08/28/2005: "Naga Hoho rings out message loud and clear"

Nagas observe "Martyrs' Day" Mao Gate, (Nagaland-Manipur Border), Hindustan Times
Nagas from all walks of life on Saturday gathered at Mao Gate at the Manipur-Nagaland border and observed the 58th Martyrs' Day in remembrance of those killed during the 1948 'No Tax Campaign'.Commemorated as "Martyrs' Day", it was on this day in 1948 that three people were killed in a firing by a contingent of Assam Rifles and the police as they tried to obstruct the security personnel from arresting a Naga leader A Daiho. Several Naga social organisations and Hohos took part in the celebrations. "Instead of appreciating our peaceful and democratic agitation, the Manipur Maharaja had responded with bullets and brute force," said Mao Council president Tosiini while inaugurating "Martyrs' Day". The meeting also prayed for the unification of all Naga areas. Eighty-three year old Mathibo, who witnessed the 1948 "uprising" and was among the injured said, "I am longing to see the dream of the Nagas fulfilled and am hopeful under the present leadership of Isak and Muivah this will happen." "The sacrifice made by our leaders is admirable and praiseworthy," said speaker of Naga Hoho HK Zhimomi. "They are not martyrs' but heroes and they have fought a good fight and won," he added. Naga Hoho Vice President Keviletuo Angami who was the chief guest at the function said that the sacrifices made by the forefathers will go down as an immortal part of Naga history. (By arrangement with Newsfile
Unity rally to dispel doubts OUR CORRESPONDENT The Telegraph
Kohima, Aug. 26: Dispelling misgivings that Naga society is divided on the issue of integration, Nagaland’s apex tribal organisation will hold a rally here on August 31 to press for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas. Tribal hohos and several NGOs, including the Naga Students Federation and Naga Mothers Association, will take part in the rally organised by the Naga Hoho. The decision to hold the rally was finalised after initial hiccups when Naga tribal leaders stepped in. Hoho leaders have stressed that integration is the right of the Nagas “by birth”.
However, the Angami Public Organisation opposed the rally, saying it will not allow any procession or strike in Kohima without its permission. “We have already spoken to the Angami organisation and it has agreed to take back its press release. We will go ahead with the rally on August 31,” Hoho president Horangse Sangtam said over phone from Dimapur. In a declaration in local dailies here, the Hoho said the rally would be a demonstration of “our right and will to live together. All our land must be integrated into a single political unit and we shall no longer wait for things to happen to us”. It said Nagas shall create their future and destiny and shall not rest till their rights are fulfilled. Earlier, the Angami Public Organisation’s release had given rise to speculation that Kohima’s dominant Angami tribe was against integration. The organisation’s president, Mhiesizokho Zinyü, could not be contacted even after several attempts.
The Hoho’s latest move is believed to be a display and reaffirmation that Nagas are all for integration. Recently, the Hoho had expressed concern and disappointment when there was opposition to integration from some quarters. The Naga Hoho has said “reunification of Naga homeland is non-negotiable” and that the issues which have not been addressed so far will be taken up during the peace talks between the NSCN (I-M) and the Centre.
Naga Hoho rings out message loud and clear Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 27 (NNN): In a paradigm shift from the past practice of 'guarded words and actions', the apex tribal body of Nagaland, the Naga Hoho sent a clear message that Nagas would never compromise on their birthright and if need be fight in the street. "In politics nothing can be achieved through emotions.

One has to be decisive and if necessary use even muscle power," said Naga Hoho vice president, Keviletuo Angami while addressing a mammoth gathering of Nagas at the Martyrs Day function held at Mao Gate on Saturday. The programme was organized commemorating the 58 anniversary of the 'No Tax Campaign' of 1948 Naga upraising against the Manipur Raja. Keviletuo also hinted about the Hoho's launching of its second phase of action on Naga integration. He urged the Nagas to be ready to come out to the street to defend their birthright. He termed the steps of the Naga legislators in Arunachal Pradesh as 'bold' but blasted the elected Naga representatives of Manipur for their lack of courage to project the Naga issue in the political forum. Recalling the recent joint memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by the Naga MLAs and MPs from Manipur, who later denied the same in Manipur, the Naga Hoho leader said, "I don't understand why we keep this kind of leaders".
In an oblique reference to sitting Rajya Sabha MP from Manipur, Rishang Keishing, Keviletuo said not only the recent incident but during the sixties also Keishing had signed documents in favour of Naga issue but later denied and signed other anti-Naga documents. "His excuse is that he is a Naga by birth but Manipuri by citizen.

Nagas cannot accommodate such traitors anymore," the Naga Hoho vice president said. Further, he denied reports and rumours that certain, tribes among the Nagas were not Nagas and urged people to refrain from spreading such rumours adding Nagas would live as one people when they achieved a solution of the political problem. In this connection, Keviletuo sought the contribution of all Nagas. He asked the Nagas to stop using terms such as Nagas of Manipur, Arunachal, Assam, Myanmar or Nagaland. Stating that language is part of integration of a people or a nation, he stressed that the Nagas looked into this aspect. Further, he called upon them to refrain from using alien languages in any gathering of the Nagas anywhere in the Naga area.
Nagas remember their?No tax campaign? martyrs on anniversary Newmai News Network
Mao Gate, Aug 27: Nagas from all walks of life today gathered at Mao Gate at the Manipur-Nagaland border and observed the 58th anniversary of the Martyrs` Day in remembrance of those killed during the 1948 ?No Tax Campaign? uprising. Fiftyeight years back on this day, the first Naga blood was shed for the unification of the Nagas and the Nagas today celebrate the legacy left behind by our brave forefathers, United Naga Council president Puni Modoli ,remarked in his welcome addressed on the occasion. In 1948, on this day three people were killed on the spot, two succumbed to their injuries later when a contingent of Assam Rifles and police indiscriminately fired upon the Naga civilians who tried to obstruct the contingent who came to arrest the then Naga leader A Daiho.

