06/28/2006: "Nothing less than sovereignty: NSCN-IM"

Nothing less than sovereignty: NSCN-IM Nagaland Post Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 27 (NPN): Amidst speculations that the ongoing peace talks between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) has been reduced to mere issue of "autonomy," the NSCN (IM) has reiterated that Nagas will not accept anything less than 'sovereignty." "There is no compromise on NSCN's stand on sovereignty," said Phungthing Shimrang, convenor, CFMC, while echoing the recurrent statements of the collective leadership that "Sovereignty rests with the people. It's the right of the Nagas." Confirming Union Minister Oscar Fernandes' disclosure that the recent talks between the GoI and NSCN (IM) was "fruitful," Phungthing said the last talks went without any "deadlock."
"As of now, things are moving," the senior NSCN leader told media persons at the CFMC office, Dimapur on Tuesday. He was, however, elusive to a query to the proposals given by the Government of India. Reacting to certain civil societies accusing the faction of not adhering to the ground rules, Phungthing said it was easy to pass the blame on them as the NSCN (IM) is at the helm of ceasefire. The CFMC convenor also said that though the NSCN (IM) has made propositions to change the ground rules, nothing has come out so far from the GoI side.On the directive issued by superintendents of police of various districts, the NSCN leader said "both have to be consulted before applying any rules," adding the ceasefire is between the GoI and NSCN (IM).
"The issue of law and order doesn't concern us," said CFMC convenor and substantiated his argument by saying that even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had also recently clarified the matter to be that of the state government's concern. Questioning the sincerity of Indian government over the Naga imbroglio, the NSCN leader also accused the former of utilizing "some agencies in creating confusion among the Nagas."
On the question of roping in a "third party" in the talks, Phungthing said "bringing a third party into the talks will be good, but the Indian government was opposed to it."
‘We have not given up the rights to sovereignty’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): With the issue of ‘Federal-arrangement’ receiving much prominence ever since commencement of the June Amsterdam talks with the Government of India, the NSCN-IM has reaffirmed that it has not given up the “rights to sovereignty” and to this effect, appealed to all to refrain from “the speculations.”
Brigadier Pungthing Shimrang, Convener of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, NSCN (IM) addressing the press conference held June 27 at the Cell, Dimapur. (MExPix)
“The question of this or that arrangement, this federal or that autonomy arrangement does not arise. We have not given up the rights to sovereignty” Brigadier Phungting Shimrang, Convener of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, NSCN-IM asserted at a press conference held at the CFMC office at Diphupar 4th Mile, Dimapur. The Convener was convinced that the “speculations” on the Federal-arrangement issue are the handiwork of divisive forces. “These are clearly the works of certain forces who are creating confusion among the people. We should be analytical to these issues. There is confusion because there is ignorance about the processes of the issues involved” Brigadier Shimrang asserted adding in the course of any struggle there are always ups-and-downs. He maintained that the “speculations” are in fact meant to divert the people from the other more pressing issues of the movement. However, he admitted that while ‘Federal arrangement’ was discussed, there was no way Sovereignty is being given up.
To the query if the NSCN (IM) is actually adhering to the agreed ceasefire ground rules, implicative of the factional clashes in various parts of Nagaland state, the Brigadier categorically stated that the rules are exclusive to the NSCN (IM) and the GOI and not with “others”. “Everyone says ceasefire ground rules should be followed in Toto and spirit, should be adhered. We are adhering to it of course. See, the ceasefire is only between the Government of India and the NSCN not others” the Convener said adding that “it” (factional clashes) is not a law and order problem. “We are being defensive not offensive” he added in reference to the recent clashes.
The Convener also blamed the GOI for failing to implement the ceasefire rules. “The government of India has failed to implement what it should have been implementing. They say the rules should be implemented but when it comes to the NSCN, cadres are being arrested, killed and arms seized” he maintained.
Office of profit: NPF says Rio ‘protected’ The Morung Express
Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): Maintaining that the Election Commission of India “seeking reply” from Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on his chairing both the Nagaland Bamboo Mission and State Sports Council vis-à-vis office of profit, the State NPF asserted that Rio is well ‘protected’ courtesy a clause in the Constitution. However ‘doubts’ were cast on the “fate” of Opposition Congress leader I Imkong.
“Attention may be drawn to Clause 8 of the Schedule of the Nagaland State Legislature members (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1964 (Nagaland Act No. 1 of 1964) which states, “the office of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Vice Chairman or Member or member of any committee, board or authority appointed by the Government of India or the Government of any state specified in the First Schedule of the Constitution” NPF Press Secretary R Paphino stated. “The standing law itself is clear and sufficient to accrue protection of the Chief Minister” the statement added although no elaboration was given how the quoted clause in any way implied protection.
On the contrary, the NPF expressed ‘doubts’ on the position of Congress leader of Opposition I Imkong. “Despite the nagging developments, the Chief Minister’s position is safe and sound. However, we have reservation and doubt about the position of the Leader of Opposition whose fate is in peril as his status is not covered for protection under any law or act” the NPF stated. The party also claimed that lodging complaint and furnishing subsequent reply is a normal procedure “being observed throughout the country”.
NSF reminds on June 28 IRB debate The Morung Express

Dimapur, June 27 (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has reminded all concern that the Federation is organizing a discussion and debate on the proposed raising of another batch of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) by the Government of Nagaland. The debate would be held on June 28, 10am at the Zonal Council Hall, Kohima near the MLA Hostel. The NSF has invited two members each from all its federating units, subordinate bodies including the Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF), five members from the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA),the Naga Hoho, two members each from all tribal Hohos including the Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organization (ENPO), two members each from the Press/media, family members, all political parties, well-wishers and concerned individuals and organizations to promptly participate in the mentioned debate and discussion. This was informed by K Elu Ndang, NSF General Secretary.
Naga Hoho meet inconclusive The Morung Express

