THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NSCN RAISING DAY
THE 46th CELEBRATION, 31st JANUARY, 2025
CHQ, HEBRON
Rh. Raising
Member, Collective Leadership, NSCN.
Foundation of Naga politics:
1. Sovereign Independent Naga Village-States:
The Nagas have the unique history of independence from time immemorial, which is now duly acknowledged by the Government of India. The Nagas have been living under the system of sovereign independent village-states ruled by their respective Councils of Elders headed by Kings/Chiefs.
2. The Nagas and the British Aggression:
The British forces intruded into Naga country in 1832-1880, where the Nagas put up tough resistance with spears and swords for decades. In spite of the fact, the British imperialist forces occupied a part of Naga territory, but the rest part, which the British called ‘Free Nagas’ remains as free as ever. Sovereign independent village-state is the foundation of our nation-state.
3. The birth of NNC:
Since sovereign Naga village-states could no longer protect and defend the sovereign right of the Naga people and their country, Naga National Council (NNC) was formed in 1946 with an eye to build a nation-state on the foundation of their sovereign independent Village-State. Inspired and guided by the principle of Sovereign Independent Naga Nation-state, the Naga people under the banner of NNC started Naga national resistance movement.
On the eve of departure of the British from the British-India, the Nagas in the British occupied area declared their independence on 14th August, 1947.
The declaration of Naga independence was informed to the United Nations and many countries through their Embassies in Delhi.
4. Nagas and the rejection of Union of India:
Recognizing the political position of the Nagas, the Constituent Assembly of India invited the Nagas to join Union of India in 1950. It was, however rejected by the Naga people. The plebiscite conducted in 1951 affirmed it. Upon rejection of the offer, the Government of India started sending hundreds of thousands armed forces in Naga country beginning from 1952 in order to subjugate the Nagas by force. But the Nagas stood their ground.
5. The first cease-fire Agreement:
The first cease-fire agreement was signed on 6th September, 1964 where NNC leadership got an opportunity to work out an amicable and honourable solution, but failed. They missed the bus.
6. NNC got another opportunity for negotiation with the Government of India in 1975, but it had failed again. Document clearly stated that the negotiating team was authorized by the authorities of NNC and FGN (Federal Government of
Nagaland). Their talk team signed the infamous Shillong Accord on 11th November, 1975 betraying the Naga national principle.
The day a leadership or an organization betrays the national principle and trust, it no longer represents the people and their issue. The day a leader disobeys the word of God, the spirit of the Lord will depart from him. As the leadership of NNC and FGN had betrayed the national principle, its day was numbered. The Spirit of the Lord has departed from NNC. Nevertheless, the Naga people did a lot of commendable works under the banner of NNC.
7. The Shillong Accord was condemned by the National Assembly held at Suphao on 16th August, 1976 under the leadership of Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah and formed a new government.
8. Military Coup d'etat, 1978:
The government headed by Isak and Muivah was however, toppled by pro-Shillong Accord leaders through military Coup d'etat in 1978 in collaboration with the enemies resulting in heavy confrontations between the patriots and the traitors. The office of NNC was usurped by the military junta and formed a military government. Isak Chishi Swu, Th. Muivah and their Cabinet Members including Naga Army Commander were arrested and kept in military custody for 18 Months. However, they were rescued by the Naga Army at a very high price.