For the first time, the Nagas had observed the occasion in a grand way near the site of the 1948 incident at Mao Gate today where most of the Naga apex mass based organizations and several tribal hoho representatives took part in the grand observation. ?Instead of appreciating our peaceful and democratic agitation, the Manipur Maharaja had responded with bullets and brute force? said Mao Council president Tosiini. He also prayed in the name of God that the unification and integration of the Nagas be fruitful. Similarly, 83 years old Mathibo, one of the living witnesses of the 1948 uprising where he was among the injured unveiled his die-hard aspiration and longing to see the fulfillment of the Nagas before his death. ?I don?t want to die and am longing to see the dream of the Nagas fulfilled and am hopeful under the able present leadership of Isak and Muivah.?

?The sacrifice made by our leaders is admirable and praise-worthy and will go down in history as a legacy? said speaker of Naga Hoho H K Zhimomi. "They are not martyrs but heroes and they have fought a good fight and won", he added. Similarly, Naga Hoho vice president Keviletuo Angami who graced the occasion as chief guest said that the sacrifices made by the forefathers and the principle they had given will go down the anals of history as immortal and called upon the present generation to uphold those principles. Meanwhile, in a paradigm shift from the past practice of ?guarded words and actions?, the apex tribal body of Nagaland, the Naga Hoho sent a clear message that Nagas would never compromise on their birthright and if need be fight in the street.

?In politics nothing can be achieved through emotions. One has to be decisive and if necessary use even muscle power,? said Naga Hoho vice president, Keviletuo Angami while addressing a mammoth gathering of Nagas at the Martyrs Day function held at Mao Gate on Saturday. The programme was organized commemorating the 58th anniversary of the? No Tax Campaign? of 1948 Naga uprising against the Manipur Raja. Keviletuo also hinted about the Hoho?s launching of its second phase of action on Naga integration. He urged the Nagas to be ready to come out to the street to defend their birthright. He termed the steps of the Naga legislators in Arunachal Pradesh as ?bold? but blasted the elected Naga representatives of Manipur for their lack of courage to project the Naga issue in the political forum. Recalling the recent joint memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh by the Naga MLAs and MPs from Manipur, who later denied the same in Manipur, the Naga Hoho leader said, ?I don?t understand why we keep this kind of leaders?.

In an oblique reference to sitting Rajya Sabha MP from Manipur, Rishang Keishing, Keviletuo said not only the recent incident but during the sixties also Keishing had signed documents in favour of Naga issue but later denied and signed other anti-Naga documents. ?His excuse is that he is a Naga by birth but Manipuri by citizen. Nagas cannot accommodate such traitors anymore,? the Naga Hoho vice president said. Further, he denied reports and rumours that certain tribes among the Nagas were not Nagas and urged people to refrain from spreading such rumours adding Nagas would live as one people when they achieved a solution of the political problem. In this connection, Keviletuo sought the contribution of all Nagas. He asked the Nagas to stop using terms such as Nagas of Manipur, Arunachal, Assam, Myanmar or Nagaland. Stating that language is part of integration of a people or a nation, he stressed that the Nagas look into this aspect. Further, he called upon them to refrain from using alien languages in any gathering of the Nagas anywhere in the Naga area.

John K Kaping adds from Ukhrul: The first "Naga Martyrs day" was observed at Ukhrul today in commemoration of the Naga freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives while demanding ?No tax? from the then Maharaja of Manipur. Today?s ceremony in Ukhrul was organised by the Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) at Ukhrul Forest Conference Hall from 11.30 am. The function was conducted by Chansa Luithui, member NPMHR and the key note address given by the president, TNWL and brief background history of the Nagas given by W. Zingkhai, Member NPMHR.

On the occasion, various dignitaries spoke about the genesis, issues and struggle for "Unified Nagalim". Among those, an old man, Machihan Mashangva, hailing from Choithar village recalled and narrated his personal experiences about the movement of the Nagas issues, particularly encountered by the Tangkhuls. He disclosed that on 26th September 1964, a Tangkhul subcommittee, ?Leingapha? was formed by 20 members at Ukhrul, in which late RS Suisa (Tangkhul Political Founder) addressed the people about ?No tax? payment to the then Maharaja of Manipur. The ageing man added that one more signatory of the Leingapha who is still alive is one Shangam of Hundung village.