KOHIMA, JUNE 27 (MExN): The Naga Hoho emergency Federal Assembly held today to discuss on the ongoing peace process ended on an inconclusive note. The assembly dwelled mostly on the ongoing peace process, but ended inconclusive, said the Acting President, Keviletuo. However, the issue of electing its new President did not surface in today assembly session. “We cannot resolve in one go, discussion will continue”, he added. The Hoho is likely to convene another session in the month of July to further the discussion on the peace process.
NSCN (IM) clarifies on Zunheboto truce deal The Morung Express
DIMAPUR, JUNE 27 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) has stated that given the circumstances and atmosphere in which its officials were made to sign the Zunheboto ceasefire agreement, they could have been killed in the event the agreement was not signed. “It was on account of the circumstances of mental and physical duress in which the ceasefire agreement was made to sign disqualifies itself. Hence, his Excellency the Yaruiwo, Mr Isak Chishi Swu annulled the ceasefire agreement with the Khaplang group”, a statement issued by the NSCN (IM) stated.
Contrary to what the Sumi Hoho had stated about the June 14 ceasefire agreement between leaders of the NSCNs in the presence of the Sumi public, the NSCN (IM) has alleged that the NSCN (K) came with arms in civilian dresses. “In fact, Mr Aheto, Mr Hozheto of (K) group participated in the meeting with exposed arms tucked in their waists and many cadres of (K) group with full arms were loitering in the meeting premises, which had been witnessed by the people present there i.e., the NGOs and public present there who were cooking for the participants of the meeting”, informed the MIP press clarification.
The statement pointed out that the Sumi NGOs spearheaded by the Sumi Hoho had invited the NSCN (IM) to attend a ‘peace initiative’ meeting with the NSCN (K) on the condition to participate unarmed and in maintaining cordial meeting presentation, to be observed by both the sides on June 14.
“Following the assured norms of the meeting, the NSCN team came unarmed with the best of intention and with full confidence upon the Sumis responsible organizations”, it stated.
The NSCN (IM) also stated that while Sumi NGOs had assured of the agreement that both the parties would refrain from firing during the meeting, the NSCN (K) cadres it alleged fired continuously and that the Sumi NGOs did not raise any objections. The NSCN (IM) also pointed out that while the meeting concluded at around 5 pm, not a single Sumi NGO member accompanied the Deputy Kilonser and his team to see them off safely whereas, the Sumi NGOs went to drop the NSCN (K) representatives for reasons best known to them.
The MIP statement further alleged that around 8:30 pm during the return of its unarmed team that the NSCN (K) cadres led by Akheto way-laid them near Chisholimi village where the armed cadres fired several rounds. “They were intimidated and only after appeal and mention of the ceasefire were they freed to proceed”, the NSCN (IM) informed. Both the drivers of the vehicle which the Sumi Hoho sent for the transportation of the NSCN (IM) representatives are witnesses to this incident of confrontation, it stated further pointing out that the people belonging to Chisholimi, Chishilimi, Mukalimi and Ghathashi villages also heard the gunshots fired by the NSCN (K) cadres during the encounter.
“Thus the circumstances and state under which this agreement was signed proves the Khaplang group’s dictated and insincere nature of sinister assurances, which was designed to terminate all doors towards peace”, the NSCN (IM) stated.
The NSCN (IM) also stated that the Sumi Hoho should responsibly uphold the truth basing on facts witnessed rather than succumbing to the dictates of the NSCN (K) and that it should expose the facts to the people in what had gone wrong, where, why and how, so that the Naga people may understand the reality of the problem at hand and not be misguided by wrong press statements.
“The NSCN/GPRN would like to clarify to all that we believe in peaceful solutions to all differences. But all resolutions to peace should be based on national principles, sincerity, trust and respect”, the MIP statement pointed out.
Centre play positive note on NESO's demands Morung Express News
KOHIMA The North East Students Organization (NESO), which went last week to New Delhi carrying with it vital issues confronting the region, returned home after having a 'fruitful interaction,' and receiving positive note from the latter, according to NESO officials.
The 20-member delegation comprising of NESO officials and representatives of its constituent units, met Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patel, Tribal Welfare Minister PR Kyndiah and leader of Opposition, LK Advani. The delegation had a cordial interaction on the various issues, which was included in a memorandum submitted by the organization to the Prime Minister.
NESO General Secretary, NSN Lotha and Naga Students Federation (NSF) General Secretary K Elu Ndang speaking to the media today said that the delegation had a fruitful interaction with the Prime Minister, who reportedly told the team that the organization could play an important role in the peace process as well as for the development of the region.
Lotha said that the delegation submitted an 8-points charter of demands for immediate redress. The charter included demands regarding education policy and human-resource development, comprehensive policy for illegal immigrants and refugees, economic package and infrastructure development, employment policy, inter-state boundary issues, cellular service matters in the North East region and special constitutional status for the people of the NE states.
Further, the Prime Minister assured the delegation that he would look into the issue of non-availability of roaming facility for pre-paid cellular service consumers.
Leader of Opposition LK Advani also appreciated what he is purportedly termed the NESO as a unique alliance of NE student organizations under the banner of NESO.He is reported to have admitted that New Delhi has not addressed problems related to the North East Region with all seriousness because of the factor of distance.
NSN Lotha also said the Home Minister impressed upon the delegation on the rich bio-genetic wealth of the region, and assured that if the resources are to be developed, the Centre is willing to provide any amount of financial help. However, the students’ body rejected the idea, except for the studies on plants and animals.
PR Kyndiah, Tribal Welfare Minister also assured the delegation to provide library facilities to all the NE states at the earliest, besides looking into other educational problems faced by the region, Lotha said.
The demand for setting up of an administrative office to cater to the 'Look East Policy,' which is being proposed to be set up in Kolkata and special constitutional status for the people of the North East region were deliberated. However, they could not get any assurance from the Centre on these issues, Lotha informed.
AR organizes medical camp at Bhagty Morung Express

