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History of Naga Political Thought
Introduction
Political thought refers to the ideas, principles, and visions that guide a community in organizing
its political life. The Nagas, an indigenous people inhabiting the hill areas of Northeast India and
parts of Myanmar, developed a unique political thought rooted in their village republics,
customary laws, and collective identity. Studying the history of Naga political thought is
important because it helps us understand the long struggle for self-determination, the resilience
of indigenous systems, and the ongoing quest for peace and autonomy in the region.
Naga political thought is not simply a product of modern nationalism but has deep historical
roots in traditions of freedom, self-rule, and identity. Over the decades, it has evolved through
interactions with colonial powers, Indian nationalism, armed struggle, and peace negotiations.
Pre-Colonial Naga Political Traditions
Before the arrival of the British, the Nagas lived in self-sufficient village-states often described
as village republics. Each village functioned as an independent political unit, governed by
councils of elders drawn from clans and influential households. Leadership was collective, and
decisions were generally taken by consensus rather than individual authority.
Customary law regulated marriage, land ownership, inheritance, and disputes. Elders ensured
justice and fairness, and every clan or family had a voice in decision-making. Political life was
also linked with social institutions such as morungs (youth dormitories), festivals, and rituals.
Warfare, alliances, and territorial defense were important political aspects. Villages often fought
each other but also formed pacts of peace when necessary. This strong tradition of autonomy
meant that Nagas valued self-rule, community solidarity, and independence, shaping their
later political aspirations.
Colonial Encounters and Shifts
The arrival of the British in the 19th century marked a major turning point. Initially, the British
considered the Naga Hills difficult to govern due to fierce resistance from warrior communities.
After years of military expeditions, the British brought the area under their administration,
declaring it an “Excluded Area” under colonial policy. This kept outsiders at bay but also
isolated the Nagas politically.
Missionaries introduced Western education and Christianity, which spread rapidly and reshaped
cultural and political consciousness. Nagas began to connect their indigenous traditions with new
ideas of nationhood and modern identity.
Leaders like Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu led resistance movements in the 1920s–30s. Their
movements combined spiritual revival with political assertion, rejecting both colonial
domination and forced assimilation. Their thought emphasized cultural pride, spiritual
sovereignty, and the right to self-rule – laying early foundations of Naga nationalism.
Formation of Naga Nationalism
The Naga Club (1918), formed by educated Nagas and ex-servicemen of World War I, became
the first modern political platform. In 1929, it submitted a memorandum to the Simon
Commission, requesting that Nagas be allowed to live apart from India when the British left.
This marked the first official articulation of Naga political aspirations.
Later, the Naga National Council (NNC) emerged under the leadership of A.Z. Phizo. Phizo’s
vision was clear: the Nagas were a distinct nation and therefore entitled to independence. In
1951, the NNC organized a plebiscite claiming that over 99% supported independence. This
became a cornerstone of Naga nationalism.
Naga political thought in this period was driven by three key ideas:
1. Distinct identity – Nagas as a separate nation.
2. Self-determination – Right to independence from India.
3. Unity of tribes – Building solidarity across different Naga tribes.
Post-Independence Developments
When India became independent in 1947, the Naga question became more complex. The Nine
Point Agreement (Hydari Agreement, 1947) between Naga leaders and the Governor of
Assam promised autonomy for ten years, after which Nagas could reconsider their future.
However, differences in interpretation created mistrust.
In 1951, the NNC’s plebiscite rejected integration into India. By the mid-1950s, the movement
escalated into armed struggle, with the formation of the Naga Federal Government (NFG) and
the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN). Armed insurgency and counter-insurgency
deeply affected Naga society.
This phase of political thought emphasized sovereignty, sacrifice, and resistance. The
underground government declared independence, and the Naga movement became one of the
longest-running conflicts in South Asia.
Modern Political Thought and Peace Processes
By the 1970s, divisions emerged within the movement. The Shillong Accord (1975), signed
between some Naga leaders and the Government of India, aimed at peace but was widely
opposed by hardliners who felt it compromised Naga sovereignty.
This gave rise to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), which later split into two
main factions – NSCN (Isak-Muivah) and NSCN (Khaplang). These groups continued armed
struggle but also engaged in negotiations. Their ideology mixed nationalism with socialist and
Christian principles, highlighting unity and progress.
In 1997, a ceasefire agreement with NSCN-IM opened new paths for dialogue. Later, in 2015,
the Framework Agreement was signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM,
raising hopes for a final solution, though differences remain unresolved.
Modern Naga political thought therefore blends traditional values of self-rule, modern
nationalism, and pragmatic peace-building. It recognizes both the historical struggle and the
need for reconciliation and development.
Conclusion
The history of Naga political thought reflects both continuity and transformation. From pre-
colonial village republics to nationalist organizations, from underground governments to peace
accords, the Nagas have consistently emphasized self-determination, identity, and dignity.
While internal divisions and complex negotiations with India remain challenges, the resilience of
Naga political traditions demonstrates the community’s deep-rooted desire for autonomy.
Understanding this history is crucial not only for appreciating Naga politics but also for building
a peaceful and inclusive future in Northeast India.