Mother’s Day , KARTYK VENKATRAMAN Sunday Express
Founding member and first president of the Naga Mothers’ Association Neidonuo Angami, is one of the 1,000 women jointly nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005 Sunday, August 28, 2005
IMPHAL: Amother’s love is not reason enough to be one among the 1,000 women worldwide, who have been jointly nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005. But then, Neidonuo Angami is not your regular friendly neighbourhood mom. Born in a state that has given birth to India’s oldest insurgency — Nagaland — Angami (56), among other things, is the founding member and first president of the feared and respected Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA).
Besides demanding that factionalism, insurgency and tribal rivalry don’t rob mothers of their sons, the NMA’s silent ‘Shed No More Tears’ campaign, led by the dynamic Angami, is credited with making different warring factions in Nagaland sit up and think of lasting peace. Finally, the initiative of women was being noticed, especially the powerful NSCN (Isaac-Muivah), thanks to a woman who felt very strongly about empowering women. Due to the NMA’s efforts, the Naga peace process was underway and on strong ground. BORN on October 1, 1950, in Kohima, just as the Naga insurgency was taking shape and flight, Angami had no inkling that she would go on to be honoured with the Padmashri for social service by the government of India in 2000. Or that she’d be nominated to share with 999 other women, what is regarded as the most prestigious among Nobel prizes — the Peace Prize.
‘‘During my youth, there was no state level body for Naga women. At that time Naga society was being torn apart by conflict-driven drug addiction and alcoholism. Since we had to fight social evils, I decided it would be appropriate to make it a mothers’ association; it’s the mothers who lose in the long run, anyway,’’ says Angami. ‘‘No one opposed us, but there were teething troubles of course,’’ she adds. In 1969-70, when the US put, for the first time, a man on the moon, Angami joined the first batch of Nagaland women police, as a sub-inspector. For her time and surroundings, it was about the same in importance. In 1972, Angami left the police force and became a teacher at the Kohima English School (now Mezhur Higher Secondary School). She also doubled as the Girl Guides captain during her two-year stint. In 1975, her nine-to-five days were over, for good, as she jumped in headlong into social work. Her campaign to empower the women and youth of her state had just begun.
Says Angami, ‘‘The nomination is a tribute to women, to all Nagas. The Naga peace talks are on, and the Naga Mothers’ Association is the bridge-builder, among our own people and the neighbouring states
Two years later, Angami co-founded Nagaland Weavers’ Association — an apex body of handloom and handicrafts. This organisation facilitated the participation of Nagaland State in many exhibitions in different parts of India and International Trade Fair, besides being instrumental in sending Naga craftsmen to Punjab, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir in late Seventies, for exposure and training. While being general secretary of the weavers’ body, Angami also held a similar post with the Chumukedima Plain Sector Angami Womens’ Organisation (Kuda Razha Angami Miapfu Krotho). In 1984, she co-founded the NMA, and became its first president. ‘‘I feel that my biggest achievement has been in spreading awareness among women in helping them root out drug abuse and alcoholism. It took time to reach the grassroot level. As we have many tribes in Nagaland, the tribal women’s organisations are our backbone.’’
‘‘Our work is still continuing, and drug addiction is still a serious problem. But intervention by organisations such as the NMA has seen a growth in recovery,’’ says Angami. In her long career of social work Angami has also represented the NMA at various peace and HIV/AIDS related conferences, in India and abroad, and has been part of the Indo-Naga Peace Process consultation in Nagaland, New Delhi and Bangkok. On her Nobel Peace Prize nomination Angami says, ‘‘It is a tribute to women, to all Nagas and I’m looking forward to being among the winners. The Naga peace talks are on, and NMA is the bridge-builder, among our own people and neighbouring states.’’
Integrity call echoes at Mao Source: The Sangai Express Imphal, August 27 (NNN): Nagas from all walks of life today gathered at Mao Gate at the Manipur-Nagaland border and observed the 58th anniversary of the Martyrs' Day in remembrance of those killed during the 1948 'No Tax Campaign' uprising. "Fifty eight years back on this day, the first Naga blood was shed for the unification of the Nagas and the Nagas today celebrate the legacy left behind by our brave forefathers', United Naga Council president Puni Modoli remarked in his welcome address at the occasion. In 1948, on this day three people were killed on the spot, two succumbed to their injuries later when a contingent of Assam Rifles and police fired upon the Naga civilians who tried to obstruct the contingent who came to arrest the then Naga leader A Daiho.
For the first time, the Nagas observed the occasion in a grand way near the site of the 1948 incident at Mao Gate today where most of the Naga apex mass based organizations and several tribal Hoho representatives took part in the grand observation. "Instead of appreciating our peaceful and democratic agitation, the Manipur Maharaja had responded with bullets and brute force" said Mao Council president Tosiini while introducing the Martyrs' Day.
He also prayed in the name of God that the unification and integration of the Nagas be fruitful. Similarly, 83 years old Mathibo, one of the living witnesses of the 1948 uprising where he was among the injured expressed his diehard aspirations and longing to see the fulfilment of the Nagas before his death.
"I don't want to die and am longing to see the dream of the Nagas fulfiled and am hopeful under the able present leadership of Isak and Muivah". "The sacrifice made by our leaders is admirable and praise-worthy and will go down the history as a legacy" said speaker of Naga Hoho H K Zhimomi. "They are not martyrs' but heroes and they have fought a good fight and won", he added.
Similarly, Naga Hoho vice president Keviletuo Angami who graced the occasion as chief guest said that the sacrifices made by the forefathers and the principle they had given will go down the anal of the history as immortal and called upon the present generation to uphold those principle.

