Our Reporter
Dimapur, Nov. 7 (EMN): A programme named the ‘Dot-Talks Lecture’ and themed
on the topic ‘Decolonisation and its Discontents: Naga Claims-Making and Indian
State-making, 1944-1960,’ was conducted on Dec. 7 at Tetso College in Dimapur.
During discussions, Walker focussed on postcolonial states and the role of non-state actors in international relations. Lydia Walker, who is a junior research fellow at the Institute of Historical Research, School of Advanced study, University
of London, explained that the formal international order of the United Nations and cold war political alignment recognised national self-determination
as a right.
She explained the ‘hidden stories’ of anti-colonial claims within post-colonial states, and claims that operated through informal networks ‘because they are invisible to international institutions.’
She observed Nagaland to be at a junction among China and Burma. She referred to the Battle of Kohima which took place in 1944 and the visit of Nehru and U Nuh during 1953, and Naga nationalist Phizo being in East Pakistan during 1958.