[Previous entry: "As Prince Andrew comes to Kohima: is he coming to make peace between the Nagas and India while Nagas react to British neglect?"] [Next entry: "Nagas hope in Prince Andrew’s historic visit Chizokho Vero Morungexpress"]

04/30/2012: "ASSAM RIFLES INTENSION INTO NSCN CHQs NSCN"

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIMMinistry of Information & Publicity
Press Release 23th April 2012

ASSAM RIFLES INTENSION INTO NSCN CHQs

Whatever have been and will be said or written about the 19th April, 2012 incident at Hebron, the Council Headquarters of NSCN , it was actually an outrageous trespass of the Notorious Assam Rifles to the NSCN Camp. No amount of excuses or explanations by the Assam Rifles
and other Indian government agencies can justify or cover the crime.It was a flagrant violation of Cease-fire ground rules and the spirit of the widely known Cease-fire agreement between the NSCN and the GoI. It was a planned and deliberate act of provocation.

The Assam Rifles are the instruments and the real actor was /is either the GoI or the Indian Army top establishments which have dangerous differences with their Government. Undeterred betrayal actions of Assam Rifles clearly indicate that there is a powerful back-up from the so-called High Command. In the midst of 14 years of political dialogue, this crimes had been committed from the Indian side. Such actions show how GoI is sincere and committed as per their words. As a big nation like India stooped to such a low standard which is fighting for a permanent member in the UNO security Council??

In Such a deepening crises when anything can be happened, the so-called Chairman of the Cease-fire Monitoring group, Maj.Gen.George awkwardly trying to shy away his neutral and unprejudicial responsibilities . Much more, Nagaland state as a powerful unit in the India Federation, and the government which holds the law and order subject is maintaining death silence. The NPF Government in Nagaland boasfully claims as a facilitator in the peace process between the NSCN and the GoI. But during such crisis and uncertainty what the Nagaland State government is doing? The NSCN is a political group only. But the dangerous consequences is threatening the entire population of the Nagas. So that Naga people may ask the reasons why
the State Government does not raise a voice in such a critical situation? If any undesirable situation is created from today’s crisis, the Government of Nagaland state should be squarely blamed by the Nagas.

More than 95% Nagas desire freedom from want and oppressions. They have witnessed how GoI and its leaders are acting in political dialogue and the April 19th 2012 incident at Hebron is a good lesson for all the Nagas. The other factions are talking about political dialogue with India, but they will certainly experience the same insincerity and false diplomacies from the GoI. The said incident should be an eye opener for all sections of the Naga people. The system of dictatorship and authoritarianism, oppression and suppression is speedily losing ground from the face of the world. The Nagas are united in our desire for freedom and dignity of life. Therefore, let us again unite as before and fight with whatever is available at our command. Let us not loss heart but be strengthen with difficult situations we are facing now.

From today’s incident Naga people have learned the real intention of India and so we should get prepared for any eventualities.

Issued By: MIP

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF NAGALIM
Ministry of Information & Publicity

Press Release
27th April 2012
Impasse resolved and appreciation there of

The incident of 19th April 2012 had been occurred due to the deliberate intrusion of some Assam Rifles personnel to NSCN /GPRN CHQs to provoke the NSCN. This was done against the ceasefire ground rules and the spirit and meaning of ceasefire between two conflicting parties. Under this pretext the Government of India created actual warlike situations in all the Naga inhabited areas through the ever notorious Assam Rifles. The first individual to blame was Maj.Sukanta (Somokanta Singh) a Meitei, the second was to blame the 29th Assam Rifles, the third blame went to IGAR Nagaland Range. The final blame rested on the Government of India, because the crisis was well known to the Government of India including the Defense Ministry.
This incident did not only disturb and harass the NSCN cadres but created serious tensions in the minds of all the Naga people. The impasse however partially, so to say, resolved through the efforts of many NSCN leaders as well as the leaders of Naga social workers including the Naga Women Organizations. This could be done through the unfailing “love of Jehovah” towards the Nagas. The NSCN highly appreciates the Naga womenfolk near and around the Hebron Camp. Their courage and patriotism will be remembered for all time to come. The NSCN appreciates the efforts of Naga Hoho and its frontal Organizations, the NSF and its frontal organizations, the Naga women Organizations at all level and also those individuals and groups, which cannot be named one by one, for rendering their services to defuse the tensions and resolved the crisis. God will certainly bless all those peacemakers.

Secondly the NSCN/GPRN refutes the Indian intelligence bureau reports about Chinese funding moaists in the North East including Nagaland which was published in the local dailies of 27th April 2012. The Moaists activities or presence in the other states, we cannot say or comment anything. But in Nagaland, if there be any activities or presence as alleged it is certainly the creation of Assam Government and India. The Assam Government brought the refugees from every corner and kept them through force and as well as help in the plains sector of Nagaland bordering Assam in order to make buffer zone between Assam and Nagaland.