24 hrs Chandel bandh called Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 27: The Naga Students' Union, Chandel has called a 24 hour Chandel district bandh from 6 pm of August 28 to 6 pm of August 29 to protest the indifferent attitude of the Government to the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister on the frequent transfer of Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district. In a statement NSUC president RL Andang Pakan said that the union has been forced to resort to the. bandh after the Government failed to respond to their representation till 4 pm of today. Medical, water supply, electricity, fire service, security forces, educational institutions have been kept out of the purview of the bandh.
The student body dubbed the Government act as a step-motherly treatment which reflects favouritism, nepotism and 'divide and rule policy'. It is pertinent to mention that the union had submitted a memorandum to the CM on August 24 urging him to stop frequent transfer of DC in the interest of "the local populace and threatened to launch a series of agitation if their appeal was not heeded. The student body further said that as part of the agitation it will boycott the proposed Chief Minister's visit to Chandel district. It also warned individuals, leaders, responsible persons of the district to abstain from meeting the CM.
Nagas honor 1948 martyrs; reaffirms integration Chizokho Vero August 27 MAO GATE, (MExN): Several thousands of Nagas cutting across geographical boundaries today offered rich tributes to those who suffered and sacrificed their lives for the integration of Nagas. Fifty eight years ago on this day, five Naga volunteers were shot dead while enforcing the ‘No Tax campaign’ which had been launched by the Nagas in Manipur in 1948 in protest against the annual house tax imposed on the Nagas by the Manipur Government when Maharaja Kumar Priyobrata Singh was the Chief Minister. The Manipur Government in response approved and dispatched a contingent of the 4th Assam Rifles along with the Manipur State Police to Mao Gate on August 27 1948 to suppress this noncompliance from the Nagas. The 4th Assam rifles and the police then proceeded to fire upon the volunteers and student activists stationed at Mao Gate enforcing the blockade. The indiscriminate firing resulted in the death of five Naga volunteers while many supporters including women and children sustained severe injuries. Taking part in the Martyrs Day held under the aegis of United Naga Council (UNC), the Nagas of Manipur reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen the cause for the integration of the Nagas to live together as one people. UNC President M. Puni said the occasion provided a ground to reaffirm and to strive towards realizing the aspiration of living together as one people. Puni also said the council looked forward towards a peaceful, honorable and lasting solution to the Naga issue. The UNC was committed to the ongoing peace process, he said adding that ‘we need to strive until our goal is achieved’.
Attending the function as the Chief Guest, Naga Hoho Vice-President Keviletuo Kiewhuo said many agreements and accords that emerged relating to the Naga political issue were "only a bunch of papers" that brought no solution. "The problem persists because many accords and agreements were not done with the consent of all the Naga people", he said. He stressed on the need to re-dedicate and rise up to enhance the peace process. He also encouraged the people not to feel disheartened on the territories that have been divided "but one should take it as a challenge." Saying that rumors created division, he emphasized on the need to strive to have better understanding, adding "We are one. We are one family." Referring to the martyrs, he said they were not only the heroes of a particular clan or tribe but they were the idols of all Nagas who still fight and aspire to be a nation. Pointing out that tremendous progress had been made in the ongoing peace process, the Naga Hoho Vice-President asked the people not to feel discouraged but to be patient and move forward all the while helping to strengthen the peace progress so that the aspiration of the Nagas is achieved. He also called upon the Naga MPs and MLAs to come forward and play an effective role reiterating on the Naga people’s desire to be integrated and not to live under the dominance of other community.
"We are one. Nothing can divide us", the Vice President declared referring to the forthcoming integration rally at Kohima, while strongly asserting that there was no going back for the Nagas now. He said that in spite of different political backgrounds and different professions, the Nagas were one. Kaisu Mathibo, a surviving volunteer of the "No Tax Campaign in 1948," in his speech urged the Nagas to be united and work for the integration of the Naga people. He hoped that the dream he nurtured would be fulfilled during his life time. Naga Hoho Speaker HK Zhimomi termed the act of the martyrs as "honorable and praiseworthy and said that it would remain an undying legacy of the Nagas. Meanwhile, the President Naga People Organization has made it mandatory for each and everyone within Senapati district to attend the Integration Rally at Kohima on August 31. "Everyone must go if you want peace," he said. Apart from others, the Martyrs Day painting exhibition also marked the daylong function.
Ukhrul observes Martyrs Day Addie Chiphang August 27
UKHRUL (MExN): For the first time, "MARTYRS DAY" was observed at the Forest Conference Hall, Ukhrul under the aegis of Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) / (The Village Chief Council). Scores of prominent social organizations, intellectuals and former TNL Presidents participated in the function. The day was observed in commemoration and honour of those who suffered and made the ultimate sacrifice for integration of all Nagas, fifty seven (57) years ago. W.Zingkhai, convener NPMHR, who was the resource person at the programme, stated that the Tangkhul Sub-Committee was founded by Ex-MP R.S.Suisa on September 24, 1946 where 20 Executive and Committee members took the oath on the same day at Leingapha, Ukhrul. Its first Chairman was L.Ninghei of Ukhrul, the vice president was Machihan Mashangva of Choithar and Z.Yarnao was its Secretary. The Committee started campaigning for ‘Naga Integration’ and ‘No Tax’ from 1946 and spread their reach to the extent of Somra Track frontier of Burma and Silchar in Assam. In the meantime NNC was also formed in February 1946. Moreover, on the month of September, the same year, the Naga National League (NNL) was born and basically organized to consolidate the Nagas of Manipur in order to bring together the Naga people separated by Colonial boundaries of which Athikho Daiho of Song Song village was President, Ng.Daiso was Vice President and N.Modoli was Secretary. On continuation and adhering to the root of Naga genesis, the Naga Integration Centre Council was initiated in 1970 under the Chairmanship of M.Savineou. Former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing was its General Secretary and Kongsui Luithui was its Joint Secretary. They had decided to meet the then Prime Minister of India and had also submitted an MOU on November 1970. It was learnt that the "No Tax Campaign" was launched when Maharaja Kumar Priyobrata Singh was the Chief Minister of Manipur. The Nagas in Manipur refused to pay the annual house tax to the Government of Manipur and under the aegis of NNL submitted their annual house tax to Charles Pawsy, Deputy Commissioner of Naga Hills of Assam at Kohima. Besides, Budhachandra the then Maharaja of Manipur, in corroboration with Sir Akbar Hydari the then Governor of Assam directed the contingent of 4th Assam Riffles and State Police on August 27, 1948 to fire at residents of Mao Gate where the indiscriminate firing killed 2 students and 2 volunteers. Seven others were seriously injured.
"As the event is a landmark in the history of political movement of the Nagas in Manipur it is befitting that the observation of "Martyrs Day" is being taken up to commemorate the selfless leaders," said Hungyo Hong, Convener, Yarui Long (Public Council).
Army operation on ULFA in Arunachal Morung express
