Nagaland Legislative Assembly turns 60: Leaders revisit Naga political aspirations and milestones

CM Rio says “Naga Integration” remains core of Naga Political movement

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) celebrated its 60th anniversary on October 29, 2024, under the theme ‘Embracing Innovation and Celebrating Legacy’ at the Assembly Secretariat Complex. Established on February 11, 1964, the NLA continues to address the longstanding Naga political issue, which remains central in political discussions.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to the cause, stating, “The issue of Naga Integration, which emerged from the 16-Point Agreement, remains a core part of the larger Naga political movement”. He reassured that the house will continue to pursue the goal in the spirit of unity and solidarity.

Rio also noted the intertwined history of the formation of the state and the establishment of the Assembly stating they are “intricately linked” with the Naga Political issue highlighting that each Assembly session has reinforced the need for peaceful and inclusive negotiations. “Addressing the Naga cause is our collective responsibility,” he added.

Meanwhile, Former Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr SC Jamir, while walking ‘Down the Memory Lane’ recalled how the Naga National Council formed in 1946 at Wokha was conceived for a separate Naga Homeland. He noted that even before the birth of the state, the name of the homeland was chosen as Nagaland.

On December 1, 1963, it was officially christened as “Nagaland” by Dr Radha Krishnan, the President of India, thereby conferring and confirming the political and constitutional entity of the state of Nagaland. Since then, he said, Nagaland, or Naga homeland, has been recognized by the country and the world as a political entity within India.

Dr Jamir also said that for the first time, Nagaland was created through political Agreement between the representatives of Naga Peoples Convention and the Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru in 1960.

“Remember Nagaland was purchased by the precious blood of the people of Nagaland. A generation of the Nagas had to give their blood and sacrifices for Nagaland,” he said.

Thirdly, he recalled why the name of the state was called Nagaland.

“While debating the Bill introduced in Parliament in 1962 several members objected to the word Nagaland. Hem Barua, MP from Assam went to the extent of saying that Nagaland is outlandish so it should be named as Naga Pradesh. The Prime Minister while replying to the debate said without any ambiguity that the name Nagaland is the choice of the people of Nagaland and thus it should be so,” he recalled.

Calling it “infinitely critical”, Dr Jamir explained how and why the NPC emerged from the Naga political scenario.

“It is a painful past that the kind of repression meted out to the people of Nagaland during the armed conflict between the Indian Security forces and the Naga underground cadres in the fifties was unparalleled in brutality and scale in the annals of world history,” he said.

He reflected, “In the early fifties the entire Naga people were in a state of complete depression and frustration, groaning under the crushing weights of repressions and suppressions of the Indian security forces”.

“Two alternatives were left before the people of Nagaland to choose, either to surrender and go back to Assam as a defeated people and to be a district in Assam, or some other alternative step be taken to redeem the people.”

At that critical moment, he said, great Naga minds appeared and started consultation among the leaders of the sixteen Naga tribes of the present Nagaland and organized the Naga Peoples Convention and turned the tide to salvage the hopes and aspirations of the people of Nagaland.

“In this context the significance of the Sixteen Point Agreement needs to be understood,” he said. He highlighted the importance of the 16-Point Agreement, stating that it secured a deservedly honorable place for the Naga people within the Indian Union. “Article 371A provides special safeguards for our land,” he added.

As the NLA turns 60, Dr Jamir called on its members to confront contemporary realities. “We must clear of all fancies and delusions, and accept the stern contemporary realities, only then can we march along with the rest of the world. It is incumbent on the part of all members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India and to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of the country. We, as Christians should be true to our oath taken in the name of God,” he stated.

NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer remarked that 2023 Assembly elections marked a historic milestone as two women legislators were elected into the August House, showing the progress of this democratic August institution for more inclusive representation.

Governor La. Ganesan speaking at the program said that the occasion was not only to celebrate the six decades of governance and representation but also to honour the enduring spirit of democracy.

“Nagaland Legislative Assembly has not just been a governing body but it is the voice of the people, a guardian of democratic values, and a symbol of unity in our diverse state,” he added, urging governance to be more transparent, accessible, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

Member of Parliament Supongmeren Jamir called the day a remarkable milestone and hoped that the day would serve as an opportunity to highlight the unity and perseverance of the people of Nagaland towards peace, progress and prosperity. He however emphasized that the journey was far from over and the elected members needed to remain committed to their commitment to the people and their welfare.

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