It has been 75 years since the Naga indigenous peoples declared independence from British rule on 14 August, 1947, a day before India became independent. We did so because we were clearly not compatible with any other system of governance. Because our own form of democracy had sustained us for generations, we knew we could not be part of an alien nation and their systems that interfered with our way of life.
This incompatibility is clearly evident as we continue to live in subjection under the draconian law, Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) – an Act that empowers the Indian army to shoot to kill on mere suspicion of anti-Indian activity, and with impunity. AFSPA was enacted in 1958 and has been repeatedly renewed in the Naga homeland since. This is so, ironically, even during the ceasefire period from 1997 to date, and while political negotiations between the government of India and key Naga political groups are ongoing to ostensibly bring to a closure what is known as “Asia’s largest and longest-running insurgency”.
This alien system has had a disabling impact on the Naga society. It has created huge economic and power gaps between the haves and have-nots, leading to political divisions and social unrest. A new elite class has come into being in what was otherwise traditionally an egalitarian Naga indigenous society. These conditions have made the poor easy victims to the machinations of the dominating powers. The colonial policy of divide and rule continues over the Nagas in the 21st century.
We are commemorating the 75th year of the Naga declaration of independence. But why is it taking so much time? Why are the alien military forces still occupying our land? Does the world know about the Nagas? No. Because the occupying forces do not allow the world to know. Which is why we have not been able to forge global alliances, build networks, solidarities and platforms to defend and support Naga people’s inalienable right to self-determination. Neither in the European Parliament nor in the United Nations. This is the case with most indigenous peoples everywhere. Each one left to fend for themselves.
Therefore, we continue to assert our human and indigenous peoples’ rights by celebrating our Independence Day declaration. By remembering our ancestors and national workers whose lives and sacrifices we pledge to cherish and uphold today and tomorrow.
Despite the ongoing Indo-Naga political negotiations since the Ceasefire went into effect 25 years ago, in 1997, India’s armed forces continue to kill and maim innocent Nagas with total impunity – the most recent one being the Oting massacre on the eve of Christmas, 2021, when 14 innocent young Konyak Nagas in Mon District were gunned down by India’s elite Special Commandos. The guilty have not been criminally prosecuted, like so many before them.
We are inspired by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ statement at last year’s Indigenous Day that: “There is no excuse for denying the world’s 476 million indigenous peoples self-determination and meaningful participation in all decision-making. Free, prior and informed consent is central for indigenous peoples to exercise their own vision of development.”
We will continue to walk tall with our heads held high despite the growing challenges to our struggle for human rights. We will not allow detractors and hegemonic powers to continue to distract, divert and divide us. Because what is at stake is our survival as a people and dignity as an indigenous nation, which is way too precious to be bartered away for short term gains.
The long Naga struggle for peoplehood and self-determination against colonial rule and postcolonial control over our lives with military force continues. We will not desist from demanding, agitating, marching, speaking, writing, networking in peaceful, democratic ways till our peoplehood and the right to a self-determined governance in an undivided Naga homeland are won.
Kuknalim! (Victory to our Land).
Ura Uvie! (Our Village, Our Land
Global Naga Forum