But this objective of the Assam Government turned out to be counter-productive and negative impact on the Government of India. Recently, there was a hue and cry about presence of Maoists Camps and their cadres along the Nagaland Assam Disputed Area Belt, which were destroyed and the cadres expelled by the Nagaland state Government authorities in collaboration with the public of the area.
Therefore, if there are any moaists or their camps in Nagaland border then this are the creations of the Assam and the Government of India. They should not blame others for their wrong doings.


Issue by
MIP.
Fresh tension hits Nagaland-Manipur border Nagaland Post
Fresh tension prevailed again Sunday between the villagers of Meluri, Nagaland and Jessami, Manipur following the burning down of huts at jhum fields located on both sides of the inter-state border.

According to official reports, tension resurfaced after Jessami villagers allegedly set afire two huts constructed at the jhum field belonging to Meluri villagers built on the bank of Theza river on Nagaland side Saturday night.

It was reported that some Jessami villagers allegedly intruded across Nagaland border and set afire the huts. Provoked by the burning down of their huts, Meluri villagers in retaliation torched more than 30 huts belonging to Jessami villagers constructed at their jhum field in Mitekhe area at the inter-state border Sunday morning around 7 a.m., the report added.
Nagas react to British neglect?
April 29 2012


A Naga International Support Center, NISC A human rights organization

As Prince Andrew comes to Kohima: is he coming to make peace between the Nagas and India while

Nagas react to British neglect? E Pao News

In a published article in the local newspapers the Naga National Council rightfully reminded Prince Andrew about the neglect of the United Kingdom concerning the right to self determination of the Naga Peoples. Though already in 1929 their leaders told the visiting Simon Commission they wanted to be free when the British were leaving, the British still turned them over to the emerging Union of India even though it knew that it had no control over a large part of the Naga areas. The British kept quiet when the Nagas proclaimed their independent Nagaland in 1947, one day ahead of the Union of India.

The Unadministered Areas as the British called them which were inhabited by the Free Nagas and comprised more than two-third of what was then unified Nagaland (not the present relatively small Nagaland State in India).

Nagas want Reunification

They want their ancestral areas in Myanmar to be reunified with their areas in India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. These states in India were founded long after the Indo-Naga conflict began, the first one being Nagaland which was inaugurated in 1963; nine years after the Indian Armed Forces invaded Nagaland.

The Nagas, still administratively separated in four states, would like Prince Andrew to know about this when he visits Nagaland State when and so through him too the people and politicians of the United Kingdom who bear responsibility; if only in retrospect.

Prince Andrew is scheduled to visit the Kohima Second World War Cemetery to pay his respect to fallen British soldiers but with the acclaimed help of Naga soldiers many more British survived. Nagas want the British to intervene in the Indo-Naga conflict as it should tell India and the Nagas what exactly was transferred to the Union of India without consultation or consent of the Nagas themselves how.

A demonstration on this May ONE labor day will drive these points home; home to the UK.