Itanagar, 27 Aug (IANS): At least one rebel was killed and two soldiers were seriously wounded in a military operation against the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) from Arunachal Pradesh. Troops of the Madras Regiment aided by the Arunachal Pradesh Police launched the operation Friday in the Lower Dibang Valley and East Siang districts to flush out the rebels, an Indian army commander said Saturday. "A gun battle is on and reports indicate one militant was killed and two of our soldiers sustained bullet injuries," the commander told IANS.
Police and intelligence officials said there were well-entrenched bases of ULFA in the two districts and it had some 100 rebels, including women cadres. At least three ULFA rebels were arrested while trying to flee. The operation was launched after New Delhi gave the nod to the army following requests from both the Assam and the Arunachal Pradesh governments to flush out the rebels. The ULFA, one of the frontline rebel groups in the northeast, is fighting for an independent homeland in Assam since 1979. The rebels had shifted their bases to the eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh from neighboring Bhutan after a crackdown by Bhutanese troops in December 2003.
"The area where the operations are on is very remote and surrounded by dense jungles. The terrain is hostile but we have managed to surround the camps," the commander said. "The ULFA militants were posing a security threat to our state and so we felt the need to evict them from our territory," said a senior police official in this state capital. According to the official, ULFA rebels carried out hit-and-run guerrilla strikes in Assam from bases in Arunachal Pradesh. "After committing the attacks, the rebels would sneak back to their bases in Arunachal as the border between the two states is porous and the area surrounded by thick jungles," the official said. Earlier, the ULFA used Arunachal Pradesh as a transit to enter camps in neighboring Myanmar where the outfit maintains a full-fledged battalion under the patronage of the S.S. Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K).
Naga population scenario and immigration Morung Express U A Shimray The consolidated Naga Hills is located between 93030´E and 95015´E longitudes and 24030´N and 2700´N latitudes in Indo-Myanmar frontier. Naga Hills is sandwiched by Brahmaputra valley of Assam in the west; lower Himalayas in the northern side, Chindwin river in the eastern side and Imphal valley of Manipur in the south. At the different stages of colonial and post-colonial political re-organisation, the contiguous Naga Hills was segmented into different administrative units. Today, the Naga hills fall into the administration of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh (also in upper Myanmar).
Naga Population Naga areas stretches along the Naga Hills of Tirap and Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, present Nagaland State, Hill districts of Manipur consisting Tamenglong, Senapati, Chandel and Ukhrul, and part of Karbi Anglong district and North Cachar Hills district of Assam. There are more than 40 Naga groups. The Government of India lists the following Naga groups as Scheduled Tribes (see the table 1).
In the absence of authentic information and reliable source of data, estimating Naga population is very difficult. Also, problem associated with it is population falls into different political and administration units. The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India publish population figures every decade. The present figures of the Naga population are extracted from the "Special Table for Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes".
It is obvious that the demographic variables- fertility, mortality and migration are responsible for growth of population in any giving region. When there is positive difference between the number of births and the number of deaths- population grows. And the increase of births over deaths is known as natural increase of population. In 1991 population census, the total Nagas living in Indian sub-continent is recorded as 14,54,864 persons (This figure is purely based on the India Population Census’ report. The estimated figure can be underestimated however; 2001 population census will give different picture. Till now, the 2001’s "Special Table for Schedule Tribes" is not available. In the latest census, Nagaland state recorded absolute tribal population of 17,74,026 persons. Nagaland register high decadal growth rate in 1981-1991 and 1991-2001 with 56 per cent and 64 per cent respectively). The decadal growth rate of Naga population in the decade 1971-1981 is 30 per cent. However, in the last decade 1981-1991, population registered a growth rate as high as 63 per cent. The percentage change between the two decades 1971-1981 and 1981-1991 is 33 per cent.
Among the Naga communities, Ao Nagas recorded the largest absolute number of 1,65,893 persons in 1991 population census. The second largest is Sema Nagas with 1,50,780 persons and it is closely followed by Konyak Nagas, 1,36,458 persons and Tangkhul Nagas, 1,07,244 persons. The smallest groups are Makhori with only 826 persons, Koireng 873 persons, Monsang 1803 persons and Chirr 2067 persons. Among the groups, Ao Nagas recorded the highest number of population (1,65,893 persons) with a proportion of 11 per cent to total Naga population. This is followed by Sema Nagas (10 per cent), Konyak Nagas (9 per cent), Tangkhul Nagas (7 per cent). In the last two decades, Nagas experience a high percentage decadal growth rate. Major groups like Ao Nagas, Phom Nagas, Chakhesang Nagas, Konyak Nagas, Sangtam Nagas, Kabui Nagas, and Wancho Nagas contribution to the growth of population is considerable. Though, the smaller groups accounted for high percentage of decadal growth rate like Tikhir Nagas, Makhori Nagas, Rengma Nagas and Monsang Nagas but their contribution to total population in term of absolute number is considerably low.
Sex Composition Sex of the individual holds an important place in a demographic examination. Sex is a biological characteristic that divides human beings into male and female. The sex composition of India’s population shows a shortage of females per 1000 males and this shortage has aggravated over time. A favourable sex ratio to males and the declined in the proportion of female population has been a matter of great concern and is being viewed with serious concern by demographers and several women’s organisation. According to population reports, a considerable shortage of female population has been indicated in the Naga society. The declining trend of sex ratio is more prominent in the last decades. In 1991 population census, there are about 951 females per 1000 males against 995 females per 1000 males in 1981. The highest sex ratio is recorded in Monyon Nagas with 1098 females per 1000 males and is followed by Anal Nagas (1034), Koireng Nagas (1109) and Rengma Nagas (996). The lowest sex ratio is found among the Phom Nagas and the ratio is 858 females per 1000 males. This is closely followed by Maram Nagas (889) and Chang (922).
Earlier Nagas experienced high female population particularly in the year 1971 population census. One interesting observation is that, a high sex ratio is recorded among the smaller Naga groups like Rengma, Anal, Koireng and Monyon. The decline of female population could be attributed to intra-marriage and female migration. Another possible reason is related to the enumerators’ negligence at the same time, people hardly bother about census enumeration due to lack of awareness.
Immigration, Emigration and Migration The increasing trend of population in the region is because of two reasons- (a) the natural growth rate (that is, the different between birth rate and death rate) and (b) the factors of immigration, emigration and migration. In the wake of the Bangladesh liberation war, thousands of Bangladeshi took refuge in India, particularly Assam and the periphery states. All of them did not return even after the creation of Bangladesh. Also, there is continuous flow of migration from elsewhere Indian states and illegal immigration particularly Nepali, Myanmarese and Tibetan. Sanjoy Hazarika caution that- "the Lebensraum is to be the Northeast of India and other eastern states, setting up areas of potential conflict over natural resources, such as water, food, land and competition for jobs in governmental establishments and private enterprise".
