In Phizo’s village, Nagas want respectable solution

Bijay Sankar Bora

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Tribune News Service

Kohima (Nagaland), August 6

Over five centuries old and spread over an area of 123 sq km, Khonoma village near Kohima in Nagaland was the theatre of historic events that decided the course of the greater Naga society. 

Inhabited by Angami Nagas, this ancestral village of Angami Zapho Phizo, regarded as the father of Nagas by Naga secessionist groups, was the ground where the Naga rebellion assumed alarming dimension in late 1940s. 

Phizo declared Nagaland as an “independent country” on August 14, 1947, in the capacity of the “chairman” of Naga National Council, the earliest Naga revolutionary group which is parent to all existing rebel groups. It is the village where Naga warriors fought last battles during 1850-79 against British invaders.

Angami Nagas of Khonoma village are optimistic about a respectable solution, if not sovereignty, from the Naga peace accord signed by the Central Government and NSCN-IM led by Thuingaleng Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu. Angami is one of the most influential tribes in Nagaland.

A retired headmaster and conservationist by passion, Khriekhotuo Mor of Khonoma said: “We hope something socially acceptable will emerge out of the agreement. It was clearly mentioned by our forefathers (earlier rebel leaders) that we Nagas want total independence. Though a majority of us now understand independence may not be feasible, the accord shouldn’t be below our original expectation. If it is, it stands to be rejected.”

As joint secretary of the Angami Public Organisation, the apex civil society body of Angami tribe, Khriekhotuo said Angami civil groups were holding consultations among them on the accord next Saturday and on August 19. He said Naga society wanted to know the detailed content of the accord as without transparency and confidence of people, the solution would remain remote.

He pointed out that Eastern Naga People’s Organisation, and banner civil society organisation from eastern part of Nagaland too had made it clear that the accord would be rejected if it failed to provide a “solution respectable to all Nagas”.