NPMHR leader Neingulo Krome says Nagas rejected statehood from the outset, calling for renewed reflection on Naga history and sovereignty
At NSF’s 80th foundation day, NPMHR leader questions the legitimacy of Nagaland’s statehood and urges younger generations to remember the sacrifices of their forefathers
-1793275953869.webp&w=1200&q=75)
KOHIMA — Secretary general of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Neingulo Krome, has said that Nagas rejected the statehood granted to Nagaland under the Indian Constitution from the outset, describing it as an imposed and illegitimate arrangement.
Speaking at the 80th foundation day celebration of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) at the SIRD Auditorium in Kohima on Thursday, Krome said Nagas were now fighting among themselves over what he described as an illegitimate right, which was being interpreted by others who dehumanised them.
Referring to India’s statement at the United Nations that Article 371(A) of the Constitution guarantees rights to the Nagas, Krome said Naga leaders had categorically rejected the claim.
He called on people to reflect more seriously on their history and rights, expressing concern that younger generations were being left confused as those who could explain and translate Naga rights into practical terms had themselves become lost amid what he described as newfound peace.
Also read: Science stream yet to reach Shamator, Longleng and Noklak — NBSE chairman
“I think we do not need anybody to tell us what our history is and what our right is. We all know. We just pretend not to know sometimes,” he said.
Recalling the Naga political struggle, Krome spoke about the sacrifices and suffering endured by earlier generations.
He said much of Naga history had been preserved through oral accounts and passed down through generations rather than written records.
He recalled that after the British left India in 1947, the Naga struggle entered a new phase. According to Krome, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had offered the Nagas anything under the sun except sovereignty, while the Nagas maintained that they would accept nothing short of sovereignty.
He said the Naga leaders subsequently sought international support and pursued military training and arms, including by travelling to China to obtain weapons, ammunition and training.
Krome lamented that the present generation was living in relative comfort without adequately recognising the sacrifices made by its elders.
“Looking at our situation today, it is embarrassing to say that today’s Nagas were products of these sacrifices, living in the comforts of the blood and tears that our elders have shed,” he said.
He also recounted how the Naga army was formed, saying families were expected to contribute one able-bodied youth to the struggle.
If they could not provide a recruit, they were required to bear the annual expenses of another Naga army member.
“Some took up arms, some went to the paddy fields, some went to the forest, some carried guns, some carried rice to feed the Naga army. Everyone played their part,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP and former NSF general secretary Supongmeren Jamir (1989–91) stressed the importance of unity within the federation, irrespective of political affiliations.
He said Naga leaders belonging to different political groups had traditionally come together under the NSF banner, emphasising that the federation stood above individual political parties.
Jamir urged the NSF to maintain its dignity and uphold its role in the prevailing Naga political situation without allowing external circumstances to dilute its purpose.
NSF president Mteisuding Heraang said the federation was established not merely to address students’ issues but also to carry forward the aspirations of the Naga people as a whole.
He urged the younger generation not to limit the NSF’s role to student and youth affairs, while affirming that the federation would continue to address their concerns.
Heraang said Nagas were at a crucial juncture and risked forgetting the sacrifices and legacy of their forefathers.
He also stressed that the Naga people extended beyond the boundaries of Nagaland, with communities living across Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Assam.
Describing Nagaland as a temporary arrangement for the Naga people, he called for unity among Nagas living across different territories.
During the celebration, the NSF’s Powered 60 initiative, supported by the state government, was officially announced by NSF general secretary Kenilo Kent.
The programme will provide free coaching and hostel facilities to 60 aspirants preparing for competitive examinations through full sponsorship. The formal academic session is scheduled to begin next year.