One Naga, One Flag, One Constitution: Amidst differences, principle of Naga unity grows

From opposing abolition of the Free Movement Regime unanimously to organizing the ongoing ‘Nurturing Naga Peoplehood’ in Phek district, the principle of Naga unity continues to gain momentum amidst “artificial” boundaries and ideological differences.

At a recent symposium organized by the Nagaland Indigenous Peoples’ Forum (NIPF), retired IAS officer Khekiye Sema emerged as a vocal critic of the Centre’s decision to fence Indo-Myanmar border, challenging the Indian government’s approach to Naga affairs as well as the Northeastern indigenous people. His assertion, “We are Indian by circumstances and not by choice,” encapsulates the sentiments shared by many Nagas, highlighting a fundamental desire for autonomy and self-determination.

Sema’s critique extends to the contentious issue of border fencing along the India-Myanmar border. He laments the lack of consultation with northeastern tribal communities, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and recognition. His words echo the frustrations of a people marginalized by geopolitical forces, questioning the government’s commitment to inclusive decision-making.

“They (GoI) never accepted us as human beings to be consulted? Or to be treated as equals? Every time we make an agreement and they don’t like it, they throw it into the dustbin unilaterally without our consent despite the fact that it is a formal agreement,” Sema stated.

Sema also accused the GoI for always trampling upon the North East people and stressed on the “human feeling” of what if “you wake up one morning and you find that your uncles and your aunties are foreigners.”

“On whose demand, on whose request is this free movement regime being scrapped? Whom did Home Minister Amit Shah consult except Chief Minister Biren Singh? Does he represent all Northeastern people?” he asked, asserting that if they want to fence the border, “fence the Manipur Imphal Valley.”

The former IAS officer also asked whether the GoI wants the Nagas and the northeastern people to take up arms to oppose the fencing of the India-Myanmar border, alleging that the GoI understands NE only when there is a “violent reaction.”

The symposium also provided a platform for other voices to be heard. NPF MLA Azo Nienu and Tsapikyu Sangtam, president of ENPO, echoed Sema’s concerns, emphasizing the historical injustices faced by the Nagas and rejecting unilateral actions that threaten their sovereignty. Their opposition to scrapping FMR reflected a shared determination to safeguard Naga identity and rights.

Meanwhile, in Phek district, Naga Shisha Hoho and Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), organized a three-day Naga gathering ‘Nurturing Naga Peoplehood’ from 16 February with the theme “Liberating the Naga Spirit” where they extended an invitation to all churches, Naga political groups, tribal organizations, Nagaland Gaon Bora Federation, civil society organizations, students’ organizations, media, and individuals.

In the gathering, the attendees under the azure hues of the Naga flag chanted: “One Naga, One Flag, One Constitution.” This encapsulated the shared vision of unity that permeated the gathering, transcending factional divides and ideological differences.

However, amidst the fervor of unity, there are still challenges. Gen (Retd) TM Keyho, President, Naga National Council (NNC) refused to attend the gathering stating to the organizers that NNC is the “only Naga Political Institution and FGN is its legitimate Naga National Government” and, therefore, “ it can never be projected as a political group like the other political groups” that have been invited to the meeting.

Despite these challenges, the gathering catalyzed critical conversations about the future of the Naga people. Keyho asked whether the meeting was “organized to unite our people to uphold the 1951 plebiscite and defend Naga sovereignty or to unite our people to accept a solution under the constitution of India.”

Beyond Nagaland, the Global Naga Forum (GNF) has also organized a webinar on ‘Strategic Planning for Protection of FMR’ on 19 February, 2024 with its convener Chuba Ozukum stating, “We don’t need any government to come into our homeland and build a fence to separate Nagas and divide us even further.”

Mokokchung Times