Yaorei Vashi
Ukhrul, Manipur (Southern Naga Homeland)
Introduction: The era of half-measures, compromises, fragmented efforts, and empty rhetoric has finally reached its end. For decades, the Naga movement has been sustained by the sacrifices of our people, the endurance of unthinkable hardships, and the loss of countless lives in the pursuit of self-determination. Yet, despite this unwavering commitment, we find ourselves at an existential crossroads. The fragmented and, at times, self-serving approaches of the past and current Naga political trajectory have not only failed to achieve our goals but have deepened internal divides, undermining the very foundation of our common aspirations. Today, our movement is fractured, with internal rifts that threaten to unravel the collective vision that so many of our people have fought and died for.
The reality before us is clear: without a unified, legitimate single body–the Naga National Government, our aspirations for a unified Naga nation are in grave peril, not from external forces but from the corrosive effects of our own disunity. Our internal fragmentation weakens us from within, signalling to India and the international community that we lack the cohesion necessary to be recognized as a sovereign people. A divided front is easily dismissed, reducing our national cause to a series of isolated grievances rather than the unified voice of a determined people. The vision of a Naga nation cannot survive on fractured, aimless efforts; it requires a single, consolidated force of leadership and purpose.
India will neither acknowledge nor respect our aspirations unless we can present ourselves as one people, one nation, bound by an unbreakable resolve. To secure the future we envision, we must urgently set aside the divisions that have held us back, focusing instead on building a coherent, collective strategy. Only by uniting our efforts and advancing as a single, determined entity can we elevate our struggle to one of national significance, commanding the recognition, respect, and solidarity that a truly united Naga movement deserves.
Our survival, as a people and as a nation, hinges on overcoming the divisions that have sapped our resources, weakened our morale, and eroded our diplomatic credibilitywithin and without. Factionalism has undermined the legitimacy of our claim to a sovereign Naga homeland, not because of our diversity, but due to our inability to achieve unity within that diversity. It is imperative that all Naga national political factions come together to establish a singular, unified government. Whether it would be called the Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland (GPRN) or any other nomenclature, the essential truth remains that no nation ever exist or sustain multiple competing governments.
The concept of “factions” must be eradicated and replaced with a unified structure in which these groups are reorganized under a singular Naga National Government. This unification does not necessitate the dissolution of every faction or the merging of all Naga armies, but rather the establishment of a singular, authoritative governing entity that represents all nationalist groups with legitimacy and cohesion. Entities such as NSCN (IM), NSCN (K), NSCN (U), NSCN (R), NNC, NNC (NA), FGN, NSCN (K2), NSCN (YM), and others should be redefined as units or commands, whether brigades, regiments, or divisions, within a unified national framework. This transformation would establish a central authority that genuinely embodies and protects the collective strength, dignity, and destiny of the Naga Nation.
Learning from History: Unity as the Foundation of Success
Across the world, liberation movements like ours have succeeded by prioritizing unity. South Africa, under Nelson Mandela, united diverse factions to form a cohesive front, overcoming apartheid and gaining international legitimacy. In Vietnam, the North Vietnamese unified under strong leaderships such as Ho Chi Minh and General Võ Nguyên Giáp to achieve national liberation. India’s independence struggle also succeeded through a coalition uniting diverse interests under a single, coordinated effort led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
The lesson for the Naga movement is unmistakable: a solution that genuinely reflects the collective aspirations of the Naga people to live as a sovereign nation will only be realized through the overcoming of internal divisions and the formation of a united front. Time is running out for the various Naga factions to reconcile their differences and consolidate their efforts. In acknowledging our rich diversity, it is imperative that we harness it not as a source of division but as a unifying strength, channeling it into a cohesive national endeavour grounded in our shared history, heritage, and common purpose.
Internal Divisions: A Vulnerability Exploited
India is acutely aware of the internal divisions within the Naga movement and continues to exploit these fractures to undermine the legitimacy of our cause. The divide-and-rule strategy remains a potent tool in weakening our collective resolve, rendering our efforts fragmented and disjointed. This disunity has allowed India to evade a genuine commitment to resolving the Naga issue, dismissing our demands as mere factional grievances rather than the legitimate and unified aspirations of an entire people. The reluctance of the Indian government to offer a national solution is a direct consequence of this fragmentation, which diminishes our negotiating strength. A unified leadership would disrupt this divisive tactic, compelling India to confront a consolidated Naga movement. Such unity would not only elevate the Naga cause but would also present our struggle as a cohesive, national movement deserving of both recognition and international solidarity.
The ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue, which has spanned more than two decades, provides a critical point of reflection for the Naga national groups. What began as a negotiation marked by a strong position at the international level, backed by the Prime Ministerial authority and initiated without preconditions, has since devolved into a process lacking clarity and substance. The question must be asked: Has the Indian government demonstrated any genuine respect or commitment to the promises made during those early negotiations? The current state of affairs reveals the tragic undoing of the factional approach.
This should serve as a poignant lesson to all Naga factions, no matter how formidable or resolute a single faction may be, negotiations with India, when approached from the perspective of a faction or group, will yield no different result. The outcome remains unchanged: disjointed, ineffective, and ultimately dismissed. Only through a unified front, representing the Naga people as one nation, can we hope to change the course of our struggle and secure a resolution that honors our collective aspirations.
The Global Perception: Unification as Diplomatic Strength
On the international stage, division renders the Naga cause almost invisible, dissipating the potential for global support and recognition. The struggle for East Timor’s independence serves as a powerful example of how a unified, disciplined movement can capture the world’s attention and gain crucial international backing. The leaders of East Timor mobilized with a singular vision, presenting a cohesive front that was impossible for the global community to ignore. Likewise, in South Sudan, once deeply divided factions recognized that unity was essential for achieving independence, transforming their disparate efforts into a singular, national movement that ultimately won international recognition and support.
Without such a unified voice, the world perceives us as fragmented, a mere assortment of factions rather than a cohesive national movement with a clear, collective goal. This division not only weakens our standing but makes it easier for international actors to dismiss the legitimacy of our cause. Unity, on the other hand, would elevate the Naga movement on the global stage, underscoring our determination and coherence as a people with shared aspirations. A unified front would counteract narratives of factionalism, repositioning the Naga struggle as one of national liberation, deserving of both respect and support from the international community.
Unification would also enhance our diplomatic leverage, positioning us as a credible entity worthy of international attention and solidarity. A cohesive Naga movement would shift the focus from internal disputes to our overarching vision of self-determination, resonating with other national struggles and gaining broader support. With a unified identity, we could more effectively engage international forums, garner solidarity from other nations, and attract advocates for our cause, reinforcing the legitimacy of our aspirations and strengthening our influence on the world stage.
Unity Beyond Politics: Cultural Preservation
For the Naga movement, unity is more than a political strategy; it is essential for preserving our cultural and spiritual identity. Division threatens to fragment our heritage, while unity would ensure we pass down an undivided legacy, one that embodies the resilience and strength of our people.
This unity transcends politics, safeguarding the Naga identity and preserving our collective stories, values, and wisdom. By uniting, we reaffirm our commitment to our way of life, ensuring our legacy is not one of division and discord but of resilience, strength, and dignity.
Practical Steps for Unification: A Roadmap
1. Establish a Transitional Naga Unity Council: Bringing together leaders from all factions and communities, this council would foster respect and cooperation as we transition toward a singular national framework.
2. Draft a Unified Charter for Nagalim: A common charter outlining our goals, values, and shared vision would serve as the foundation for a unified government. This binding document would protect each tribe’s heritage within the larger framework of Nagalim.
3. Form a Peace and Reconciliation Committee: A dedicated committee of respected leaders from all factions and communities would address grievances, heal past wounds, and lay the groundwork for unity.
4. Engage Civil Society and the Naga Diaspora: Unity requires support from Naga civil society and the diaspora, who can play crucial roles in advocating for unity, mobilizing international support, and amplifying our calls for solidarity.
5. Organize National Mobilization Events: Public demonstrations would showcase the Naga people’s resolve for self-determination, sending a powerful message of unity to India and the world.
6. Forge Strategic International Alliances: A unified Naga government would wield greater diplomatic influence. We must seek alliances with other indigenous and freedom movements, engage sympathetic governments, and build relations with international organizations.
