A Foreigner in My Own Land: Effect of Arbitrary Boundaries Undermining Naga Traditional Territories

In the past, our ancestors lived with pride and freedom, embracing humble lives unencumbered by external influences. Our rich culture heritage shaped by strong social and family bonds, has been preserved and passed down through generations from the time of our ancestor's migration to our present lands. We are a self-determined people, living freely in our lands, even during the time when headhunting was practised, untouched by outside dominance and interference. With the arrival of the British and Indian colonial powers, our people have suffered under the oppressive yoke of colonialism, facing humiliation and degradation.

"I am foreigners to my own brothers and sisters and my own brothers and sisters are foreigners to me". Colonial powers drew arbitrary boundaries, even splitting the Angh's house at Longwa village, between two countries, so then family members became foreigners to each other. And also people of Longwa village became foreigners to each other. On my visit to Noklak, I learned that more than 100 villages of Khiamniungan Naga villages are partitioned inside Myanmar. Our people have become foreigners in the land that our forefathers thrived and lived since time immemorial. This subjugation and humiliation is immensely felt by our people travelling international checkpoints to visit their own relatives across the border.

The creation of Nagaland state in 1963 eventually led to further division of our people and our ancestor's lands, as the state boundaries were drawn without considering Naga traditional territories. This has resulted in some Naga groups being part of Nagaland while others remained in neighbouring states. The arbitrary boundaries have had lasting impact, like division of traditional lands, cultural and social challenges, identity and belongings. The historical context of our people for self-determination in the light of our movement being divided by different opinions and ideologies. Nagas must know the current developments in the world.

In the book of Mathew 12:25, it is stated that Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against is brought to desolation, and every city and house divided against itself shall not stand". Well, so many agreements have been signed between the government of India and the Naga people but no fruitful solution so far because we are so divided. In this context, our leaders from all walks of life should seriously think of ways to heal the festering wounds and work towards a united future for our people. I ardently wish and appeal to the Nagas to shun away all the differences for Naga unity and bring about a peaceful settlement or solution for the Nagas. "Long Live Nagaland".

Ahovi Sema

Former Vice President

Sumi Hoho.