This Treatise is an attempt to delve into the early political history of the Nagas with special reference to the development and circumstances leading to the historic event of the first Naga Flag hoisting of the Federal Republic of Nagaland at Parshen 56 years ago. Attempt is made to present facts sequently for consumption of all concerned.
The famous Naga Club was birthed in 1918 as the world war come to close. The club was headed by Rhichalie Shuya. The first notable action of the Naga Club was the submission of Memorandum to the British Simon Commission duly endorsed by 20 signatories.
The Next milestone of the Nagas was the formation of the Naga National Council at Wokha with Aliba Imti and T.Sakhrie as the President and Secretary respectively on 2nd February 1946.from 1946-1951, through the initiative of the NNC, integration of NAGA society gradually took place through consensus.
On 14th August, 1947 the Naga Independent flag was hoisted at mission compound, Kohima with ‘Christ the supreme Ruler’ as its slogan. On 29th October 1947 the Naga students’ Federation was formed with Mr. Z. Ahu as the Chairman. Subsequently Ms. Rano Meyase becomes the first President of the Naga Women Federation (NWF) of NNC in 1949.Mr.Mhondamo Kithan become the 2nd President of the NNC in 1949.
On 26th November 1949, a delegation of 11 (Eleven) Naga delegates meet His Excellency C. Rajagopalachari the then Governor General of Free India, told the Naga delegation that the Nagas have every right to remain independent outside the Indian union. In 1950, Ms. Shitoli become the 2nd President of the Naga Women Federation, NNC.
Visier Angami become the 3rd President of NNC and on 16th October 1950 AZ Phizo was entrusted as the Acting President and on 28th December 1950 of the same year he become the 4th President of the NNC. The Naga People Convention was formed in the year 1951 with Dr. Imkongliba as the President and J.B Jasokie as the Secretary.
On the 16th May 1951 the Naga Plebiscites commenced resulting in 99.99% in favour of a sovereign state. Memorandum of Independent was submitted to the Assam Governor Jairandas Doulatram. On 25th Jan.1952 the first General Election of Independent India was also proposed to be conducted in the Naga Hills, but no Naga participated in the so called Indian election. Free Naga Government (FNG) was set up under the leadership of Hongking at Nokpu village, Tuensang area. Thus the Government was known as ‘Hongking Government’.
The Assam disturbed area act 1955 was passed and introduced to enable the Assam Armed Police (APP) and Assam Rifle to execute their task openly without legal constraint in Naga Hills.
On the 14th Jan.1956 the Naga Constitution (YEHZEBO) was approved by NNC.
In the backdrop of such active and dynamic political developments, plan were devised by AZ Phizo and his Associates to hoist the first Federal Republic of Nagaland flag at Ciethu (the presently proposed airfield site near Chiphobozo).While the arrangement were on, the Indian Army attacked the Naga Army and Naga captain was killed. Consequent upon this incident, AZ Phizo sent a message to Whenha Rengma to come and take him to Rengma area. Accordingly, Whenha Rengma sent two of his men to bring AZ Phizo to Phenshunyu village in the middle of Sept.1955.He stationed at Phenshunyu village for about 6 months and fixed the date to hoist the Naga Republic Flag and had several round of meetings with his comrades.
The last such meeting was conducted at KWANORU where it was decided to hoist the Naga National flag at Parshen area on 22nd March 1956.it should be noted here that the first Tatar Hoho was held on the same day and subsequently the NNC representing the Naga hills District and Honking Govt. Representing the free Nagas, freely and willingly merged into one entity known as the ‘Federal Government of Nagaland’(FGN) and in addition established the Federal Government of Nagaland with Khriesaniesa Seyietsu as the First Kedahge (President) of FGN and Shri.Whenha Rengma as the first Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the FGN. Consequent upon the development the Naga safeguards was changed into Naga Home Guard with Thungdi Chang as the Commander-in- Chief, who hoisted the Naga National flag at Parshen on 22nd March 1956.The very next day on 23rd March 1956 the India Army poured down to Phenshunyu and Sendenyu Villages and chased out all the villagers and burned down all the houses and granaries into ashes. The villagers were compelled to live in the thick forest. From 1956 to 1958 the two villagers were grouped at Tseminyu area (Concentration Camp) and were not allowed to cultivate. More than 2500 Rengma innocent public died during these years due to hunger, torture, fatigue, sickness and so on.
The Naga National Flag was designed and art by AZ Phizo himself, some of his comrades who accompanied him in drawing the flag way back 1956 are still alive keeping the memory afresh and treasured. The history of modern world shows that a banner/Flag acts as an agent of rousing the patriotic spirit and nationalism of people. Today the unfortunate and undeniable reality and fact is that Nagas are divided into so many groups, albeit under the same flag hoisted some 56 years ago. Nevertheless it is a strong conviction that every different political groups should retrospect the past, keeping alive the legacy, which will lead us to a unified band in a struggled for our rightful cause and self determination.
The Naga National Flag Hoisting area Parshen between (Sendenyu and Phenshunyu) is now designated as ‘Naga National Park’ covering approximately 150 acres. The area will be given to the Nagas, However as of now the Naga National Park is being looked after by land owners and a committee called Management Committee. The 4rd Federal Assembly of the Naga Students Federation (NSF) was also held at ‘Parshen Peace Park’ on 19th November 2010 attended by all the federating units of the NSF. In honour of the Pioneers and the Naga Patriots the Rengma Students’ Union would be celebrating the 56th Anniversary of the Naga Flag Hoisting Day at Parshen on 22 nd March 2012.
KUKNALIM
Kenneth Kath
Ex. President RSU