Some demographers acknowledge that the influx of outsiders and illegal immigration in the region is gone down due to the insurgency activities. However, the statement is half-truth. The Lebensraum theory is still working and continuous spill of "unwanted number" from cow-belt (BIMARU-Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, famous connotation of Professor Ashis Bose) to the region is still at large. The so-called "Inner Line" and other restrictions fail to check the current infiltration stream. The colonial policy of non-interference to the native soil now interestingly translates as what appeared to be the "unstoppable" demographic transformation. The Inner Line was introduced in the Naga areas in 1873 even some parts of the North Eastern region continues till this day. However, the Inner Line is literally non-functional in the case of Nagas.
The continuous flow of outsiders (may be infiltration is more appropriate) in the Naga areas results bringing tremendously changes in the demographic scenario and socio-economic front. For instance, the most vulnerable areas like Dimapur, Kohima, Senapati (along the track of national Highway 39) and Chandel is one ideal place for the outsiders. There are three types of infiltrators- (a) labourer, (b) traders, businesspersons, and (a) professionals. However, major contribution is labourer and traders. This outsider from plain of mainland India including immigrant Bangladeshi is known in different name. The outsiders are popularly known as "Mayang" in Manipur, "Vai" in Mizoram and "Dakhar" in Meghalaya. Now, the migrants share considerable proportion of population. For instance, the proportion of Naga population in Kohima district account only 67 per cent to the district’s total population. The case is worst in Senapati district registering only 55 per cent in 1991 population census. However, other districts still maintain the comfortable proportion of 80 per cent and above category. The migrants indeed controlled major commercial activities and trading establishments. In other words, manipulate the every economic transaction and the primary motive is profit not for any kind of development. The transaction is dispatch as remittances to the place where they come from.
The increase of outsider population is very conspicuous now. One of the Nagaland newspapers "Nagaland Page" (10 August 1999) writes, "(I)n Dimapur, all the rickshaw pullers are Bangladeshis and they are a highly aggressive lot in a land where the non-tribals are living a second class living. All these are signs of a growing and highly visible problem- the virtual colonisation of Nagaland by Bangladeshi Muslims, locally known as Miyan. But sadly in Nagaland, very little attention is being given to this problem, which is much more serious than even the sovereignty issue". Indeed, increase of migrant population pose a serious threat to the social system, land, natural resources and human resources. Recently, Nagas were experiencing high growth rate of population and high density. The same article in Nagaland page state- "once they obtain ration cards and get their names on the voter list, get married to Naga women, it is impossible to throw them out." One interesting measures taken by the Sumi Naga Hoho (Western) at the general public meeting at Shoxuvi village in 1994 regarding the issue related to immigration. The Sumi Nagas adopted the following resolutions:
1. Resolved that, any person from Sumi community who will marry or married the "Miyan" girl(s) shall be deprived of his right to inherit the movable or immovable property/properties, save the dresses he wears. But in the case of the village Chief(s) his chieftainship shall be stripped off immediately without trail.
2. That, any Sumi girl(s) who will marry or married "Miyan" shall be expelled from the village and shall be treated as the foreign national for the practical purpose.
3. That, no Miyan shall be allowed to exercise his/her franchise in any elections, even he by chance possessed the voter ID card.
Remarks The infiltration problem is more or less encouraged by the Nagas. Sometimes, Nagas emphasize too much as "proud" people and don’t believe in labour activities (though Nagas don’t have labour system but practice traditional barter system). So Nagas invite outsiders for labour- as domestic helper and employed them in different fields. In this case, both "pull" and "push" factors are at its dispensation. Naga pulls them and employ their skill and unskilled resources… and eventually accommodates them in the society. Push is inevitable; infiltrators are mostly entrepreneurs and superior in "know-how" business and also to capture the Naga market. In fact, presence of so many non-Nagas in the Naga areas is a slow cancer. I admire Mizos in this regard. They establish firmly the concept- "Mizoram for Mizos". Institutions are capitalised right from cobbler, saloon to trading and labour organisation. For the Nagas, we depend outsiders even for haircut.
Now, we understand the macro level picture of outsider population in Naga areas. But the important thing here is the detail of the social fabric and it is this that we need to examine. Nagas need cheap and un-organised labour. Without hypocrisy, we need them…however; we need to check the inflow of population. Now, we understand the "inner line" system is total failure instead it gives advantage to the moving people. What need now is temporal work permit system to the labourers for a stipulated period and no settlement or voting will be permitted to those traders and businesspersons. The professional either government servants, Ex-servicemen or NGOs should also have permit. Therefore, certain preventive measures need to be taken up. Now, social backlash is felt in the heart of Kohima, Dimapur and other Headquarters…rape is frequent, smuggling activities are getting bolder and now we are just watching the woe of demographic resilient.
Table 1: Size and Growth Rate of Naga Population
Naga Ethnic Groups Population Decadal Growth Rate Percentage to Total Nagas
1971 1981 1991 1971-81 1981-91 1991
Total Nagas 6,88,180 8,92,356* 14,54,864 29.66 63.03 100
1. Angami 44064 63121 97,716 42.19 55.72 6.71
2. Ao 74016 104578 1,65,893 41.29 58.6 11.4
3. Chakhesang 43438 60771 89,166 39.9 46.72 6.12
4. Chang 16075 22375 30,370 39.19 35.73 2.08
5. Chirr 692 1560 2,067 125.43 32.5 0.14
6. Khiemnungan 14338 18080 21,665 26.1 19.83 1.48
7. Konyak 72319 83652 1,36,458 15.67 63.1 9.37
8. Lotha 36638 58030 82,586 58.39 42.32 5.67
9. Makhori 2501 613 863 -75.49 40.78 0.05
10. Phom 18019 14427 65,339 -19.93 352.89 4.49
11. Rengma 8174 15313 32,368 87.34 111.38 2.22
12. Sangtam 19315 29016 51,975 50.23 79.13 3.57
13. Sema 64918 95312 1,50,780 46.82 58.2 10.36
14. Tikhir 2800 3588 9,177 28.14 155.77 0.63
15. Yimchunger 14146 22054 35,461 55.9 60.79 2.43
16. Zeliang 13883 21085 36,012 51.88 70.79 2.47
17. Pochury 0 0 10,039 0 0 0.69
Manipur
18. Anal 6670 9349 10,642 40.16 13.83 0.73
19. Chiru 2785 3674 6,032 31.92 64.18 0.41
20. Chothe 1905 1687 2,571 -11.44 52.4 0.17
21. Kabui (Rongmei) 40257 26006 62,487 -35.4 140.28 4.29
22. Kacha Naga (Liangmei & Zeme) 13026 12754 33,640 -2.09 163.76 2.31
23. Koireng 458 948 873 106.99 -7.91 0.06
24. Lamgang 2622 3452 4,031 31.66 16.77 0.27
25. Mao (including Paomei) 33379 50715 76,972 51.94 51.77 5.29
26. Maram 4539 6544 9,592 44.17 46.58 0.65
27. Maring 9825 11910 15,698 21.22 31.81 1.07
28. Monsang 930 1139 1,803 22.47 58.3 0.12
29. Moyon 1360 1642 2,081 20.74 26.74 0.14
30. Tangkhul 57851 79029 1,07,244 36.61 35.7 7.37
Arunachal Pradesh
31. Nocte 23165 19606 23,418 -15.36 19.44 1.6
32. Tangsa 6941 9896 9,682 42.57 -2.16 0.66
33. Wancho 28650 32441 45,182 13.23 39.27 3.1
Nagas in Assam 8481 0 12,908 0 0 0.88
Naga (Not Classified) 0 7965 11,962 0 50.18 0.82
* Excluding Assam as no census was conducted in 1981. Recognised as separate tribal group in 2001. Source: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner. 1971, 1981 and 1991. Special Tables for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, and Arunchal Pradesh. New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner.
Manipur Nagas express solidarity with Naga integration stir Assam Tribune
MAO GATE (Manipur), Aug 27 – Using the occasion of the annual Martyrs Day today, the Nagas of Manipur expressed solidarity with the Naga unification movement. The leaders of the apex tribal council, Naga Hoho, said on the occasion that all Nagas should support the ongoing peace talks between the Centre and NSCN-IM so that their aspiration to live as one people was realised.

