Naga Regionalism: Harvesting the Fruits of Seeds Sown Yesterday

The history of Naga regionalism is complex, with many twists and turns, much like the course of a river with numerous tributaries and branches. The premier and pioneer regional political party of the Nagas was the Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN) which was formed in 1963 and presided by A. Kevichusa. This party had twelve MLAs who made supreme sacrifices for the Naga political cause, namely:

1. Vizol

2. Tajen Ao

3. ⁠Nsemo Ovung

4. Longbe Meru

5. ⁠Viyekha Rengma

6. ⁠Ngurohie Zao

7. ⁠Bendangangshi

8.  Lhousuohie Mhasi

9. R. Lisen

10. ⁠Neituo Angami

11. Imsumeren⁠

12. ⁠I. Kajenkaba

Subsequently, the United Front of Nagaland (UFN) led by T. Haralu was formed in 1969, followed by the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF) under the collective leadership of Rano Shaiza, Vizol and S.C. Jamir.

Later in 1980, the Naga National Democratic Party (NNDP) came into being under the leadership of Vizol and Jasokie, followed by the Naga People’s Council (NPC) under Vamuzo and K.L. Chishi in 1988. The present Naga People’s Front (formerly named Nagaland People’s Front) was formed in 2002 under the leadership of Neiphiu Rio.

The underlying purpose of the Democratic Party of Nagaland’s origin and evolution is to protect the identity and dignity of all Naga peoples. This basic ideology has fundamentally been maintained by all the above-mentioned offshoots of DPN under the same party symbol.

Equally important are all the contributions and sacrifices made by genuine leaders along the course of changes and challenges faced during their times. It is essential for those who benefit from the sacrifices of others to remain humble and dedicated to the welfare of all Nagas, wherever they may be.

If the sun shines on someone today, on the exigency of a situation under divine permissive will, they should be doubly humbled and consecrated to give their best in the interest and for the welfare of all Nagas. This should also speak to those who claim to be national workers to make necessary detours from their vested and willful selfdom realms towards a genuine Kuknalim.

Dr. Dietho-o

Kohima