Kohima, June 27 (MExN): The 40 Assam Rifles organized a free medical camp on June 25 at Bhagty Village under Wokha district.
In the medical camp, altogether 525 patients, 218 children, from in and around the village, were administered medical treatment for various ailments. The camp was held under the supervision of Dr. K. Ramchiyari, SMO and a team of paramedics from the 40 Assam Rifles, according to PIB (Defence Wing). The medical camp evoked much enthusiasm and appreciation amongst the locals and village elders, a release from the force added. The Bhagty villagers appreciated the efforts of 40 Assam Rifles in helping the villagers by organizing such camps and called for such frequent camps in the remote villages as well.
Breach of trust causes further deadlock in the Indo-Naga Peace talks
India shows two forked tongue Naga International Support Center Nagarealm.com
Naga International Support Center, NISC www.nagalim.nl A human rights organization

Press Release
Amsterdam June 25 2006

The Naga International Support Center calls on the Indian Government to once and for all show its sincerity, to stop supporting fighting among Nagas and to come up with a policy which shows to the Indian populace what it’s policy is for Nagaland its Accountability for more than 50 years of military presence in Nagaland, is required.
While the talks themselves are held in an amicable atmosphere and the commitments to arrive at a mutually agreeable and honorable peace accord are time and again confirmed and reinforced, India props up adversary elements to undermine its Naga partner at the talks for peace.

The question now is: Is India sincere in its endeavor to end this war once and for all? The congress Government in power in 1995 delivered the commitment openly, stating that the military solution is not possible, opening all avenues to negotiate with the Nagas on an equal basis

At the same time, through the years and now quite openly, India reinforced the results of its divide and rule policy by providing the NSCN-K and the remnants of the Naga National Council, funds and arms to fight against the NSCN who by the Government of India itself are the recognized representatives of the Naga Peoples, with which is partnering in the peace talks.

Time and again the Indian Government negotiators have reassured the Naga negotiators to contain these groups, so fighting among the Nagas could stop.

However, tt looks like the negotiators are alienated from the ground realities, for Assam Rifles and Indian Reserved Police team up with the said groupings to initiate confrontations and providing the logistics. They in turn call it factional fighting, which is then misleading both the Nagas and the outside world. This public statement made by the NSC-K reveals all

“The Indians are not our enemies. It is the NSCN-IM.”

The recent confrontations between K and IM are no factional clashes but Government of India induced confrontations. The NSCN-K, in line with the Government of India’s desire to settle for a Nagaland State wanted the NSCN-IM to sign a cease fire agreement. When the NSCN-IM representatives refused, saying that NSCN-IM stands for every inch of Naga soil, the K people threatened, fired and, under duress, made them sign the agreement. Such behavior by the K has been condemned by the NSCN-IM and the people.

This deliberate breech of trust, provocatively shown by the K and backed up the Indian Government, will certainly imperil the talks to the point of abrogation.

The Indian Government is solely responsible for the continuous violence, but NISC does not think the Indian Government could so shortsighted that it will inevitably lead its Armed Forces back into full fledged war.

NISC calls on the common sensed leaders of the Government of India to end this war.

