Naga Nationalism: Transitioning Beyond Factionalism and Tribalism

Every Naga utters ‘Nagas are one’. We are Nagas by blood. We share the same history, culture and geography. We have been together since time immemorial. We stood and fought against the powerful colonialists and the crafty Indian. Despite the poor technological advancement, we fought heroically against all odds. We did not surrender or stoop down under any forces. We were determined, united and focused. We traversed collectively with unwavering goals and objectives. We conquered every mountains, valleys, plains, and rivers. Naga nationalism was strong, relentless and overwhelming.

Nagas have struggled for many decades. Thousands sacrificed their life for the better tomorrow. We had faced enough atrocities, humiliations, pains and bitterness. Nagas struggle for freedom and sovereignty is a universal right and is unquestionable. By default, Nagas are unique and has no sense of connection with India. Historically, culturally and politically, the Nagas and Indians are poles apart. Nagas never intended to be a part of India.

Neither, we were interested in the Indian politics. Nagas are self-sufficient and independent people. We have every right to decide our own future.

Christianity has brought a new identity and transformed the Nagas. The once ferocious headhunters, who howls and roars like a lion, have, now transformed into an innocent dove. Upon receiving the love of Jesus Christ, the Nagas now emit the same love. We are peaceful and fun-loving people.

Regardless descends of headhunting culture, we dwell in peace and unity.

Nevertheless, the introduction of Indian politics to the Nagas has caused tragedy and mayhem. The Indian forcefully occupied the Nagas’ soil with the supremacy of guns and bullets. They arbitrarily alienated the Nagas under the yardstick of divide and rule policy. The Indian dumped some Nagas into Burma, while some into Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur. It weakened the spirit and unity of Naga nationalism.

Today, the spirit of Naga nationalism is still alive, burning in every heart. Yet, it is shattered, fragmented and divided. Every soul is yearning for freedom. Freedom from the Foreign Occupation, the uncivilised and barbaric Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), indiscriminate shootings and killings, multiple taxations, addiction, unemployment. The innocent and poor Naga souls are lamenting for better education, development, and infrastructures. While the bureaucrats and politicians dine like kings and queens, living in luxury bungalows; the working class is struggling to put food on the table. The unemployed youths with shattered dreams indulge drugs.

Currently, the Naga nationalism appears to be growing and getting stronger, yet the spirit of brotherhood is diminishing. The ever-increasing factions under the banner of Naga nationalism trigger every heart with uncertainty. The young patriots sacrificing their whole live in the jungle find themselves in despair and desolate as they anticipate for better days. The silent souls in the grave and the innocent blood beneath the earth long for freedom. Every patriotic blood boils; every heart wrenches and groans waiting the dawn of a new horizon. 

The Nagas had fought the battle yet succumbed to the tricky Indian politics. Embracing foreign powers and policies have poisoned the Nagas’ mind. Today, many Nagas are obsessive and are effortlessly fooled as they have been charmed and poisoned by the Indian currency. Greed over money has tarnished the image and sanctity of the Nagas. Be it political and religious, money speaks. It lures the heart and mind of the people. Money has become the greatest temptation and weakness for the Nagas.

The funds flowing from the centre and the unjust distribution created division and detestation among the Nagas. Tribalism is ever increasing due to unfair allocation of wealth and resources. Unequal opportunities and representative in the state also breeds tribalism. Thus, the Naga society is embedded on tribal line. Any Naga wearing the lens of tribalism fails to visualise things beyond one’s tribe and boundary. Bigoted judgment has enslaved the mind hindering the Naga progress. Therefore, superfluous categorisation, classification, and identification of one’s tribe results in division, hatred and fragmentation of the Naga society.

Unless Nagas unmasked tribalism, it is impracticable to see the Naga nation. Nagas were one, is one and will be one. We cannot remain divided and converse about the magnitude and integrity of the Naga nation. It’s time to discard the narrow mindset and put on the new armour of pan-Naga identity. We cannot talk about freedom and sovereignty encompassing in the tribal cocoon. Embracing the identity of oneness would lead us to greatness. Therefore, it is time to envision and widen one’s mindset and perspective beyond the tribal line. The Naga nation is much wider, beautiful and plentiful. It’s time to evolve from the cave and cage of tribalism, hatred and resentment. Let’s glance beyond our comfort zone where lays the truth, freedom, and sovereignty.

Paul N Rengma

Dimapur