Reclaiming Truth: Preserving the Authentic History of the Nagas

History is more than a record of events—it is the soul of a people, the foundation of identity, and the guiding light for future generations. For the Nagas, whose past is rich with courage, resilience, and sacrifice, the responsibility of preserving history carries immense weight. Yet, Naga political history today stands fraught with contradictions, often shaped by selective narratives and competing claims. In this landscape, the need to safeguard and assert authentic Naga history has never been more pressing.

Across generations, stories of valour and sacrifice have been passed down, but not always with accuracy or fairness. At times, contributions made by individuals and groups have been misrepresented or overshadowed, as certain narratives attempt to attribute honour and glory where it does not fully belong. This has led to a fragmented understanding of the past—one that risks erasing the rightful place of many who gave their all for their people and land.

Among those whose contributions must be remembered with clarity and pride are the Sümi Nagas. Their role in shaping both regional and broader historical events is significant and undeniable. During the First World War, a thousand men from the Sümi community alone were selected to serve. Though designated as part of the Labour Corps, many found themselves in perilous situations, facing the harsh realities of war. Some never returned home, laying down their lives in distant lands, far from their families and hills. Their sacrifice is not merely a footnote in history—it is a testament to courage, endurance, and selflessness.

Equally profound is the role played by Sümi individuals in the early phases of the Naga freedom movement. Their contributions, often marked by personal loss and unwavering commitment, helped shape the course of the struggle. These were not isolated acts, but collective sacrifices made with deep conviction for the future of their people. Such truths deserve to be preserved with integrity, not diluted or overshadowed by competing narratives.

However, history that is not actively preserved becomes vulnerable. When voices remain silent, others may fill the void—sometimes with interpretations that serve narrow interests rather than truth. If the present generation, especially the youth, are not made aware of their authentic heritage, they risk inheriting a version of history that is incomplete or distorted. Over time, such narratives can solidify into accepted “truth,” making it even harder to reclaim what was lost.

This is why the Nagas must rise with a renewed sense of purpose and without prejudice. Preserving history is not about rivalry or division; it is about justice to the past and responsibility to the future. It calls for careful documentation, research, and storytelling rooted in evidence and lived memory. Elders, scholars, and young minds alike must come together to record oral histories, protect archival materials, and encourage open, honest dialogue about the past.