For more information on the history of the NNC and NSCN-K visit our website www.nagalim.nl Or get in touch via nisc@nagalim.nl
TODAY'S EDITORIAL Breaking the Tribal Sting Morung Express
The Morung Express Poll held last week witnessed an overwhelming 94% of the respondents categorically agreeing that tribalism is destroying the very fabric of the Naga society. Only 4% responded in the negative while the remaining 2% stood on the fence. The observation that most Naga tribes have their own ethnocentrisms not only in respect to other tribes but also within their own communities therefore cannot be wholly denied. That tribalism is a curse for Nagas as Caste System is for the Hindu society as commented by one respondent should therefore be taken as a warning that the structural flaws within the tribal order will need critical intervention of the society.
Unfortunately, the “curse” doesn’t seem to limit itself only to intra-tribal systems. As per response of the poll even the Naga national movement has been invaded by the Tribalism virus. Factional killings are almost taking the form of a tribal feud infusing deep hatred against one another and thereby preventing any form of dialogue to take place. Another sad commentary is that Nagas are a jealous race that always hates to see progress in someone; when one progress, everybody wants a part to bring them down. It has also been observed that people have become so narrow-minded; one cannot speak one’s mind freely because they start threatening you in the name of clan, village (or) tribe. The slow deterioration of brotherly ethos in the so-called Christian society of the Nagas is therefore a matter of serious concern.
Tribalism as we see it today in its ugly manifestation is therefore no better than communalism and in a way is similar to those who espouse communal ideology—the creation of the belief that people who follow the same religion have common secular interests i.e. common political, economic, social and cultural interests. This is the bedrock of any isms whether one calls it communalism or tribalism. To say that in a multi-tribal society like the Nagas, the secular interest of one tribe are dissimilar or opposed and divergent from other tribes is therefore a dangerous notion to subscribe to. Thus, like the communalists who will assert that Hindus and Muslims or Sikhs or Christians cannot have common secular interests and are bound to be opposed to each other, in a similar fashion different tribes will be seen as mutually incompatible, antagonistic and hostile to each other.
If one studies the phenomenon of religious communalism it is observed that the functioning of a modern democratic political system in a traditional society divided among caste and diverse religious communities has led to the growth of this virus. The pre-requisite conditions for the smooth functioning of a liberal democratic system are not yet fulfilled. As a result, more often than not religion and caste become convenient means for political mobilization. Thus the compulsion of electoral politics in an uneven economy and traditional society has contributed to the continuation of communalism.
Similarly in the context of the Nagas, going by the trend, society appears to have more of a tribal sting than a secular character. One has to remember that a secular state and society guarantees individual freedom, deals with the individual as a citizen, is not connected to any particular tribe nor does it seek to promote or interfere with the tribe. In the Naga context therefore, while the institutional norms governing the State and society preaches secular ideas, the existential reality is characterized by the growth of tribalism and inter-tribal rivalry and conflict.
Admit it or not, tribalism in Naga society is here to stay. Rather than deny it, attempts must be made to initiate a dialogue to address the issue rather than to conveniently brush it under the carpet. The scourge of tribalism that exists underneath the surface could one day divide and destroy Naga society. It is time for educated Nagas to begin reexamining afresh beliefs, customs and social practices that foment chauvinistic attitude and at the same time encouraging the growth of a rational-scientific outlook in order to instill a progressive mindset. Most importantly, society has to be reorganized along democratic lines and on ideas of individual equality, reason, tolerance and promoting pan Naga feelings and spirit of nationalism. On a more practical level, various suggestions have been made over the years in seminars and public discussions. For instance in schools, students from the same tribe should not be hostel roommates and must learn to stay or live with someone from another tribe or language group. Similarly, tribal picnics, unions, associations, etc. should be discouraged. Rather, one should encourage class or inter-tribal picnics, unions, fellowships, etc. Promoting inter-tribal marriage is a popular suggestion and there is great merit in this. Even suggestions of having only inter-tribal colonies, inter-tribal churches, inter-tribal clubs, associations, etc can be taken up. It will take a long time at least to do away with tribalism in Naga society, but one must make every effort to reduce this evil.
Sino-Indian border talks conclude Assam Tribune
BEIJING, June 27 – India and China today discussed various aspects of the agreed framework for a settlement to their boundary dispute and decided to hold the next round of talks between their special representatives on the issue in India at a mutually convenient date, reports PTI. National Security Adviser and India’s representative at the talks M K Narayanan and his Chinese counterpart Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo held two-day talks in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province and Beijing. The two have been tasked with finding a package boundary deal within the framework of the guiding principles.

