Revised edition of ‘Phizo and the Naga Problem’ released

Principal Correspondent
Kohima, November 14

The revised edition of a book entitled “Phizo and the Naga problem” authored by Mhiesizokho Zinyü was released by Naga Hoho President P. Chuba Ozukum at Red Cross complex here today.
In his brief introduction, Zinyü said that the first edition was published in 1979, and since then no new edition has come out for the last 35 years. The new revised edition has 33 chapters and 13 appendices, covering the life of A Z Phizo (1904-1990) from his childhood till his death and his role in the Naga resurgence for sovereignty.He noted that this book is the first and only life story of Phizo, despite the fact that there are hundreds of books on the Naga movement for self-determination written by Nagas as well as Indians, and foreigners.
The book is written in simple English which anybody can understand, he said.
The preface of the books describes who the Nagas are, and what is the legitimacy of the Naga claim for separate nationality as presented by the Naga national workers, he said.
The book also presents the sequences as to how the Naga National Council took up the Naga resurgence for self-determination during the British-India period, leading to the Naga declaration of Independence from the British Empire on August 14, 1947. A chapter of the book is also devoted to how Nagaland became a State under India.
The author of the book, Mhiezisokho Zinyü had been a journalist from 1974 till 1998 and also worked in the capacity of editor in various newspapers in the state. After that he took to social work, and also worked as the President of Angami Public Organisation.
Meanwhile, releasing the book, Naga Hoho President P. Chuba Ozukum while expressing that the Naga struggle for independence without AZ Phizo, strongly supported the general feeling of the people that Phizo deserves to be the father of Naga nation.
Chuba also opined that young Naga scholars should go to the villages to meet the old people and learn more from them and write the Naga history.
Appreciating the author for the efforts in publishing the book, he hoped that more such write ups on Naga history would be published in the future.