Since time immemorial the Nagas have been a free nation. Whenever their sovereignty and independence were threatened, they fought to defend it, as can be seen in the battle of 1851 between the Kikrüma villagers and British-led forces. This battle was fought on the 11th of February – 168 years ago to the day. The battle of Kikrüma was fought well before the first massive Indian uprising against colonial rule, which ensued in 1857. Therefore, any reference that is made to the Nagas and its political history should engage with the Battle of Kikrüma. This battle, after all, was fought when Nagas were still free and independent, while subsequent and other significant political developments such as the formation of the Naga Club, its memorandum to the Simon Commission, and the Naga plebiscite took place after the Nagas and their land were forcibly occupied by the British and Indians respectively.
K Puroh
