It is obvious that The Nagas as Independent nation is beyond deniable by the entire world as well as by God the creator of this earth. Indeed the ancient Naga ancestors had been living a free lives in all aspects without disturbances from any outside world for millions of years. However owing to the illegal entry of Britishers during the middle part of 19th century has made a disastrous impact that has led to division of Naga inhabited area without prior consultation or permission from the Nagas, As a matter of fact the treaty of Yandaboo which was signed between Burmese and Britishers in 1826 was the beginning or the division of Naga Territory as a result of that treaty the Nagas had lost thousands of miles or of their own land which has been gifted to Burmese without the knowledge of the Na gas. Besides, the forceful entry of Britishers and their subjects in to Naga soil in 1832 was the beginning of heavy bloody war that had lasted for half a century i.e. 1832 – 1880 during that war, thousands or Nagas warriors and Britishers had lost their precious lives. However, they could occupy only some south western part of Naga territory, Despite their illegal occupation, the Nagas had never surrendered their status of free nation and their sovereignty.
On the other hand as a free nation the Nagas did not make any treaty nor surrendered their rights at any cost. The main objective of the British settlement in Naga country was to make a defense of their subjects and for their trade and commerce and travelling convenience, this fact is justified by the introduction of inner line permit on Naga hills that no Non-Naga was to be allowed to enter into Naga country without that permit which is more or less equivalent to the visa that is required for other national to enter into another country. As such despite the illegal settlement of the Britishers in Naga soil they had regarded the Naga Country as a nation which is not a part of British India Administrative jurisdiction. On the other hand despite the lack of modem education and backwardness of the Nagas, the Nagas had a strong sense of longing for self determination as ancient period. This had resulted in formation of Naga Club during October 19 l 8. After the formation of that Naga Club led by T. Aliba lmti as its first President, they begun to work for the right to sovereignty of Nagas owing to their selfless sacrifices for the cause of Naga National Freedom. The Govt. or British India had recognized the uniqueness of Nagas and their right to self determination therefore the British parliament had passed an act in 191 9 which is known as the Government of British India Act 1919. Whereas according to this act, the Naga hills territory was declared as ‘Backward Tract’ that no decision of federal and legislative assembly shall be applied in Naga hills country.
Moreover the Naga club had submitted a memorandum Lo the British statutory commission which is popularly known as the Simon Commission, during their visit to Kohima on 10th Jan 1929, stating that the Naga country should not be included on the new reformed scheme and expressed the national longing for self determination and sovereign state. On the basis of that memorandum the Simon Commission had recommended lo the British Parliament that the Naga hills country should be regarded as “Excluded Area” from the British administrative jurisdiction moreover it has passed and declared under the Govt. of British India act 1935 that no act passed by the federal assembly of Assam legislatures was to be applied in Naga Territory and declared that the Naga hills country as separate entity of British imperial administrative area. Where as the governor was given whole authority to administer on his own discretion. As such the Naga. Country was declared as neither under any outside power nor under direct colonial power of British Empire.
On the basis of that uniqueness of Naga Political status the Indian Govt. did not consider the Nagas as a part of India. Therefore no Naga representative was included nor held the Indian constituent assembly election was held in Naga territory during their election held in Jan. 1946. As such the pre independence attitude of Indian leaders towards Nagas was crystal clear that Nagas are/were never a part of India that is why the 9 point agreement was ma.de between the Gol and NNC the apex body of Naga country affair on 291h .June 1946. Which is more or less similar to the treaty made between two respective nations. Besides both the party has agreed to live together for the interim period of 10 years. it was also agreed that India would act as a guardian nation over Nagas for the aforesaid period thereafter upon the completion of that 10 years the Nagas would decide their own political future on their own will.
On the basis of all these vivid evidences the Nagas had declared their independence on their on decision on 14 Aug. 1947. Therefore the GoI must honestly acknowledge the Naga political rights and try to create an atmosphere of friendliness and a good neighborhood so that both the country shall continue to co-exist and honour each other as a good neighboring nations over the face of this earth.
KUKNALIM
N Mar Ao
MIP Kilonser
NPGN/NNC (N/A)
