisted both British imperial rule and subsequent Indian colonial domination. The 1929 Memorandum to the Simon Commission, the declaration of Independence on 14 August 1947, the historic Plebiscite of 1951, and the boycott of the 1952 Indian General Elections stands as undeniable milestones in our political journey. These events speak for themselves and testify to the unwavering determination, courage, and foresight of our forefathers who firmly upheld the principle that the we are a distinct people with inherent rights to determine our own future.
Further evidence of this position can be found in the words of the then Ato Kilonser, Kughato Sukhai, in an interview with newsmen at Calcutta International Airport while enroute to Delhi on 30th September, 1967 to attend the Sixth Round of Talks categorically stated: “We have made our position clear during the last round of talks. We do not believe there can be any solution to the Nagaland problem within the framework of the Indian Constitution.” This statement reflected not merely an individual opinion but the long-standing political position consistently upheld by the national movement.
However, over time, taking advantage of the prolonged political stalemate, the uncompromising stand of the Naga leadership and the indifferent attitude of the Government of India towards addressing the issue, a group of opportunists and collaborators gradually emerged within the society. These individuals, driven by personal ambition rather than national conviction, found favour with the Indian establishment. The Government of India and its intelligence agencies readily embraced such elements and systematically employed them to undermine and delegitimise the Naga political cause.
Events subsequently unfolded in a manner favourable to these collaborators. The growing international attention generated by the efforts of the Father of the Naga Nation, AZ Phizo, particularly his successful move to internationalise the Naga issue following his arrival in London, created considerable concern within Indian political circles. Faced with increasing scrutiny and pressure, the Government of India reluctantly agreed to create the State of Nagaland despite its earlier staunch opposition. Therefore, claims by certain political leaders that the attainment of Statehood or Article 371(A) was solely their achievement must be viewed in proper historical perspective. Such claims amount to harvesting the fruits of sacrifices, struggles, and political groundwork laid by others, particularly the contributions of the pioneers of the Naga national movement.
Coming to the present, it has become increasingly evident that certain political parties, while professing commitment to the Naga cause, have often pursued agendas driven more by political expediency rather than genuine national interest. Behind carefully crafted public narratives lie a pattern of policies and actions designed to safeguard vested interests and preserve political influence.
It is no secret that influential political figures within the present State of Nagaland have, at various times, manipulated institutions and systems to protect themselves from accountability while obstructing and even removing those seeking justice and transparency. Over the years, many politicians masquerading as guardians and champions of the Naga people have resorted to every conceivable device, descending even to the lowest moral depths, merely to retain power and continue exploiting public resources. Such conducts have not only eroded public trust but has also weakened the collective political strength of the Naga people.
Unlike many previous representatives of the Government of India who were prepared to overlook corruption so long as political loyalty to Centre remained unquestioned, RN Ravi recognising the extent of corruption and maladministration prevailing within the state sought to promote accountability and transparency and challenged such practices that had long escaped meaningful scrutiny. However, rather than receiving cooperation, he was removed from the state, a development widely regarded as a consequence of his attempts to enforce accountability and address corruption.
It is an open secret that the then present political leadership of Nagaland went to the extent of hindering efforts by civil societies, including the GB Federation, to engage directly with the Prime Minister of India in order to facilitate and expedite the Naga political solution. Equally troubling is the fact that the political party which was established with the objective to facilitate talks between the Government of India and Naga National Council and held the commitment to step down and pave the way for a political solution are now aligned and walking in the footsteps of the very political party they once opposed and criticised, exposing the extent to which principles have been sacrificed for political survival.
This tendency continues to manifest itself in contemporary policy decisions. The recent MoU signed between the Governments of Nagaland and Assam on oil exploration based on the reckless characterisation of historically recognised Naga territories as boundary disputed areas depicts to the world a gross misunderstanding of Naga history and geography. Such actions only serve to undermine the interests and aspirations of the Naga people.
The prolonged nature of the Naga political issue cannot be understood without recognising the role played by those who prioritised personal power, wealth, and status over national interest. Through collaboration and accommodation with forces opposed to Naga aspirations, they inadvertently strengthened the position of the adversary. It was under such circumstances that the morale of men like Governor BK Nehru and Foreign Secretary YD Gundevia were strengthened, leading to the emergence of notions such as preconditioned negotiations, complete surrender, laying down of arms, and confining any settlement strictly within the framework of the Indian Constitution. These developments have significantly complicated the search for an honourable and mutually acceptable political solution.
The Naga political issue has protracted not because its legitimacy is in question, but because competing interests, political opportunism, and the absence of sincere collective political will have repeatedly obstructed its logical conclusion. Yet despite decades of challenges, the historical and political rights of the Naga people remain intact. No amount of distortion, manipulation, or political expediency can erase our historical facts or extinguish the aspirations which continues to guide our political movement.
The NNC/FGN therefore calls upon all Nagas to remain vigilant, to uphold historical truth, and to distinguish between genuine national commitment and political opportunism. The sacrifices of our forefathers must not be forgotten, nor should the principles for which they struggled be compromised for temporary political gains. The future of the Naga nation must continue to be guided by truth, justice, and the collective will of the Naga people.
Issued by Rali Wali, under the leadership of Zhopra Vero
