Praise the Lord!
My beloved children, I am delighted to share with you all today what I have seen with my eyes and know when, 66 years ago Eno Zapu Phizo along with few of his friends hoisted the flag of the Naga Federal Government on 22nd March, 1956 here at Parashen, Rengma area.
During my prime youth life of 34-35 years old, I was with Zapu Phizo. Today, I am an old man of 102 years and I am thankful to God for sustaining my life thus far.
Initially, Zapu Phizo was planning to hoist the Naga flag at Ciethu (Penshvünyu) in Angami area. However, report about this plan reached the Indian army and they launched an operation and eventually, Zapu Phizo and his friends had to take hiding somewhere in the foothills of Japfu mountain. Since Zapu Phizo’s wife was a Rengma lady (Jwenle of Tseminyu village) and his close associate Eno Whenha was a Rengma, he sent a message to him to come and pick him for Naga flag hoisting at Rengma area. Whenha Rengma took his friend Nnolo Tep of Terogvunyu village and together, they picked up Zapu Phizo from Kohima and brought him down to Phenshünyu village for hiding.
Thereafter, Zapu Phizo started making plans for the Naga flag hoisting. He called the leaders and elders of Phenshünyu village and told them to find him an upright young man to guide him. The village elders/leaders chose me and I was made the guide-cum-bodyguard of Zapu Phizo.
In view of many intelligence reports to the Indian army/authorities, we were compelled to frequently keep changing his hiding place/camp.
Phizo told me to find a place not commonly known or frequented by people to hoist the Naga flag. Since Parashen is at the foothill of a mountain which is not easily accessible or frequented by people, I suggested this place. He wanted to see the place himself and so I took him to the proposed area. He liked the place and we shifted our camp there and started preparation for the flag hoisting.
Zapu Phizo entrusted a group of Sendenyu village women to weave the cloth to be used as the Naga flag and they wove it.
Phizo remarked that Nagas living in Kohima and Mokokchung were using Indian money under the Indian government and therefore, they will not be allowed to hoist the flag. However, a person from Free Naga area will be given the honour to hoist the flag. Subsequently, a message was sent to Eno Thunge. Chang at (Hongking) Tuensang. He was brought and a camp was prepared for him below Khenyu village mountain. From there, he came to Parashen to hoist the Naga flag.
A day prior to the flag hoisting day, Phizo took few of us and we went and cleared the area. When he said that it would be good to have a table, i told him that it can be arranged. He asked me to do it. I sharpened my dao, flattened the top of a nearby termite mound and covered it with banana leaves after slightly searing it on fire.
The next day, Phizo, Thungti, Gwanyü Thong (Ahng) and I prepare the flag. Thungti held the cloth on one side and I on the other side. Phizo gave directions/instructions and Gwany painted the rainbow on the flag. After it was done, everyone present was called together and we had a discussion and a scripture passage was read. I placed my dao on my shoulder and guarded Thungti and he hoisted the Naga flag. The Naga National Council (NNC) and the Hongking government merged to become the Federal Government, which flag was first hoisted here at Parashen that day.
The following day, news about this event reached the Indian government. Immediately, the Indian army launched an operation at Sendenyu and Phenshunyu villages and started torturing the villagers. Granaries were burnt down to ashes, domesticated animals like pigs, cows, chickens etc. were killed and many people were scattered to the jungles. Army operations subsequently spread to other Rengma areas and beyond, to other Naga areas as well. There is no doubt that the entire Nagas suffered in the hands of the Indian army. However, the people of these two villages, Sendenyu and Phenshunyu suffered the most. For about three/four years (195-1958), the people of these two villages were grouped at Tseminyu (called army grouping). People could not cultivate their field and many were killed on mere suspicion. Food was scarce and there were many diseases and sicknesses and no medicines for treatment, resulting in the death of almost half the population. But because of God’s unfailing love and grace, many could return to live in Sendenyu and Phenshunyu villages. And today, as I witness there is progress in every field, I praise the Lord.
Not long after the historic hoisting of the Naga flag, Zapu Phizo left to pursue the Naga cause in the United Nations. He went to Pakistan and from there to Britain where he lived for many years pursuing the Naga freedom. However, before we could achieve our dreams, his dead body was brought back home.
Our struggle for freedom/independence continues even today. During my youthful days, I also gave my best service to our leaders in our pursuit and struggle for freedom, and yet, even today it eludes us. My dear Naga leaders of today, know this. Even when we were united as one then, we did not achieve freedom. Today, we are fragmented into many groups and governments. How do you think the Indian government will grant us freedom? Therefore, live in the fear of the Lord and be united on all fronts and pursue/fight for our freedom and independence from the Indian government.
May God shower His bountiful blessings upon you all.
KUKNALIM