“The special representatives continued their discussions on an agreed framework for a boundary settlement on the basis of the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of India-China Boundary Question,” the Indian Embassy said in a brief statement after the conclusion of the in-camera negotiations. Talks were held in a friendly, cooperative and constructive atmosphere, the release said commenting on the eight round of talks on the issue.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of talks between the Special Representatives in India at a mutually convenient time, which will be decided later through the diplomatic channel, the release said. Narayanan also had separate meetings with Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing during which they discussed bilateral issues and especially the ongoing boundary negotiation process.
Implement memo or face stir: NESO Staff Reporter Nagaland Post KOHIMA: The North East Students' Organization on Tuesday exuded confidence that the Union Government would duly address its memorandum submitted on June 17 even as it said if the Centre failed to act on the matter, the NESO would resort to "non-violent but aggressive" movement to press for its demands.
Addressing a press conference here, NESO general secretary N. S. N. Lotha said his union was very hopeful that the Union Government would look into the matter (memorandum) seriously, while claiming that the NESO delegation's recent trip to Delhi was very successful. Mr. Lotha said the eight-point charter of demands submitted by the NESO to the various Central leaders, including the Prime Minister, should be referred to as "book of testimony" as it, according to him, reflected the most vital issues of the northeastern region.
The NESO general secretary also said officials of Commonwealth met the NESO delegation and expressed their keenness to take up various kinds of youth activities, particularly in sports and environment, in the Northeast, adding the Commonwealth would examine whether or not the NESO would be the right agency to take up the works. On the peace process in the region, Mr. Lotha said the Prime Minister told the student delegation that there should be sincerity on both the sides while admitting that the NESO had a great responsibility towards the peace process in the Northeast. Referring to the cellular services in the region, he said the Prime Minister was surprised to hear about the poor connectivity in the region and assured the student delegation of looking into the matter positively.
The Prime Minister also said if the demand of the NESO for special constitutional status to the Northeastern states was to be implemented, the Constitution of India would have to be amended and an Act passed in the Parliament, Mr. Lotha said. Terming the NESO delegation's meeting with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil as encouraging, the general secretary of the region's premier student body said the minister observed that the Northeast had every right to bio-genetic wealth which, if generated properly, could make the states of the region the richest ones of the country. Mr. Patil also assured the union of sanctioning enough money for any viable projects in the Northeast, Mr. Lotha added.
However, the NESO categorically pointed out that it would not allow human hereditary study except for plants and animals, he said. He further said the Union Home Minister would take up NESO's demand for special economic package for the Northeast with the Planning Commission. Meanwhile, joining the press conference, NSF general secretary K. Elu Ndang said their recent visit to Delhi was "positive and fruitful."
Affinities between Nagas and Tribes of Southern Seas Nagarealm.com R.B. Thohe Pou
Abstract: The study of similarities between Nagas and tribes of southern seas (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan etc) is to trace the origin of Nagas. The present study of affinities between Nagas and tribes of southern seas is convincing that they had same ancestor/group and originated from same place...
Similarities between Nagas and Tribes of Southern Seas (Note: For more articles from the same author, login to www.nagasonline.com)
The comparative study of the Nagas in India and Myanmar and some of the Indigenous People of Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan shows their similarities in their socio-cultural life. The Naga scholars believed that Nagas lived in the Chindwin and Irranwandy valley before they migrated to Naga Hills. They also believed that they lived near the Island or Southern seas coastal areas and retreated to north west of Myanmar and later migrated to the Naga Hills - while the other groups of Naga went further to the southern seas of Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and Philippines. Many authorities on Naga suggested that the custom and tradition of Naga is very resembled with those tribes in Southern Seas (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippine etc). Some of the tribes living in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan are quite similar with the Naga people in many aspects. The custom and tradition practices by Nagas like Headhunting, Dormitory system, Tattooing, Platform burial, looms, terraces rice field etc are resemble to those tribes in the Southern Seas. Mc Govern writes that Nagas are very similar to the Dyaks and Kayans of Borneo, Bataks of Sumatra and certain groups of Formosa (Taiwan) and several other groups in Philippines. Some of the other writers like, W.C. Smith, Barrows, Shakespeare etc, described the affinities of Nagas with those tribes of Malaysia, Borneo, Philippines, Indonesia and Sumatra.
I. Affinities between Nagas and Igorots (Philippines Tribes) Barrows writes on Igorots, the tribe of Philippines that it is the customs of all these tribes to chop off the head of the victims in battle or murder and carry them home as trophies, where they form the object of feasting and celebrations.
The Igorots (Philippines tribe) are grouped into six ethno-linguistic groups like Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Isneg (Apayao) Kankanaey and Kalinga. The ethno-linguistic groups of Igorots like Bontoc, Isneg and Kalinga were well known for their Headhunting like the Nagas in India. The Nagas carried home the chop off head of the victims as trophies and celebrated with other people in the village. The practice of headhunting was based on the belief that great power lies in human head. It was also believed that when the headhunter brought the head of their enemy - it brings fertility and bumper crops in their fields. The warriors or headhunters who brought the heads of the victim were highly respected in the society in those days. Headhunting was gradually changed with the advent of Christianity to Igorots and Nagas. The tradition and custom of the Igorots tribe in Philippines is very similar to the Naga tribes in India in many aspects. Some of the similarities in their tradition and customs are given below as –
“The Bontoc live in the bank of the Chico River. It used to be a group that was known because of its Headhunting practices. Present day Bontocs are peaceful agricultural people who have, by choice retained most of their contacts with other people…The Isneg inhabits in the banks of the Apayao River and its tributaries in Northern Luzon. Like most erstwhile Headhunters. The Kalingas are noted for their strong sense of tribal awareness and the peace pacts they have made among themselves. They practice both wet and dry rice farming and they have developed an institution of peace pacts which has minimized traditional warfare and Head-hunting.”1
The headhunting practiced was reported in Philippines by Martin de Rada in 1577 and this practiced was abandoned formally by Kalingas group of Luzon only in the beginning of the 20th century.2 Headhunting in Naga Hills virtually ceased soon after the British commenced to control over in many Naga villages, though it continued in Tuensang areas and some other villages where British interference is ineffective. The last headhunting in Naga Hills was reported and recorded in 1958.3