By publishing this statement on the auspicious Queens Day of the Netherlands where the FREE market draws millions of Dutch, the Naga International Support Center, Amsterdam, reminds Prince Andrew of Britain on the issue of post colonial accountability the Dutch also lacked to follow up on. Not only the Dutch or the British but practical all colonizing nations suffer from this lack of responsibility.
Another Naga outfit signs ceasefire pact, but won't surrender its arms ANI Newstrack India
New Delhi, The Kitovi-Khole faction of the Naga Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has signed the ceasefire agreement with the Central Government, but refused give up its arms before a final solution to the decades old Indo-Naga issue is reached.
Addressing media here, N.Kitovi Zhimoni, the Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the Government's of the People's Republic of Nagaland (GPRN) -NSCN said: "We are ready to resolve all issues peacefully with the GoI (Government of India) within a democratic framework."
The year-long ceasefire came into effect from April 28 and a formal announcement of the peace talks is expected soon.
Supervisor C. Singson and "Lt. Gen" N.B. Neokpao signed on behalf of the NSCN outfit, while Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (North East) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed on behalf of the government.
Earlier on Friday, Joint Secretary Singh revealed that the Centre is positive about the outcome of the discussions that have taken place so far.
Zhimoni said: " The GPRN wants peace and is fully prepared for it, but if a solution is not drawn, we will continue with our struggle."
Though the faction did not reveal its demands, it hinted at bringing all Nagas living in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh under one political umbrella.
Zhimoni added that before starting talks, the faction would take people and civil society into confidence, unlike other Naga outfits who had ignored the views of their people and had not been transparent in their negotiations with the Central Government.
Though Thuingaleng Muivah and Issac Chisi Swu-led NSCN (IM) is conducting talks with the government at the highest level, the Kitovi Khole faction has refused to merge with them and demanded a separate platform for talks.
The Kitovi-Khole faction of the NSCN split from NSCN (Khaplang) in June last year. Their decision to come forward for talks has opened a new peace front. We took up arms to defend our rights, but they resulted in a loss of lives and have not brought any solution," claimed Zhimoni.
This agreement with Kitovi-Khole faction could have a major impact on Naga politics as both the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) faction and the NSCN (Kitovi-Khole) faction are now talking to the Centre.
Only the NSCN (Khaplang) faction continues to stay away, as it has not been able to renew a ceasefire agreement with the Centre.
Anil Bhat, an expert on the Northeast, said: "All these groups first need to stop their arms and drugs supply rackets if they are willing to achieve peace in the Northeast region."
He claimed that many of these groups are supplying arms to Maoists and other Northeast insurgent groups. By: Devesh Gupta (ANI)
Another Naga outfit signs ceasefire pact, but won't surrender its arms ANI Assam Tribune
New Delhi, The Kitovi-Khole faction of the Naga Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has signed the ceasefire agreement with the Central Government, but refused give up its arms before a final solution to the decades old Indo-Naga issue is reached.
Addressing media here, N.Kitovi Zhimoni, the Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) of the Government's of the People's Republic of Nagaland (GPRN) -NSCN said: "We are ready to resolve all issues peacefully with the GoI (Government of India) within a democratic framework."
The year-long ceasefire came into effect from April 28 and a formal announcement of the peace talks is expected soon.
Supervisor C. Singson and "Lt. Gen" N.B. Neokpao signed on behalf of the NSCN outfit, while Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (North East) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed on behalf of the government.
Earlier on Friday, Joint Secretary Singh revealed that the Centre is positive about the outcome of the discussions that have taken place so far.
Zhimoni said: " The GPRN wants peace and is fully prepared for it, but if a solution is not drawn, we will continue with our struggle."
Though the faction did not reveal its demands, it hinted at bringing all Nagas living in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh under one political umbrella.
Zhimoni added that before starting talks, the faction would take people and civil society into confidence, unlike other Naga outfits who had ignored the views of their people and had not been transparent in their negotiations with the Central Government.
Though Thuingaleng Muivah and Issac Chisi Swu-led NSCN (IM) is conducting talks with the government at the highest level, the Kitovi Khole faction has refused to merge with them and demanded a separate platform for talks.
The Kitovi-Khole faction of the NSCN split from NSCN (Khaplang) in June last year. Their decision to come forward for talks has opened a new peace front. We took up arms to defend our rights, but they resulted in a loss of lives and have not brought any solution," claimed Zhimoni.
This agreement with Kitovi-Khole faction could have a major impact on Naga politics as both the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) faction and the NSCN (Kitovi-Khole) faction are now talking to the Centre.
Only the NSCN (Khaplang) faction continues to stay away, as it has not been able to renew a ceasefire agreement with the Centre.
Anil Bhat, an expert on the Northeast, said: "All these groups first need to stop their arms and drugs supply rackets if they are willing to achieve peace in the Northeast region."
He claimed that many of these groups are supplying arms to Maoists and other Northeast insurgent groups. By: Devesh Gupta (ANI)
Prince Andrew to visit WWII cemetery in India Mayabhushan Nagvenkar Bikya Masr World News

Kohima war cemetery in the Indian state of Nagaland
New Delhi: British royal Prince Andrew, the Duke of York will visit a World War II cemetery in north eastern Indian state of Nagaland, which is home to the graves of over a 1000 soldiers of both British and Indian, who halted the Japanese army’s advance into India.
The itinerary of the Prince, who is on a week-long visit to India to enhance trade and defense ties between the two countries, shows far-out Nagaland as the one exception, in a trip which otherwise has the usual four metropolitan cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata, where Andrew will drop by for his business and social commitments.
The Kohima war cemetery is a legacy of India’s colonial military past, where Indian sepoys under command of their British officers, fought off the axis powers, not just in the dusty battlefields of India and Asia, but in Europe as well in the world wars.
In April 1944, the sepoys halted the Japanese advance into India, in the grim battle of Kohima, now the capital of Nagaland. The bloody skirmish, known as the battle for Garrison Hill, stopped Japanese forces in their tracks as they tried to storm India, after a successful campaign in Burma.
The bloody battle at Kohima spread over the local British resident deputy commissioner’s bungalow, tennis court, where both forces were fighting for every inch, before finally the British reserves reached the Garrison hill and drove the Japs out, but not before over 1220 lives of the 2nd Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment, were lost.
Andrew, will be the first member of the British Royal family to pay visit and pay tribute to these same slain patriots.
Extend Cease-fire with NSCN (K), state government appeals Government of India Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR Reacting to the reports of delay in the extension of cease-fire between the Government of India (Centre) and NSCN (K), Nagaland government Sunday appealed to the Centre to further extend the cease-fire between the two entities.

In a statement, Abu Metha press secretary to chief minister said that though the NSCN (K) was in the process of inking a cease-fire deal and entering into political dialogue with the Myanmar government, it was “imperative” that the cease-fire in India has to be continued in order to give lasting peace and acceptable political solution “a genuine opportunity”.

The statement said that the state government was of the view that the government of India was “always aware” of the presence of NSCN (K) in Myanmar and had maintained cease-fire all these years.

In this regard, it was “necessary” to extend the cease-fire in order to allow peace process head in the “right direction”, said the statement.