Naga Hoho vice-president Kevilueto Keiwhuo today hinted that the apex tribal council would launch agitation in support of Naga integration in a much bigger scale in the Naga-inhabited areas of the region. Mao Nagas of Manipur’s Senapati district observe this day every year as Martyrs’ Day in memory of those killed by the Assam Rifles under the directive of Maharaja Budh Chandra in August 27, 1948. The Naga Hoho will organise an integration rally at Kohima on August 31 where Naga MLAs from the neighbouring states have been invited. – PTI

Nagaland has 10,000 Missionaries Poised to Take the Gospel to Nearby Lands
BEVERLY HILLS (CA), Aug 27: Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman, NSCN-IM revealed in an interview here that Nagaland had 10,000 missionaries poised to take the Gospel to nearby lands. He made this revelation during an interview before the 85th birthday celebration in Beverly Hills on Saturday, August 23, of charismatic leader, Harald Bredesen, which he was attending.

“We want penetrate China, Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam and Laos and Nepal with the Gospel,” he said, “and we have 10,000 missionaries who are ready to go.” Swu said that what is holding up the outreach is the finalization of peace talks between the Indian Government and the four-million people of Nagaland, which borders China, Burma and Bangladesh, who have been in military dispute for many years. “We want to request the whole world to pray for us so that the peace process with India will be successful so that God will then release us and we can send us to preach the Gospel around the world, particularly in the neighboring countries. “We are not demanding our independence from India, but we do need recognition.”