The Morung (Nagas Dormitory) system practiced in olden days was same with those Igorots. The young Naga boys and girls slept in their Morungs (dormitories) in ancient time. In those days, the Morung was the center of education to learn many things in their lives. Different kinds of training were carried out in Men’s Morung. In every village there were two or three Morungs both for boys and girls. The young men and women continue to live in Morung till they are married. The boys go to girls Morung but the girls were not permitted to enter in boys Morung. After the advent of Christianity in Naga Hills - Morungs were vanished from the village. The Bontoc and Kankanaey groups of Igorots were also well known for their dormitory system. The Bontoc,
“Traditionally, young men and women lived in dormitories and ate meals with their families. This gradually changed as with advent of Christianity…Two famous institutions of the Kankana-ey Mountains province are the Dap-ay the men’s dormitory and civic center, and the Ebgan, the girl’s dormitory where courtship between young men and women took place.”4
During the time of dormitory system prevailed in Naga society - the courtship between young men and women took place in girls’ dormitory. Still some young boys used to sleep together in a house in some villages but the Morung system is no more existing where courtship is carried out like in the olden days. The young men going to girls’ house to have fun together or courtship is still very common in some Naga villages.
The Ibaloi and Ifugao groups are also well known for their prestige feast of the wealthy. This kind of feast is quite similar to the Nagas’ Feast of Merits. During the Naga’s Feast of Merit, the host or donor of the feast offer to kill lots of Mithun (Buffaloes), Cows etc and distributed to the villagers. The host also freely provided abundant of rice beer to the villagers. The Feast of Merit continues for 4-5 days in many tribes but the number of days of feast varies from one tribe to another tribes.
“The Ibalois’s feast is the Pesshet, a public prestige feast of the wealthy, that could last for weeks and involving the butchering and sacrifice dozens of animals…The Ifugao’s highest prestige feast are the “Hagabi” for the most wealthy, and the “Uyauy” a feast for those immediately below the wealthiest.”5
The Naga people also have the similar system of feast like Hagabi and Uyauy for the rich and very rich people. The amount of distribution of meats and offering rice beer is depended on the donor of the Feast of Merit (Zhosou) according to his richness. In Naga society - a wealthy person repeats the Feast of Merit a number of times. The wealthy people treated the Feast of Merits more than one village, while the less wealthy people treated the feast only in their village. It also depends on richness of the donor to butcher how many animals for the villagers.
One of the Naga Scholars late Shimray wrote, “The philosophy behind the performance of feast of merit is that the performer is honoured when he alive and remembered after death. The deeper philosophy involved is, however, the sense of generosity and the warm heartedness towards the poor people who are fed on the occasion.”6 The last Feast of Merit in Poumai Naga tribe was held in January 2004 at Liyai Khullen village and another Feast of Merit was held in 1999 in Koide village (My native village). The Feast of Merit is hardly reported in 21st century in many Naga villages since most of the Nagas adopted Christianity. The heathens also seem giving less important in Feast of Merit due to influence of the Christianity.
The Ifugao and Kalingas groups are good in terrace rice cultivation and their type of terrace farming is similar with the Nagas. “The country of the Ifugao in the southern part of the Cordillera region is best known for its famous rice terraces, which in modern times have become one of the big tourist attractions of the Philippines… The Kalingas…practice both wet and dry rice farming…The Kankan-ey built showing terraces to maximized farm space in the rugged terrain of the Cordilleras”7
W.C. Smith an authority of Nagas also pointed out the similarities between Nagas and Dayaks of Kalimantan (Borneo) in rice terrace cultivation. There are lots of similarities between the Nagas and the tribes of Igorots in Philippines in terrace cultivation. All the Naga tribes practiced terrace fields cultivation especially in Poumai Naga areas, where there is no much shifting cultivation in present context. About the disputes in Naga village, some of the leaders (elders) in the village deals all kind of disputes arise in the village. Naga society is a democratic society; all the people involved in any disputes depending on the seriousness of the problem. But the leaders in the villages settle the disputes, which do not need to take the voices of the public. The kind of dispute settlement by the Naga leaders is parallel to those Kalinga societies. The Kalinga society, “Disputes are usually settled by the regional leaders, who listen to all sides and then impose fines on the guilty party. There are the formal council meetings but carry a good deal authority.”8
II. Affinities between Nagas and the Tribes of Malaysia The largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak is comprised of ethnically diverse population, which consists of both the indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. The indigenous people constitute of Bisayuh, Kenyaks, Iban, Malays, Pennan, Malanau, Kayan, Kelabit, Muruts and Pennan. The indigenous people according to the 2000 Census is 1.46 Millions, forming 70.6% of the total population of 2.07 millions. The Ibans also known as Sea Dayaks represent the largest group with a total population of 6000,000, which is 29.1% of the state total population. Like the Malays, the Ibans are of Proto-Malay decent; their origin traced back to Yunnam China.9 The Nagas tradition and customs have affinities with some of the Malaysia tribes in many aspects. The Iban, reputed to be the most fearsome of the Borneo’s headhunters,
“It was not so long ago that the Iban celebrated the captured heads with a great festival called Gawal Kenyalang (the Hornbill festival). It was believed that the magical power of the heads would bring strength, virtue and prosperity to the long house.”10
Peter Kunstadter who studied the south Asian tribes also mentioned about the headhunting in Sarawak and the rest of Borneo, “This is all tied up with the past traditions of headhunting and aggression and warlikness, which were very much a part of pagan animism among the hill peoples of Sarawak and the rest of Borneo.”11 The reason or the purpose of headhunting by the Iban is quite similar with the Nagas. The Nagas take a head to reveal his manhood also they believed that bringing a head to their village brings prosperity in the village. Nagas had their own beliefs about the value of human heads. They believed that heads of those belonging to villages other than their own would add to the fertility of the soil. It is also an important factor to bring the head to be recognized in the society12. The British intervention on Nagas headhunting after 1832 and introduction of Christianity brought to cease in headhunting. No longer, the Nagas practice headhunting but the skulls of man hanging in old Nagas houses can be still found in some remote villages.
“Thankfully the Iban no longer headhunt, and have adopted a peaceful agrarian lifestyle. Any modern day visitor to an Iban longhouse will testify that they are a generous, hospitable and placid people…. Although the majority of Iban are now a days Christian, many traditional rituals are still practiced, including the Gawai Dayak (harvest festival) Gawai Kenyalang (Hornbill festival) and Gawai Antu (festival of the dead). The traditional Iban religion is a fusion of animistic and Hindu-Buddhist beliefs, and they worship a triumvirate of gods under the authority of Singalang Burung, the bird-god of war, Iban woman are superb weavers, using the back strap loom, while Iban men are excellent silversmiths.”13