The statement further said that the achievement of cease-fire and dialogue in Myanmar by NSCN (K) did not mean that the ceasefire with government of India “should be abrogated”.

It pointed out that cease-fire on both sides of the international boundary would only take the peace dialogue forward.

No permission required to live in peace: ENSA
Welcoming the cease-fire initiative between government of Myanmar and NSCN (K), Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA) has reminded the government of India that “no one requires any permission from anyone if he/she wants to live in peace.”

ENSA vice president Mankhat Konyak and general secretary in a joint statement further appealed to the Centre to extend the “cease-fire/peace period not only to the NSCN (K) or Nagas but to every humanity who longs for peace”. ENSA said it firmly stood on the philosophy of “peace is the lone path where every creature walks hand in hand timelessly.”

Earlier, when ENSA met NSCN (K) chairman SS Khaplang at his resident near Daka Town on December 26, 2009, ENSA said “peace was one of the most coveted businesses” which was discussed thoughtfully with Khaplang.

ENSA however appealed to the two entities [NSCN (K)-Myanmar govt] that “any meeting related to ceasefire/peace be held within Naga soil where problem prevails and not in Nay Pyi Taw or Yangon, so as to witness the most neglected location.”

Extending all out support “morally and prayerfully” ENSA said “Nagas in Myanmar are with us.” ENSA further expressed gratitude to dignitaries—“U Hla Tun, peace committee convener and lone Naga MP (Lower House) for his selfless effort and initiative for peace, U Myat Ko, the chairman Naga Yuya and MP (Upper House) for his active role in peace mission, U Wang Yu, (managing director, Shwe Naung Yan Co.,Ltd) for actively advocating peace between two entities and U Ru San Chu, chairman Naga Self-governing for making the peace happen during his leadership”.
Guards gun down timber smuggler Times of India
KOLKATA: A timber smuggler was killed and another shot at by forest guards at Khutimari forest of Jalpaiguri on Saturday night. The incident occurred when the guards found a large group of smugglers chopping off trees inside the forest. Forest officials believe the slain and injured smugglers were part of a large racket which has links with poachers based in Assam and Nagaland. The gang was not only looking for timber, but they also had plans to kill an elephant, suspect officials.
A timber smuggler was killed and another shot at by the forest guards at Khuttimari forest of Jalpaiguri on Saturday night when a large group of smugglers were apprehended by the forest guards inside the core forest. Forest officials have reasons to believe the slain and injured smugglers were part of large racket which has links with the Assam and Nagaland based poachers. Forest officials suspect that the gang was not only looking for timber and they were in a bid to kill elephant.
At around 9pm on Saturday, a group of forest guards was patrolling the area when they spotted some people inside the core forest of Khutimari. Forest officials said that around 9 pm on Saturday, a group of forest guards were on patrol. Suddenly they spotted some people inside the core forest of Khutimari.
"We heard some noise inside compartment nine of central Moraghat range," said a forest guard. They tracked down the sound and found around 35 people busy chopping off trees. Initially, the guards asked them to surrender. But instead of giving in, the smugglers hurled catapults with ball bearing at the forest guards. started attacking them with catapults. Forest guards initially challenged and asked to surrender. But the group did not bother and started attacking the forest guards with catapult.
"They throw big size ball bearings by the catapults which are dangerous like bullets," said a forest officer.
Sensing trouble, the guards fired in the air, but it had no effect. The group attacked them with arrows forcing the guards to fire. Though the forest guards could not intercept the smugglers in the dark, but realized one of them had sustained bullet injuries from blood stains on the ground.
On conducting a fresh search later in the afternoon on Sunday, forest officials spotted an injured smuggler hiding behind the bush and arrested him. He was identified as Chuman Barai of the local tea estate. With his help, 17-year-old Anil Kharia was nabbed. Anil had managed to flee to his house at Haldibari Tea Estate the previous night but succumbed to his injuries there. Banarhat Police took the body and registered a case.
the smugglers did not give up. They even attacked the guards with arrows, which forced the forest staffs to open fire on the smugglers. In pitch dark, forest guards could not intercept the smugglers but realized that some one sustained bullet injuries as they found blood stain on the ground. Later in the afternoon, during a fresh search they spotted a person injured hiding behind a bush, close to the encounter site and arrested him. The man has been identified as Chuman Barai of local tea estate. Following his interrogation forest officials also tracked down Anil Kharia, a 17-year-old youth of Haldibari Tea Estate. Kharia succumbed to his bullet injuries at his home at Haldibari Tea Garden. "He managed to flee but died soon after reaching home," said an officer. Police from Banarhat police station recovered the body and registered a case.
Forest officials said that the smugglers managed to chop two chiloni trees considered as valuable timber. "We have seized the smuggled logs of nearly 100 cubic feet," said a forest official. The officers also conceded that nearly a week ago four more trees were smuggled - two of them were shal and rest were chiloni - confirmed the officer.
Initial probe revealed that Haldibari Tea Estate has turned into a major hub of timber mafia and poachers who maintain links with Assam and Nagaland based poachers. They use hand pulled carts to carry the logs. "Initial interrogation revealed that Rajen Barua, an Assam-based poacher is behind the gang which was apprehended on Saturday," said an officer. The injured is now undergoing treatment at Jalpaiguri sadar hospital.
The forest officials suspect that the gang was looking for the tusker which is undergoing treatment at a nearby compartment of the same forest. "A herd of elephants is regularly roaming in the area and one of them is injured. We are treating it and the tusker has become an easy pray for poachers as it is unable to move," said a senior forest officer.
Soon after incident divisional forest officer Kalyan Das and Conservator of Forest (north) Manindra Chandra Biswas reached the spot. "We are waiting to interrogate the injured smuggler for further clues," said Kalyan Das.
"I now believe truth exists, truth is knowable, and truth matters, for without which even to think of something as truth would always be self deceiving"
Rengma Nagas: The origin of its Name and Migration Lesu.org