Building the Foundation of a Unified Future
The pursuit of a unified Naga government represents more than just political consolidation. It reflects our commitment to identity, culture, and a shared future. Unity will not be easy, but it is the only path that honors the sacrifices made for Nagalim. Every decision from this moment onward will shape our legacy, determining whether we choose unity as the cornerstone of our destiny or let division dismantle our hopes.
We stand at a crossroads. Will we rise above our differences to build a lasting legacy, or allow division to extinguish our dreams? History will remember whether we chose unity as the foundation of our national future or allowed it to falter under discord. For our children, our land, and the countless lives sacrificed for Nagalim, we must act decisively to secure a future of dignity and self-determination.
Unifying Beyond Borders: The Strength of National Cohesion
History has shown the power of unity for movements seeking self-determination. When diverse groups unite under a single identity, they fortify their cause and amplify their influence both domestically and globally. South Sudan’s success against internal and external opposition was possible only after forming a cohesive national front. Similarly, the Naga movement will struggle to achieve credibility until we unify into a credible, consolidated entity.
Standing as one, we would avoid the traps of division and secure a voice that commands attention and respect. Our unity could amplify our narrative within the larger global context of indigenous struggles and national liberation movements.
Cultivating a Culture of Unity: Education, Commemoration, and Cultural Preservation
Unity must be embedded in our cultural and educational systems to sustain it across generations. By instilling a culture of solidarity and shared purpose from a young age, every Naga child would grow to see their heritage as part of a larger national destiny.
1. Education Initiatives: Schools and community programs should emphasize Naga history and the significance of unity in our struggle, fostering a national consciousness rooted in shared identity.
2. Commemorative Spaces: Monuments, memorials, and museums dedicated to the Naga cause would reinforce our collective memory, preserving our legacy of resilience for future generations.
3. Cultural Programs: Festivals and cultural exchanges can honor our diversity while promoting a cohesive national narrative that strengthens our identity beyond tribal differences.
Leveraging the Naga Diaspora: Building a Global Network of Support
Our diaspora has untapped potential to advance the Naga cause globally. Engaging these communities would create a network that champions our movement internationally, offering solidarity and amplifying our message.
1. Global Advocacy: The Naga diaspora can lobby governments and engage international bodies like the United Nations, strengthening our quest for recognition and support.
2. Media Outreach: Global media engagement would help broadcast our story, with the diaspora playing a crucial role in transforming our movement into a cause recognized worldwide.
3. Alliances with Other Movements: Forming coalitions with other indigenous and independence movements could amplify each other’s voices, reinforcing our legitimacy on the world stage.
Expanding Peace and Reconciliation Efforts
Unity requires addressing the grievances that have long divided us. A strong Peace and Reconciliation Committee would provide the foundation for trust and solidarity across all Naga factions.
1. Transitional Justice Mechanisms: Inspired by reconciliation processes in South Africa and Rwanda, mechanisms for accountability and healing could integrate all factions into a shared mission, fostering national unity.
2. Inter-Tribal Councils: Councils representing leaders from various tribes could foster grassroots cooperation, promoting dialogue on both local concerns and national priorities, and reinforcing our shared identity.
A Final Call to Destiny: Unity as the Heart of Our Future
As Nagas, we are heirs to a profound legacy of resilience, courage, and unyielding hope. The dreams of our ancestors and the sacrifices of countless lives are entrusted to us. This moment demands that we rise to the occasion, putting aside differences for the sake of the larger vision. Our struggle will not be remembered merely for the years we endured, but for the strength with which we united, transforming our divisions into a powerful, single-minded pursuit of Nagalim.
The world watches as we decide our future. The choice we make today will shape not only our destiny but the destiny of generations yet unborn. We must act with the conviction that we are capable of building the nation our forebears dreamed of, a nation unified, dignified, and free. We owe this to ourselves, to our children, and to the spirit of Nagalim.
Let this be our final call: Nagas united, resilient, and resolute, ready to secure a future worthy of our name. The dream lives only if we choose to live it together.
Writer’s Note: This piece is written in deep respect for the Naga people’s sacrifices and aspirations. It seeks to emphasize unity as essential for a shared and dignified future, drawing inspiration from our collective history and strength. I hope these reflections encourage open dialogue and contribute meaningfully to our journey toward lasting peace.
Kuknalim!