The ancient Nagas and the Iban people were resembled in their tradition and customs, like Headhunting, animistic religion, harvesting festival, hornbill festival, woman-weaving etc. The Harvesting festival and Hornbill festival are still very common in Nagaland (Nagalim). Every year the Hornbill festival is hold in Nagaland. Recently the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland was held from 1st –5th December 2004 at newly constructed Naga Heritage Complex at Kisama. The majority of the Nagas had adopted Christianity but they still practiced traditional festival like the Iban people. Both ancient and modern people of Iban are similar with the Nagas in India. The Nagas women are good in weaving clothes like the Iban women. All the Naga tribes have different beautiful color of shawls representing their own tribes. There are also many Nagas expert in blacksmiths. The Nagas men made all kinds of sword, dao, knife, spear etc for different purposes. Nagas are similar with the Iban people in religion, tradition and custom, festival, economic activities etc. Besides, they also have similar attitudes to the outsiders and to their fellow people. The Nagas are generous, hospitable, frankly, honest and amicable, as many authors on Nagas had written about the Nagas.
The Iban were largely known for their fierce reputation as warriors, particularly because of their headhunting tradition. In fact, it was as recent as during World War II, the community celebrated the victorious warriors of a headhunting raid with a grand festival called the Gawai Kenyalang (the Hornbill Festival). The tradition of headhunting gradually came to an end after the British made it illegal after the war. A large majority has become Christians although they still maintain their strong cultural identity and heritage, keeping their traditional beliefs.14 The Nagas are very resemble with those nomadic people of Penan tribe. Those Penan people who have converted into Christianity no longer live the nomadic life and have settled in long houses. Their long houses are similar with the ancient Naga houses where they built the big houses for the village chief and dormitories. The Orang Ulu another group of people from Borneo also resembles with the Naga people in some aspects. Most of the Orang Ulu people are now Christian and they are warm and hospitable people like the Nagas. Their long houses and woodcarvings houses are similar with the Naga ancient houses.
III. Affinities between Nagas and Indonesia Tribes There are some affinities between Naga tribe and some of the indigenous people in Indonesia. Some of the tribes in Indonesia like Batak, Dayak, Toraja, Bugis etc have some resemblance in their customs and tradition with the Naga people. Headhunting, house structure and social structure is similar with Naga tribe in India. Today, many Bataks tribe living in Sumatra were converted into Christianity and Islam. There are six groups of Batak living around Danu Toba who distinguish themselves with their languages and habits.15 The Nagas and Bataks tribes are parallel in their tradition and customs. Both the tribes were well known for their headhunting. They were isolated for centuries from other contacts living in the hilly regions.
“The Bataks, is infamous tribe of former cannibals and headhunters. Their bloody feuds and guerrilla attacks on each other’s villages gained an apparently well-earned reputation for ferocity. They also practiced ritual cannibalism in which a token piece of flesh – of a slain enemy or of one judge guilty of a major violation of traditional laws – was eaten. The heads and hands of war captives were preserved as trophies.”16
The Bataks also preserved the head of the war victims as trophies like the Naga tribe. In those days, reputation of man or manhood is reveal through their headhunting skills and bravery. The indigenous people in Borneo (Indonesia), known to the outside world as the Dayaks live by shifting rice cultivation and by farming of Sago palms. They are divided into different tribes, which were formerly prone to the internecine warfare that their headhunting customs demanded. Although, they are now mostly converted to Christianity, their cultures retain a great deal of their original vigor. Traditionally, the Dayaks live in communal long houses known as Lamin in East and West Kalimantan, Sarawak and Brunei. Long houses are usually built parallel to the river, and rice barns and storehouses containing valuable is kept separate from the main building, to keep away from fire.17 In most of the Naga villages, there is separate house like those of Dayak tribes for living and storehouse. Storehouses are build near to the main house, which keep rice barns, millets and other barns to avoid fire from main house incase any fire broke out from main house. The seafaring Bugis are found all over the Indonesian archipelago. They have settled in the Riau Islands, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sumbawa and Malaysia and have trading with all the smaller Islands. The Bugis have traditionally lived in pile-built wooden houses with slatted bamboo floors similar in style and layout to the basic Malay prototype. The characteristic decorative feature is a pair of crossed roof finials symbolizing buffalo horns.18
Some of the Naga tribes also lived in pile-built houses like those Bugis. The Nagas old house structure is very similar to that of Bugis old house, which have a pair of crossed roof symbolizing the buffalo horns. The Nagas who treated the ‘Feast of Merit’ to the people have such kind of house structure with diagonally crossed wooden beam, which is attached to the eaves of the house symbolizing the buffalo horns. The house with diagonally crossed wooden beam above the eaves is gradually vanishing. There is one Church at Senapati, Manipur where we can find the old Naga house structure with diagonally crossed concrete beam placed above the eaves symbolizing the buffalo horns. The Tana Toraja is located in the northern part of the South Sulaweshi Province. Toraja is a name of Bugis origin given to the different people of the mountainous regions of the northern part, which remained isolated until recently. Their native religion is megalithic and animistic, and is characterized by animal sacrifices, ostentatious funeral rites and huge communal feasts.
“In former times, Toraja villages were sited strategically on hilltops and fortified to such an extent that sometimes access was only possible through tunnels bored through rock. This was all part of then common Indonesian custom of headhunting and inter-village raids. The Dutch pacified the Toraja and forced them to leave the hills and to build their villages in the valleys, and they also introduced wet-rice cultivation.”19
The Nagas villages are also situated on hilltops and fortified in ancient time to protect from their enemies’ attack. There was headhunting between inter-village and tribe so it became necessary for them to fortify and to have village gate in all the villages. In the case of Nagas, the British pacified them and later there was no headhunting. On the front of the wall in most of the Toraja important houses are decorated with wooden buffalo head, adorned with actual horns.20 In most of the houses in Naga villages also have similar decoration like the Toraja houses with carved wooden buffalo horns and real buffaloes horns hanged on the front of the wall. The number of real buffalo hanging on the front wall is depends on how many cattle killed during the Feast of Merit. But the other carved wooden horns are depended on the sculptured and designed of the house owner. The carved wooden buffalo horns and real buffalo horns hanging on the front wall of the house are still found in many Nagas villages.