The origin of the name ‘Rengma’ like the ‘Naga’ is not concretely well defined, in the sense there are theories in competition and people are of different opinions and agreements. However, it is certain that the name Rengma is not self referential name, rather it was given by the outsiders. In the case of migration account, Rengmas traditionally go along with the other Naga tribes viz. Angami, Lotha, Sema, Chakhesang, and accept their migration as from China during Qin dynasty (221-207 B.C). This migration account from China is well accepted among the Nagas even today. Traditionally, the Nagas hold that from China, they pushed toward South-East Asia, across the Yunnan mountain ranges and settled down on the upper Burma. After sometime, again they migrated toward North West direction and reached Makerenyu (Imphal Valley Manipur) and finally landed at Khinzonyu (Khezakenoma) which was their final destination, also known as the point of dispersal where they rerouted toward different directions as they are in the present. In this article, some of theories regarding the origin of the name Rengma and the accounts of migration are discussed.
1. The Rengma Nagas
The Rengma Nagas are indigenous people living in the state of Nagaland and in Assam; Rengmas are one of the schedule tribes in India and major tribe in Nagaland. They are fair in their appearances, the average height of men are 5ft and above and women a little below the average height as compare to men folks. Rengmas are known and greatly admired by their neighboring tribes as one of the most gentle and humble in hearts, as well as brave people. In fact it is interesting to know the traditional beliefs in those days, that marrying Rengma girls would bring good fortune and prosperity in one’s life.[i] Alike the other Naga tribes, Rengma people conventionally hold that they have migrated along with other Naga tribes, believed to be of Mongoloid racial stock during the Chin Dynasty/Qin dynasty (221 to 207 BC). Regarding the origin of Rengmas, oral tradition presents Rengmas as the sea-fearing people who entered Nagaland making Myanmar as its corridors, this is inspected that the way Rengmas build houses and decorating public places characterized that of the sea-fearing people.[ii] Rengmas are best known as simple and straight forward people who express their feelings and with no reserve mind until these days.
2. The Homeland of Rengma Nagas:
The Rengmas[iii] have been living in their homeland in compact territory from time immemorial. The area of their homeland lies between Bora Dikharu and Horu Dikahru on the west Karbi Anglong district Assam, the eastern Rengmas under Phek district and Tseminyu sub-division of Kohima district Nagaland. It is known that from Tseminyu Sub-division of east to Doboka border with Nowgong on the west, there were no other tribes between them before the advent of British in 1820’s, except the Rengmas, who were the sons of the soil inhabiting the entire territory as the Rengmas were once known as populous and powerful tribe. But later, when British subjugated Assam and the Naga Hills, the different migrants encroached into the Rengma Hills and settled down.
At present, the Rengmas are divided under two different administration jurisdictions namely Assam and Nagaland, which was done by the British India in 1898 against the will of the Rengma people. The Rengma Nagas in Karbi Anglong district, Assam are called Western Rengma and in Nagaland, the eastern Rengma are those settling under Phek District, generally known as Pochury and the central Rengmas, of Tseminyu Sub-division of Kohima district (Southern and Northern). Despite of the fact that Rengmas today live in two states (Nagaland and Assam), they are one people, one identity, one culture, and their territory is contiguity. Rengma Naga’s territory is bounded by Lotha, Golaghat, Boru Dikharu Nallah, Ban Inkhuparbat and Tarupang Nallah on the north, Angami, Zemi, Norht Cachar Hills, Jamuna River and Diphu River on the south, the course of Bora Dikharu, Hora Dikharu on the West, and the Sema Nagas of Zunheboto district on the East. The Rengma Naga territory is a compact area though it lies into two states of Assam and Nagaland. Whether it falls under Assam or Nagaland, the Rengmas are the owner of the land both in Assam and in Nagaland.[iv] The present Directorial Headquarter of Rengma is situated at Tseminyu, subdivision of Kohima district, the Capital of Nagaland with the distance of 30miles north of Kohima.
3. The origin of the word Nzonyu and Rengma
3.1 Nzonyu: It is known that prior to the name Rengma was known, Rengmas called themselves as Nzon or Nzonyu. On the account of how the name Nzon/Nzonyu originated, Gwashini Kent observed, our grandparents recounted that our first ancestor’s name was Nzon, from which Nzon/Nzonyu was derived (Nzon+nyu -the children of Nzon or the People of Nzon). Nzon had only one son whose name was Mejoham, who had four children, Njonkhg, Nrhoga, Nkakhing and Nrungm. Gwashini pointed out how this theory works by referring the neighboring tribes, the way they identify or call Nzonyu.
1. Nzon nyen nyu (children of Nzon) called by Angami as Mejoma
2. Sema tribes called Nzonyu as Mejomi
3. Lotha called Nzonyu as Moi
Gwashini Kent observed that these three tribes who were said to have migrated along with Nzon called them by the name of Nzon’s descendents Mojoham. Kent pointed out that except Nzon/ Nzonyu (Children of Nzon) called the first ancestor’s named Nzon, and that Nzonyu were known as Rengma only after British invaded the Naga Hills.[v] This observation is also uphold by Nshoga, that Rengma were not known by the name Rengma either by themselves or by their neighboring tribes prior to the coming of British, though the oral traditions say that they were already living in the plains and hills of present Assam many generations before the arrival of Ahoms, the Burmese, and the Britishers.[vi]
