The Naga Magna Carta Day was observed in Ighanumi village under Pughoboto sub-division of Zunheboto district, remembering the historic memorandum submitted by the Naga Club to the Simon Commission on January 10, 1929. The event was organized by the Naga Club and hosted by Ighanumi village.
During his presidential speech, Naga Club president Kuolachalie Seyie expressed gratitude for the presence of everyone at the event, stating, “We greatly appreciate your presence and for hosting this occasion when we are commemorating the ‘Naga Magna Carta Day.’ As I see it, I believe Naga Club will play its rightful role for our Naga Society.” He further emphasized the significance of reflecting on the past, stating, “If on this day every year it becomes known for its factual review of the past, truthful and bold assessment of the present… the Club contributes its thinking and vision for our people with humble, authoritative confidence.”
Seyie also took a moment to remember the contributions of key figures in the Naga struggle. “At the outset, as we today start our review of the progress we have made, we remember with enduring respect Mr. Shihani Swu’s involvement in the Naga Club and UNSETI Camp, Mrs. Khuli, a martyr, and Mrs. Teli Kiba, a woman pioneer.”
Ighanumi, situated in the Pughoboto Sub-division of Zunheboto, is not only a political hub but also holds deep cultural significance for the Sümi Naga tribe. Seyie elaborated on the village’s rich history, noting that Ighanumi is believed to be the first Sümi village in Nagaland, with its establishment dating back to 914 A.D. “As per the narrative history, Ashu Igha founded Ighanumi Village,” Seyie stated.
The village’s role in the Naga struggle for independence is also significant. Ighanumi became a central site for the NNC/FGN after the 1964 ceasefire, and its role as a sanctuary during the 1974 Naga Independence Day celebration is revered. Seyie described the village’s resilience, sharing, “In 1974, the NNC/FGN encountered untold miseries to locate a safe place for celebrating the 27th Anniversary of Naga Independence Day on 14th August. Then the leaders prayed to God for His guidance.”
Ighanumi’s pivotal role during the 1974 military operations was highlighted when the village became the site of the UNSETI Camp. The UNSETI Camp, located at “Alhoküsa Ghüchi” in Ighanumi, became a symbol of Naga resistance during the turbulent 1970s. In 1974, after the Indian Army conducted heavy operations across Nagaland, the NNC/FGN found refuge in Ighanumi. Seyie recalled the moment of divine intervention when Kipfelhou, Chaplain of the NNC/FGN, announced that God had given a safe place in Ighanumi for the Naga independence celebration. “The place was surveyed by Yekamu Swu and Salumo of Ighanumi to locate the revealed suitable place for the NNC/FGN Camp.”
The camp was named “U.N.SETI,” an acronym with deep symbolic meaning: “U” for Unity, “N” for Naga, “Se” (Seyieliethomia in Angami) for National Workers, and “Ti” (Thechü Thelau in Angami) for the Last Camp. This name was officially declared on August 13, 1974, in the presence of key Naga leaders, including Zashei Huire (President, FGN), Th. Muivah (General Secretary, NNC), and Isak Chishi Swu (Finance Minister/Foreign Secretary, FGN).
Seyie highlighted the role of the Ighanumi villagers during the critical moments of the Naga struggle. The events that followed in 1974 left a permanent scar on the community. On September 4, 1974, as the Indian Army advanced on the UNSETI Camp, Mrs. Khuli, a pregnant woman from Ighanumi, was tragically shot while harvesting crops. “In that chaotic situation, a bullet hit the thigh of Mrs. Khuli and injured her severely,” Seyie recounted. Despite her grave injuries, she encouraged her husband, Kivilho, to escape for the sake of their children. Unfortunately, Mrs. Khuli was caught by the Indian Army and tortured brutally. “She was pierced with bayonets repeatedly, injuring and beastly torturing her until she succumbed to her death,” Seyie said, adding that the army had mistakenly believed her to be the Naga National Council (NNC) Women’s President.
The fate of Mrs. Khuli and her unborn child continues to symbolize the deep suffering and resilience of the Ighanumi people. “Her case symbolizes the broader grievances that could have fueled demands for an International Court of Justice, as this event remains a painful memory for her community till date,” Seyie stated.
Ighanumi’s sacrifices did not end with Mrs. Khuli’s death. Following the retreat of the Indian Army, 24 Ighanumi leaders were arrested and imprisoned at Phek Jail, merely for their participation in the Naga Independence Day celebration at UNSETI Camp. “The Indian Army was perplexed on seeing a large Naga Army at UNSETI Camp, and they retreated,” Seyie noted.
The community’s enduring commitment to the Naga cause was further evident in their reconstruction of the prayer house at UNSETI Camp in 1994. Shihani Swu, a key figure in the Naga independence movement, played an instrumental role in this effort. “Heeding to the revelation of the Lord, Shihani Swu, Kisheyi of Ighanumi, and Khumtsao of Ghokimi requested assistance from five villages to re-establish the U.N.SETI Camp,” Seyie explained. Subsequently, they reconstructed a prayer house wef. 21-24 June in 1994. Swu was imprisoned three times (16 May 1959, 7 Nov 1963, 1980) for the propagation of Nagaland for Christ.
The day also honored Mrs Teli Kiba, the first female Gaonbura (GB) among the Nagas. “Impressed by her wisdom, sense of good judgment, and bravery during a village dispute, Sir Charles Pawsey, the then DC, Kohima, appointed her as a GB,” Seyie recalled. Mrs. Kiba’s leadership and progressive reforms had a lasting impact, especially her advocacy for women’s rights.