The soft-spoken Chaiman, who was born on November 7th, 1929 in a hamlet called Chishilimi in the Sumi region of present-day Nagaland, told ANS, that in 1921 my father in was one of the first converts in Nagaland, but he was not converted by preachers but by angels during dreams. He was taught by the angels in these dreams and became a Christian. God used him mightily and he and some colleagues ‘converted’ our whole tribe over a period of four or five years. Before this, our tribe was pagan. “The American Baptists gave missionaries for our people, but when there was political crisis between the Nagas and the Indian government, they were driven away by the government of India. So the Christians in Nagaland started preaching and by the grace of God, we have 95 percent of our Naga people are now Christians out of a population of four million"

Swu said that Westerners can now visit Nagaland again after it had been sealed off because of fighting between the Nagas and the Indian government troops. “Since 1997, we have been having peace negations with the government of India and now they have decided to approach the Naga problem realistically and find a way to solve it. They have recognized the uniqueness of Naga history and so the peace process is going on.

Bhutan rules out presence of NE ultra camps Assam Tribune
KOKRAJHAR, Aug 27 – Bhutan today promised to extend all possible help to the Indian Army in preventing free movement of north-eastern insurgents along border areas. “We will extend all possible cooperation to the Indian Army in uprooting rebels, if any, in the territory of Bhutan but at present there was no specific information of any mobile ultra camps in our country”, Sonam Dawa, Deputy Commissioner, Serpang of Royal Kingdom of Bhutan said.
Dawa, who headed a high-level official delegation to review the law and order situation along the Indo-Bhutan border, told PTI here that as per the policy of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan all help would be extended to Indian authorities to uproot militancy from the area. Indian security forces recently stepped up combing operation along Indo-Bhutan border in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to crack down on ULFA and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) militants active in the area.
It may be mentioned that in December 2003, Royal Bhutan Army launched an operation ‘All Clear’ to evict the camps belonging to United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO).

Manmohan to visit Manipur soon Assam Tribune
NEW DELHI, Aug 27 – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday assured a BJP delegation from Manipur that the state’s territorial integrity would not be disturbed and he would visit the troubled North-eastern state soon. “Singh categorically told that he will not tolerate any vitiation of the law and order situation. He assured us categorically that the territorial integrity of the state will not be disturbed,” former Union Minister and Manipur BJP President Chaoba Singh told reporters after a meeting with the Prime Minister.
In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, the BJP leaders alleged that the State Government has “totally failed” to protect lives and property of the citizens of the state.
Charging the State Government with “rampant corruption, gross misuse and diversion of Central funds”, the leaders demanded a thorough inquiry by the CBI.
They also demanded early elections to Autonomous District Councils.– PTI

Nagalim.NL News

08/28/2005: "Naga Hoho rings out message loud and clear"