IV. Affinities between Nagas and Taiwan Tribes There are ten tribes in Taiwan (Formosa) and each tribe have different culture and tradition. The Puyuma and Tsou tribes have some resemblance with Nagas tribe in their tradition. The Payuma tribe had the institutions for males and they stayed in their Assembly Hall, so as to build them strong bodies to protect their tribe. Before men get married they stay in their assembly hall. These groups are divided according to their ages and they are trained to defend their tribe.21 The Nagas had very similar assembly hall or Morung, where males stay there and trained in different ways in singing, folkdance, fighting and other skills. The Naga men also lived in their Morung till they get married. To quote Elwin Verrier, he writes,
“Prominent in many villages is the Morung or dormitory for the young unmarried men – some tribes also have small house for the unmarried girls. The morung are guard-houses, recreation clubs, centres of education, art and discipline and have an important ceremonial purpose.”22
In Naga society even the females group also have assembly hall or Morung (dormitory) where different age group sleep together. The different activities carried out in Puyuma assembly hall and Nagas Morung is similar in many aspects. The TSOU tribe of Taiwan also have assembly hall. The young men lived in Assembly Hall and are trained in different skills before they are married. There are traditional taboos prohibiting the women from setting foot into the “Kuba” (the Assembly Halls)23 Like the Tsou tribe, the Naga tribe also have a kind of Assembly hall called “Morung”. The young man folk stay in Morung and were trained in different skills till they are married. The Naga young woman folk have separate Morung, the man can go to female’s Morung but the females are prohibited to enter into man’s Morung, which is also similar with the Tsou tribe. The Nagas belief that if woman enter the men’s dormitory, it would bring misfortune in the village, thus woman was restricted to enter in men’s Morung.
“Headhunting was a cultural practice of some of the indigenous tribe of Taiwan. The men of the Atayal tribes were required to bring back a head to earn manhood and the ability to marry headhunting struck fear in many settles on the Island who gave the people the name “savages”. The Japanese abolished the practice during their occupation from the 1890s to the 1940s.”24
The Naga tribes also required like the Atayal tribe of Taiwan to bring back a head to earn manhood and ability to get marry a beautiful woman in the village. For those people who could not get even single head couldn’t elevate their reputation and status in the society in those days. In those days, bringing a choke off head from other village is a must to be highly recognised and to earn high status in the society. The similarities in custom and tradition of Nagas with some of the Indigenous tribe in Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan is convincing that once the Nagas lived near the Southern Seas or Archipelago and migrated from the southern seas to the present Naga Hills. It also believed that some of the indigenous groups of Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan were the same group of Nagas who retreated from the southern seas of Myanmar. Some of the Naga scholars believed that some of the descendants of Nagas were left near the seacoast and those people went further to the southern archipelago.
The Malay tribe is the largest ethnic group in Malaysia, accounting for more than half of the population in Malaysia. Their origin is traced back to Yunnam China through the Proto-Malays and Deuteron-Malays, which belong to the broader-based Malayo-Polynesian group of races. These early aboriginal groups first reached the Peninsula around 2000BC. Since their arrival, the cultures of the Peninsular Malays have been shaped and reshaped through many influences from those vicinity areas of Java and Sumatra, the Indian sub-continent, China, the Middle east, and the West, as they have large trade with them, resulting to variation in customs and social identies.25 Some of the Nagas writers also traced back their origin to Yunnam Province of China, which assumed that some of the tribes in Southern Seas are to be the same ancestor.
Conclusion The above comparative study in affinities and origin is convincing that some of the indigenous tribe of Malaysia and other tribes in southern seas of Philippines, Taiwan and Indonesia are the same ancestors/group and have same origin of place. Some of the Nagas writers traced back the origin of Nagas to Yunnam Province of China like some of the writers from Malaysia tracing back their origin to Yunnam Province of China. Some Naga scholars also believe that some of the Naga groups went further to the southern seas of Myanmar, Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines and Indonesia. The Nagas and some of the indigenous groups of Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia may be the same tribe/group originated from China but due to influence from other people and differences in environments made them variation in their culture and customs. If they are not influenced from other people and bring changed due to environment - it may still retain their ancient culture and customs, which will be easier to study about their similarities.
There are some similarities in customs and traditions; they also traced back their origin to Yunnam Province of China. But the study of DNA and analysis of Nagas with those tribes in Archipelago can give us scientific proof and conclude that they are from the same descendants. There is great possibility that in deep comparative study of origin of Nagas and some indigenous people in Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan in the future may conclude that they are from the same origin and same ancestor in examination of archaeology and DNA.
References 1. (http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/pagoa/4820/sagada/fok-stories.html) References used: i. Philippines ethnic Motifs vol.3 as part of the Okir projected by the product Devt. And design center of the Philippine and Philippine national museum. ii. Unreached Peoples’ 81 –David C. Cook Publishing Co. iii. Cordilla Philippines iv. Bibak NE homepage) Page-1 2. Website: www.lard.net/headhunters.html (copyright 1996, Encyclopedia Britannica Inc) Website visited on 12-02-03 3. Elwin Verrier 1961, Nagaland, Shillong: Published by P.Dutta for the research Dept. Adviser’s Secretariat Page –12 4. (http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/pagoa/4820/sagada/folk-stories.html) website Visited on 20-2-2003 5. Ibid 6. Shimray R.R.1985 Origin and Culture of Nagas, New Delhi, Somsok Publications, Page-113 7. (http://www.geocities.com/tokyo/pagoa/4820/sagada/folk-stories.html) Website visited on 20-2-2003 8. Ibid 9. (http://www.allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/iban-ethnicity.asp) All the figures are from Year Book of Statistics, Sarawak 2001, Dept. of Statistics Malaysia, visited on 10-3-03 10. (http://www.sarawaktourism.com/malays.html) website visited on 21-2-2003 11. Peter Kunstadkar, p-339 12. Shimray R.R.1985 Origin and Culture of Nagas, New Delhi, Somsok Publications, Page-72 13. (http://www.sarawaktourism.com/malays.html) website visited on 21-2-2003 14. Ibid 15. (http://www.asiatravelling.net/indonesia/sumatra/sumatra_culture.htm) Website visited on 21- 2-03 16. Ibid 17. (http://www.sunsite.ui.ac.id/unscol/english/sulawesi.html) visited on 20-9-03 18. Ibid 19. Ibid 20. (http://www.atayal.org/tribe.asp) visited on 04-02-04 21. Elwin Verrier 1961, Nagaland, Shillong: Published by P.Dutta for the research Dept. Adviser’s Secretariat Page –8 22. (http://www.atayal.org/tribe.asp) visited on 04-02-04 23. (http://www.atayal.org/TT_headhunting.asp) visited on 04-02-04 24. (http://www.allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/malay_ethnicity.asp) visited on 10-3-03 25. (http://www.allmalaysia.info/msiaknow/iban-ethnicity.asp) visited on 10-3-03

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