(A historical overview for the younger generation)
INTRODUCTION:
The Naga political movement is a significant part of Naga history. It reflects the aspirations of the Naga people to preserve their distinct identity, land, culture, traditions and political future. To understand the movement, the younger generation must become familiar with its historical background, the important events that shaped it, and the efforts made by successive generations to pursue a peaceful and honourable political settlement.
The history of the Naga political movement is complex, and certain events and their interpretations remain matters of historical and political debate. Therefore, this account presents the principal events and the Naga people’s historical perspective in a diplomatic manner, distinguishing historical records from political positions and claims.
- Historical background and the arrival of British rule (before 1900)
The Naga people have a long history of living in the hills and adjoining territories of the present-day north-eastern India and north-western Myanmar. They are made up of several tribes, each possessing distinct languages, customs and traditions, while sharing a broader sense of Naga identity.
The Naga Hills remained largely under their own village-based systems of governance before the expansion of British colonial administration in the nineteenth century. British military expeditions into the Naga Hills in 1879–1880 marked a significant turning point in Naga–British relations. British influence and administration subsequently expanded in parts of the Naga Hills.
Christian Missionaries and education also played an important role in the transformation of Naga society, contributing to literacy, social development and the growth of a wider sense of collective identity. - The emergence of Naga political consciousness (1918–1945)
The formation of the NAGA CLUB in 1918 was an important milestone in the development of modern Naga political consciousness. It provided a platform for educated Nagas and community representatives to discuss their common concerns and political future.
In 1929, the NAGA CLUB submitted a historic MEMORANDUM to the Simon Commission, expressing its concern about the future constitutional arrangements for the Naga Hills. The Memorandum requested that the Nagas should not be placed under a system of administration without their consent and, should the British withdraw, that they should be left to determine their own future. This memorandum is widely regarded as one of the earliest formal expressions of collective Naga political aspirations.
Under the Government of India Act, 1935, the Naga Hills was classified as an Excluded Area, with a distinct administrative arrangement. This arrangement came into effect in 1937.
In 1945–1946, the Naga National Council (officially formed on 2nd February 1946 at Wokha) emerged and became the principal organisation representing the developing Naga political movement. - The question of political status at the time of British withdrawal (1946–1951)
As British rule in India approached its end, the political future of the Naga people became a matter of serious discussion. On 9 April 1946, the Naga National Council communicated its position to the British authorities, maintaining that the Nagas should be consulted before any constitutional arrangement affecting them was made.
In June 1947, the Naga National Council and Sir Akbar Hydari, the then Governor of Assam, reached what became known as the Nine-Point Agreement (Hydari Agreement). It provided for administrative arrangements, protection of Naga land and customs, and a provision for reviewing the agreement after ten years. However, the interpretation of its final clause became a matter of disagreement between the Naga representatives and the Government of India. On 14 August 1947, the Naga National Council declared Naga independence, one day before India became independent, and communicated its position internationally.
In May 1951, the NNC organised a voluntary plebiscite, claiming that an overwhelming majority—commonly reported as 99 per cent, supported the demand for Naga independence. The plebiscite remains an important historical reference in the Naga political movement, although its methodology and result have been viewed differently by different parties.
The Naga National Council subsequently continued to pursue its political objectives through both political representation and other forms of resistance. - Armed conflict and the formation of the State of Nagaland (1950s–1963)
During the 1950s, disagreements over the political future of the Nagas increasingly developed into armed confrontation. The situation brought considerable hardship and suffering to ordinary people.
In 1956, the Federal Government of Nagaland was declared under the Naga nationalist movement, with representatives from different Naga areas participating. The period witnessed serious conflict between Naga armed groups and Indian security forces.
Meanwhile, another section of Naga leadership pursued negotiations with the Government of India through the Naga People’s Convention (NPC). The NPC’s 16-Point Agreement of 1960 provided the basis for the formation of the State of Nagaland. On 1st December 1963, Nagaland was formally inaugurated as the 16th State of the Indian Union.
However, statehood did not resolve the larger political disagreement. The Naga National Council and other nationalist groups maintained that the political aspirations of the Naga people had not been fully addressed by the new constitutional arrangement. Consequently, the movement continued alongside the functioning of the State Government. - Ceasefire and peace negotiations (1964–1975)
Recognising the need to end the continuing conflict, a Peace Mission comprising respected public figures, including Jayaprakash Narayan, B.P. Chaliha and Reverend Michael Scott, helped facilitate dialogue. A ceasefire was agreed upon in 1964 between the Government of India and the Naga Federal leadership. Six rounds of peace talks followed between 1964 and 1972. Despite these efforts, the parties could not reach a mutually acceptable political settlement, and the ceasefire process eventually broke down.