3.2 The Rengma: As i have mentioned, one should know that the name Rengma is not self referential name, rather it was given by outsider sometime in 19th century. In the Indian history, we see the same difficulty of finding the origin and the meaning rendering of “Hindu” as “Hinduism” religion. However, one thing the historians are certain about is, the word “Hindu” is neither in Sanskrit, nor is found in Vedic literature, so the problem is how can such a name truly represent the Vedic path or culture? and since without the Vedic literature, there is no basis for “Hinduism.” The Historians are of different opinion such as when the name Hindu was used and by whom. Stephen Knapp holds that, the use of the words “Hindu” and “Hinduism” was used frequently by the Britishers with the effect of focusing on the religious differences between the Muslims and the other group of people (the Hindu- Indus valley settlers) as Hinduism (Religious people). Knapp observed that this was done with rather successful intention of creating friction among the people of India during the British policy of divide and rule to make it easier for their continued dominion over the country. [vii] Observing the way this historical development took its shape, it is plausible to hold that the name Rengma originated similarly under this camp, as it is also agree traditionally that the name Rengma was given by the Britishers. Nevertheless, as time goes on, few theories have come up regarding the origin of the name “Rengma”.
There are about four theories regarding the origin of the word Rengma, viz. the Remme theory, Ring theory, Remami theory, and Rema theory. Yet, it seems no concrete agreement and conclusion is held in any of these views.
1. Remme/Rengme Theory: According to ‘Remme Theory,’ Rengmas got its name from the British. The theory says, once the Ahom king by the name Purandar Singha who was not willing to meet as was invited by British officer sent Keyhan Rengma, the chief of Rengma as his representative requested him to dressed in full warrior attire and meet the British official, when Keyhan met the Britishers. The British official was said to be dumfounded by Keyhan appearance, asked his interpreter what was called in Keyhan’s language, the nightmare ghost, Keyhun phukon replied “Remme/ Rengme,” then the British official at this instance quickly noted in his dairy “Rengma.” Latter, when Keyhan was leaving, it was told that he heard the Bririshers referring him as “Rengma,” thus, the name “Rengma’ was given to Keyhun’s tribe.[viii] In a document “True Ownership and its Qualification” published by the Chairman for and on behalf of the Rengma public documented “in those days, we (Rengma) were known as “Njonnyu,” and of course we are still commonly known by it among ourselves, but from Keyhon’s encounter with the British officials that day, a new and distinctive name “Rengma’ was given birth to us as we are known today. That British official, whoever he was, must have written down “Rengma” in his diary/notebook instead of “Rema/Rengme.”[ix]
2. Remami Theory: One of the external theory on the name and derivation of Rengma held by the Khezha’s (Khezhakenoma) tradition is known as “Remami theory”. This theory is typically based on the migration of Rengmas. According to this theory, the word “Rengma” was derived from Khezha word “Remami” which means, people who left their kingdom or habitant forever and lived beyond the village fortress. However, this theory is barely agrees by the Rengmas and in addition no oral tradition or narration as such exists among Rengmas.
3. Rema Theory: This theory probably is a recent one viewed by V.K Nuh, according to this theory, the word “Rengma” is derived from Khezha word “Rema” which is a compound word, “Re” meaning “village” and “Ma” which means “to have missed” or “left” and thereby implies, the people who missed or left their village. [x] Rengmas generally don’t hold this theory either which has the same problem with “Remami theory.”
4. Ring man Theory: This theory also goes back to the period of British colonial over the North East India in 1890s. Nillo Rengma in “A Brief History of Kandinu and the Rengma,” writes, the British encountered the Rengmas in a thick forest who were wearing necklaces all around their necks, on the wrists, on their ankles, and big earrings. To this strange appearance, the British noted in their dairy as “the Ring man,” thereby the people were referred as “Rengma” in the later time.[xi] However, this theory probably doesn’t works, firstly because the descriptions given by Nillo about the Rengma in 1890s presumably don’t fit the traditions of Rengmas. Secondly, by proposing this theory, Nillo also has rejected the identity of Keyhun phukon, who was accepted as a well known chief of Rengma in those days and his encounter with the Britishers which is well accepted tradition among Rengmas.
Despite of these theories, some people may assume that the origin of the word “Rengma” cannot be fully known since the existing theories appeared to be dissonant. However, among these theories, the Remme/ Rengme theory is considered as the most accepted one by majority of the Rengmas till today, and in addition, it is also found that the British government used the name Rengma in their official records as well as the nomenclature applied to the Rengmas who were in earlier time known as Nzonyu, hence supported this theory.
