Federal Government of Nagaland reiterates Phizo’s 14-point guideline

Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Ministry of Rali Wali, has urged the people to be careful and wise in speaking, writing and acting in defence of the Naga nation.
In a statement, the ministry reminded the public of the 14-point guideline laid down by president of the Naga National Council (NNC) A.Z. Phizo, from London on May 30, 1980. It stated that although adjustments may be made in accordance with changing times and situations, the guideline remained relevant and useful.
According to FGN, Phizo had stated that Nagas are a nation in their own right and that “Nagaland is a sovereign state” which had no treaty with the British and never became a protectorate. It further stated that the offer of autonomy made by India in 1947 was rejected, maintaining that the Nagas were sovereign before India’s Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950.
The points also assert that the Naga issue is not India’s internal affair and that every sovereign nation has its own external affairs and that subjects like security, finance, defence, communication were subjects the Nagas need not worry and must be wise about these things.
It maintained that terms such as “underground,” “hostiles,” “rebels,” “secession,” and “minority” do not apply to the Nagas, and describes the word “tribal” as an insult in politics. While stating that “Nagas are not Indians and these words do not apply to us, the guideline also stated that the Nagas are defending their country and are not engaged in a movement or struggle for independence, nor demanding political rights or justice. It describes the issue with India as one of invasion and aggression rather than grievance, oppression, dispute, or demand. It also maintains that matters such as self-determination and human rights are internal affairs and do not apply to the Naga case.
The ministry also referred to a letter written by A.Z. Phizo to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on May 10, 1986, from London, wherein he stated: “The case of Nagaland is a case of invasion. It is war. And it is not a political issue.” The release stated that the Naga issue with India is one of “aggression,” and not related to grievances, oppression or suppression. It further maintained that Nagas are not a minority in India and described the term “tribal” as derogatory in political discourse.
According to the statement, Nagas are not seeking self-determination nor fighting for human rights, asserting that such phrases pertain to “internal affairs.” It also claimed that the matter between Nagaland and India is not a dispute or an issue of demanding independence from India. The release reiterated that the Naga struggle is against what it termed as “invasion,” alleging that India’s position is intended to obscure this basic fact.