Gwangphun Gangmei
A Social Research Activist
The origin and history of the Nagas National struggle were manifested and originated by few determined Naga leaders who resisted the intruding invasive foreign forces within their village areas and territories. Jadonang was one among few who have ignited the spirit of national revolution. He was brutally hanged and the movement was nibbed in the bud for organizing a resistance movement against the British imperial power. It was British suppressive policy and dominating spirit over the Nagas that has prompted India and applied to subjugate the Nagas.
Prior to the birth and emergence of Naga National Movement; Naga Club, NNC, the emergence and threat of Naga Raj Movement/Naga Resistance movement was perceived by British India. The fact has awakened the political consciousness of both the Nagas and India. The fact has led to the political development of the Nagas and the policy of dominance of India over the Nagas. The Naga Raj Movement continued after Jadonang till 1947 led by Rani Gaidinliu of whom India recognized her struggle and awarded India’s prestigious titles after her released post India’s Independence. However, the movement she later defined; Zeliangrong Khampais (Zeliangrong Home guard) was not attended or fulfilled by India till date. The movement lasted till the time she was re-arrested by S.C. Dev. the then DC of Kohima in 1965-66. Political appeasements and assurances were made to Rani Gaidinliu. However, she has rejected the assurances and latter organized Zeliangrong people’s movement for securing homeland of their own. Thus, Zeliangrong People Convention (ZPC) came into being and lasted till 1993, the year Rani Gaidinliu Passed away and ZPC halted with the resignation of Prof. Gangmumei and subsequent pressure meted by NSCN/GPRN. ZPC demand was kept in abeyance for/ in the larger interest of the Naga cause. Thus, ZPC Movement was frozen and Zeliangrong peoples’ participation and contributions to the Nagas’ movement was maximized. However, the aspiration and history of Zeliangrong political assertion and struggle remains with the people afresh to this day. There was misconstruing notion and certain adverse elements that has kept the political account of the Zeliangrong people’s movement at naught. No history of struggle can be lost or denied.
Reasoned that, the creation of Nagaland state was not the solution as India thought it was. Nagas’ political aspiration differs from Indian’s perception of the Nagas political determination. India’s logic or politic of fulfilling the demand of Naga Rani Gaidinliu by creating Nagaland state was neither the aspiration of the Nagas nor the fulfilment of the Zeliangrong people’s demand. The Nagas’ movement was basically for a free nation whereas Zeliangrong People demand for homeland was for a state of free India as surfaced. The Creation of Nagaland state, and keeping the ZPC demand in silence to this day is begrudged. The Nagas’ solution is not what India wish to make but is what Nagas’ wanted to attain. The adverse treatment meted to the Nagas by creating a divisive Nagaland state, segmenting the Nagas by arbitrary state boundaries is a direct violation of human rights. Now India is making a good excuse of the fact and delaying Nagas’ solution in the pretext of resistances and reacting from the neighboring states of India in the Northeast region. With this complexity of India’s own creation, the demand of ZPC for a statehood within union of India too is halted and delayed to this day. It is a willful ignorant of the rightful aspiration of the Zeliangrong and kindred people.
Perceived that, the demand of the Zeliangrong and its kindred people for a statehood led by Rani Gaidinliu, an Indian Freedom fighter is fundamental and constitutional right of the people. If Nagaland state could be created and justified and the current Naga peace talk being drawn towards finding a solution within Union of India, the long drawn Zeliangrong people political aspiration and demand could be settled and resolved inclusively during the current Peace talk with the GOI.
Whereas considering the steady re-emergence of Zeliangrong political movement resurfaced by Zeliangrong United Front, it is vivid enough that they are asserting their rightful approach as per Indian constitution.
While considering the many Factions under one name as NNPG are forfeiting the Common Naga cause and negotiating with the GOI for a greater status of Indian state of Nagaland, and ENPO asserting their right to determine their own interest for a state of their own in place, the ZUF too resurfacing the ZPC demand for a statehood, the logic of NSCN-IM group who so remains as frontier of the Common Naga cause, must exercise restraining policy and diplomacy for collective and inclusive politics. That military operation against or defaming each other faction in the name of Naga Nation is outdated logic and is to be denounced.
Viewed and suggested that Nagas need to redefine its politic and approach and generate a new political understanding and initiative. The old approach has failed us that a new approach may take us ahead with greater competency. If India is to progress and make a new height of world admiration, her politics of suppressing the rights of the people be dropped and a high sense and realization of human rights and humanity is materialized and spirited. Sharing my views and concern may harm and hurt some readers as intended so as deeper self-analysis and better politics may be born for a better and peaceful society.