4. Migration and Settlement
The history of Rengmas Migration as the oral tradition holds has its beginning way back to the migration of Nagas, who were the Mongolians settler of the south east of China province. It is difficult to give concrete reasons why they have migrated to the present country, however; historians have put forward several factors why they have migrated: That, the severe famine and plague were broke out which compels them to leave there place; That, the population exploitation could be one of the reasons; That, the attack by the enemies, hence force them to leave there place. Of all the views, one of the most and commonly held tradition says that during the time, when the Great Wall of China was build to thwart the tartars invasion of China as well as to prevent the Mongolian races from moving out of China, and while the construction of this wall, the Nagas were said to have forcefully made to employ as force laborers, resulted to physical torture and death of many laborers out of starvation. These miseries of life under the Chin dynasty/Qin dynasty (Qin dynasty was the first imperial dynasty of China, lasting from 221 to 207 BC) compelled the ancestor of the Nagas to push toward the South-East Asia, across Yunnan mountain ranges and settled down on the upper Burma.
Traditionally, it is said that the migration of the Nagas from China probably might have taken place between the period of Chin/Qin and Han dynasty.[xii] B.B. Ghosh on dating the migration of Nagas writes, it is not known with certainty when the different Naga tribes settled in their present habitat. However, it is most likely that the Konyak who live in the north and north-west came earlier than others. Then came the Aos being followed by other tribes… he writes, if we accept that Aos came to Chungliyimi in 1100 A.D., then we are also to accept that the other tribes who followed the Aos, such as Lotha, Rengma, Angami, etc. also came to their present place at the same time, that is around 1100 A.D. or earlier 12th century.[xiii] Nonetheless, I would argue that the dating of migration as the tradition hold may be well accepted but the settlement of Nagas in the present country held by some historians cannot be compromised given the fact that if we are to accept the oral tradition that Nagas came out of China during the Qin dynasty or in between Qin dynasty and Han dynasty which date back from 221 BC- 25 A.D. For if 11th or 12th century is a probable date for the Nagas to have settled in the present country, it would logically follow that from China to the present Naga country, it took more than thousand years to reach their final settlement which is not very reasonable again, hence, I would argue that the dating of the settlement of Nagas from 11th or 12th century is too late.
Firstly, apart from the common tradition that the Nagas hold today, such as tracing their ancestors as Mongolians who were in China under Qin Dynasty in 221-207 B.C or before, then migrated. We have in the recorded history of the Mongol Empire who launched several Mongol invasions into the Indian subcontinent from 1221 to 1327. History says, the Mongols made Kashmir their vassal state. However, the campaigns against the Delhi Sultanate proved unsuccessful, in spite of constant Mongol incursions.[xiv] To view parallel to this historical account, it is improbable to even assume that some of the Mongols held back and settle in the present Nagaland, nor there is any such oral tradition fitting it either. Nevertheless, on the contrary, the parallel dating of Nagas settlements from 11th-12th century shows the improbable likewise, since there is hardly any such evidence given by historian so far.
Secondly, looking from Religion point of view, the Mongolians have diversity of local beliefs and practices, which by a number of common characteristics can be lumped together, and Central in their belief is the worship of the Blue, Mighty, Eternal Heaven. Among the Mongolians, it is also known that a religious practice known as shamanism was common. Larry Moses traces the first contact of the Mongolians with Buddhism goes back to the 4th century A.D. though it was not dominated until the Genghis Khan (1162? – August 1227), the founder and Great Khan (emperor) of the Mongol Empire, it is in the time of the Great Khans that the Tibetan form of Buddhism gains influence in Mongolia.[xv] In additions, as the oral tradition says that Nagas were under the Chinese, building the great wall in and around 220–206 B.C. and it was at this time they escape and migrated towards South-East Asia to Myanmar, then to Imphal Valley Manipur and finally Nagaland. From history we know that in China, Buddhism started gaining entry into around 1st century B.C. or even before that and the first documented translation of Buddhist scriptures into Chinese occurs in 148 CE. [xvi] The issue is why then not even single Naga tribes follow Buddhism or even know something about the Buddhist religion? And why not even single Naga tribes were influenced by other religions being stayed and crossed the land of China, and settled in Burma for sometimes and also crossing the Imphal valley who have their religions and particularly the missionary religion like Buddhism? On the other hand, we have known that prior to the coming of Christianity to Nagaland, the commonly known religion of Nagas since their settlement in the present land was the animism and also some the practice of shamanism. Thus, basing from these evidences, it is plausible to hold that the dating of Nagas settlement from 11th -12th century is too late, for if then, some of the Naga tribes could have been following the Buddhism or have been influenced by some other religious or cultural practices too. Hence, the dating could be much earlier than the common dating we have today, thought it is difficult to date. Perhaps we can go back far behind the common dating we hold today and nearer to the time they have escape from China (220-206 B.C) assuming by that time, the religion like Buddhism or others might not be dominating in the way that could have influenced Nagas.
