“The feeling of oneness became stronger among Naga students studying outside Naga Hills and thus, the urge for united actions” – Zaku Tsukru, former President, NSF.
Naga Students’ Federation was formed at a time when there were no proper educational institutions anywhere in the then Naga Hills and the few that got higher education also had to study from outside the Naga homelands.
In this respect, it is worth mentioning that the first elected President of the Naga Students’ Federation in October 1947, Late. Zasinihu Zinyu did his early education at Kohima but had to do his graduation from Guwahati Cotton College.
After which he was serving as a Teacher at Kohima Government High School for want of qualified teachers. And when he became President of the NSF, he was not a student by then.
This occasion of the first NSF Conference which ushered in the formation of NSF as a common platform of all Naga students was also addressed by non other than the first elected President of the Naga National Council (NNC), Late. T. Aliba Imti, immediately two and a half month after declaring the historic Naga Independence on the 14 th of August 1947.
This instance goes to say beyond any doubt the exigencies of the time to have an organized movement at all levels of the Naga society.
It is equally noted, that in the following years after the formation of the Naga Students’ Federation, its functioning were interrupted at various stages owing to the most turbulent political upheavals in the entire Naga country, where community elders, religious leaders, students, women and youth had to bear the brunt of Indian military atrocities, making even the
NSF impossible to function.
But the call for the Naga nation to survive was more important for the NSF than to stay away from the risks, even in the face of death, for which the Federation was revived again and again in responding to the call of the Naga nation. Ever since from 1971, with the election of Mr. Vibizotuo Yalie a.k.a. Abi Yalie, the Federation has continued without any interruptions till date.
Nevertheless, the Federation has faced its own “Ups and Downs” with additional affiliation of many new units, while also experiencing withdrawal of older units owing to various circumstances and compulsions.
Needless to say, but the Federation with the past glory is hardly at its best. However, this occasion of 75 Years of its existence has provided us the best opportunity to reflect on where we have not been able to live up to the visions of our pioneers and to re-invigorate ourselves as leaders and pillars of tomorrow to at least live up to the expectations of the coming immediate generation of young Nagas, knowing that the Naga society is presently caught at its deepest crisis of our political aspirations and the fragmentations of our society.
This challenge, therefore, instantly calls the present day Nagas and more particularly, the Naga Students’ Federation to live up to its objectives, with the realization that the answers to all these problems could well be found in our TOGETHERNESS.
The need of the hour for Naga people at this juncture is, indeed, Oneness. We have agreements with others but we are unable to agree each other amongst us to have a common approach towards Naga political settlement.
The spirit of Oneness in us is missing and this is the time to revive that feeling of Oneness to overcome all ill feelings. The NSF was founded on the Naga peoples aspiration to live together as one people, and we must live as one people irrespective of geographical locations wherever we are or we may be, and we must not allow ourselves to assimilate into India and Myanmar political culture.
Not with standing the present divisions and differences prevailing in Naga society, if we have any reason to celebrate today, then it is still the feeling of Oneness as Naga people. It is a matter of fact that no Naga, be it from any geographical direction or be it from any group or party, disowns his or her origin and blood line as Naga, rather all are proud to be Naga.
That is the strength that still holds us together. That is the power of Oneness in Nagaism. That helps us to recover our loss and helps us again to resume our common journey of Reconciliation.
As we celebrate the formation and remarkable journey of togetherness for the last 75 years, the NSF urges all concerned groups engaged in peace making to resume its noble journey of reconciliation and call upon every Naga to reconcile ourselves first before we reconcile with others.
That must be the process of Peace making and celebration of Oneness in responding to the call of the day, Call to Oneness.
Kuknalim !
Kohima, June 04, 2022.
Issued by – Planning Committee,
75 Years of Naga Students’ Federation.
I love how you addressed this issue. Very insightful!