On 11 November 1975, the Shillong Accord was signed between the Government of India and a section of Naga underground representatives. The agreement was intended to bring an end to the armed confrontation. However, it did not receive universal acceptance among Naga nationalist leaders and organisations, leading to further differences within the movement. - Formation of new political organisations and further divisions (1980–1997)
Following the controversy surrounding the Shillong Accord, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) was formed on 31 January 1980, with the objective of continuing the Naga political struggle. In 1988, the NSCN experienced a major division, resulting in two principal organisations:
*NSCN (Isak-Muivah), commonly known as NSCN (IM).
*NSCN (Khaplang), commonly known as NSCN (K).
The Naga National Council also experienced internal divisions during this period. These developments reflected differences in leadership, political approaches and strategies within the broader Naga movement. In 1993, NSCN (IM) became a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), an international organisation representing peoples and communities whose voices are not adequately represented in international forums.
A significant development occurred on 25 July 1997, when the Government of India and NSCN (IM) signed a ceasefire agreement, opening a new phase of political dialogue. Subsequently, on 25 April 2001, another ceasefire agreement was signed between the Government of India and NSCN (K). - The contemporary peace process (1997 onwards)
The ceasefire arrangements created opportunities for renewed dialogue and political negotiations. Over the years, several rounds of discussions have taken place between the Government of India and different Naga political organisations.
An important milestone was reached on 3 August 2015, when the Government of India and NSCN (IM) signed the Framework Agreement in the presence of the Prime Minister of India. In 2017, the Government of India also entered into an Agreed Position with the Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), representing several Naga political organisations.
These developments demonstrated the continuing importance of dialogue and the search for a peaceful, inclusive and honourable political settlement. Nevertheless, differences remain, and the final resolution of the Naga political issue continues to be a matter of public concern. - The larger Naga question and the way forward
One of the central issues throughout the Naga political movement has been the aspiration for the recognition of Naga identity, history, land, political rights and the desire of the Naga people to determine their collective future.
The historical Naga homeland extends beyond the boundaries of the present State of Nagaland, encompassing Naga-inhabited areas of neighbouring Indian states and parts of present-day Myanmar. The aspiration for the integration and recognition of these Naga-inhabited areas has therefore remained an important aspect of Naga political discussions.
The movement has passed through different phases—political representation, declarations, plebiscites, armed confrontation, internal divisions, ceasefires and negotiations. Each phase has influenced the political, social and economic life of the Naga people.
Today, the younger generation has an important responsibility: to understand this history objectively, preserve the identity and heritage of the Naga people, learn from past experiences, promote unity among the Naga tribes and support peaceful efforts towards a mutually acceptable political settlement.
Conclusion: What the younger generation should understand:
The Naga political movement is not merely a history of political organisations, agreements, ceasefires or armed confrontations. It is also a history of a people’s collective identity, aspirations, sacrifices, differences and continuing search for a peaceful political future.
The younger generation should remember five important principles: - Know our history: Understand the historical background of the Naga political movement rather than relying solely on hearsay or incomplete accounts.
- Preserve our identity: Protect our languages, cultures, traditions, customary practices and ancestral heritage.
- Promote unity: Respect the diversity of Naga tribes and recognise the importance of mutual understanding and collective responsibility.
- Learn from the past: Understand the consequences of division, confrontation and missed opportunities for reconciliation.
- Work for a peaceful future: Pursue political aspirations through wisdom, dialogue, mutual respect and democratic principles.
The future of the Naga people depends not only on how well the present generation understands its past, but also on how wisely it prepares the generations to come.
Our history should be remembered, our identity should be preserved, our unity should be strengthened, and our future should be approached with wisdom and responsibility.
Important historical observations:
Since this write-up is intended for the younger generation, I recommend a few historical corrections and qualifications to ensure accuracy and credibility.
1228 AD: The arrival of the Tai-Ahom under Sukaphaa in Assam is recorded in 1228. However, the assertion that they crossed a unified Naga country in the precise manner described needs independent historical evidence.
1839 and 1876: The specific dates concerning the first American emissary at Namsez and the establishment of the first American mission centre should be verified against missionary records.
British administration: The Naga Hills were not administered uniformly. British authority varied across different Naga areas, and the term “Excluded Area” had a specific constitutional meaning.
1947 Agreement: The Nine-Point Agreement was signed in June 1947 between the NNC representatives and Governor Sir Akbar Hydari. The interpretation of Clause 9 was disputed.
1951 Plebiscite: The figure of 99 per cent is the result claimed by the NNC and should be attributed to it rather than presented as an independently verified electoral result.
1963 Statehood: Nagaland formally became the 16th State of the Indian Union on 1 December 1963, following the 16-Point Agreement of 1960.
1975 Shillong Accord: It was signed by a section of Naga underground representatives, not by all Naga political organisations.
1980 and 1988: The NSCN was formed in 1980 and divided into NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) in 1988.
2015 and 2017: The Framework Agreement and Agreed Position are important later developments and should be included in any account extending beyond 2001.
The historical background is supported by the original Naga Club memorandum preserved in the British Library, historical scholarship, Nagaland Government records and Government of India publications.
S. Akho Leyri
Upper Agri. Kohima