According to the oral tradition, the history of Rengma had been passed down from generations to generation. Gwashini Kent on the Rengma migration account says, the Rengma along with other Nagas had migrated to Khenrhinyu (Myanmar) and from Khenrhinyu, they migrated toward the North West direction and reached Makerenyu (Imphal Valley Manipur), and then finally to Khinzonyu (Khezakenoma). Khinzonnyu dispersal is generally well accepted and popular tradition held today by the Angami, Rengma, Chakhesang, Lotha, and Sema among the Naga tribes. [xvii] Gwasenlo Tsela (1990s) narrated the story of Nagas migration and referred Khezhakeno as a “Dispersal point.” Until then, it is held and believed generally that Khezhakeno is the place where our Naga ancestors (Rengmas, Angamis, Chakhesangs, Semas, and Lothas) had lived and it was the place where these tribes dispersed to various parts of Nagaland.
Regarding the traditional view of the dispersal from Khezakeno, J.P. Mills in his book “The Rengma Nagas” writes, the Rengma tradition commence its origin and migration on the dispute of two sons of Khinzonyu ancestress over the question of the right turn of the use of their miraculous flat stone that has a power to double the paddy of single load dried on it. The tradition depicted the mother of the two had interfered and make unfair shrewdness and sided younger son. As a result the elder brother whose right was deprived by his mother opted to leave the village with his men and set off towards the north. His example was followed by other discontented families and the migration of the main body began which later split up into Angamis, Sumis, Lothas and Rengmas. [xviii] This traditional view has other explanation, the account as held by Gwasenlo Tsela says that, it was the elder brother not his mother who deprived the right of his younger brother to dry his paddy. As result his younger brother took his lover and fornicated over the miraculous stone and make fire over it, so the stone burst and split into two and the spirit/power that dwell in the stone went up to heaven.
Gwashini Kent says that from Khezakeno to the present settled Rengma homeland, Rengmas have at least migrated six times. From Khezakeno they migrated to Kagwenyu (Kegwema), from Kagwenyu to Chendenbinshong (Chedema), from Chendenbinshong to Pengshongnyu, from Pengshongyu to Hereuphenyu (Gariphema), from Hereuphenyu to Nyerhenphen (Nerhema) and finally from Nerhema to Khwenphen. According to oral tradition, Khwenphen was the first Rengma village and from this village, the Rengma family spread out, Thongsϋ and Senden went toward the west and established Thongsϋnyu village and Sendenyu village consequently, other group with Tsemi went North West and established Tseminyu, Kasha moved towards west and established Kashanyu and in this manner Rengmas spread to the different part of Nagaland and Assam as they are today.
Final Remarks
As seen in this article, Rengmas like the other Naga tribes have no written records of their own prior to the coming of Christianity in 19th century. R.B. Thohe Pou observed that some of the earliest literatures on Naga tribes are the work of A. Mackenzie (1884), Sir James John stone (1896) etc. which are about 127 years old by now. And as for the Rengmas, we have J.P. Mills' (1937) writing “The Rengma Nagas” in which he attempted to study on the origin and migration of Rengma tribe. He also studies on economic life and social organization covering the folktales, songs and language. However, it is certain that any of this early historical writings and accounts we have are based on oral traditions and are the works of the outsiders.
In addition, as time goes on, other theories and views have come up, hence, it is difficult to give a concrete conclusion on any of the theories, nevertheless, basing on the oral traditions recorded, one can to some extend know how and where we came from. One way of doing it could be, to see and observed which of these theories fit in to the cultural or social practices. So, in this case, regarding the origin of the name Rengma, for example, “the Ring man theory” which says that the British found Rengmas wearing big ear rings and rings on the necks, wrist, ankles which I assume really doesn’t depict the traditions of Rengma. Hence, the other competing theory like “theory of Rengme” appears to be more plausible to hold as we have some reasonable explanations to substantiate the theory. Regarding the Migrations and settlement account, the problem is since we have no written records until 19th century, and in addition so far no archeological discoveries and as such are performed to substantiate the historicity of Nagas and particularly the Rengmas, it is a complicated to autocratically state or hold one’s view. Nevertheless, to some extend we probably can say that the dating of our settlement is too late, for example, i have given my argument specially looking from the religious point of view; hence, it may be possible that the dating may be earlier than the common dating we have today.