What Inspired the Nagas to Take Up Arms? The Journey from NNC to NSCN and Beyond

The story of the Naga insurgency is one of identity, culture, and a fierce desire for self-determination. To understand why the Nagas raised an army and formed multiple armed groups, we need to look at their history, their struggles, and their dreams of sovereignty.

Naga National Flag 

The Inspiration Behind the Armed Struggle

At its core, the motivation for the Naga armed struggle was to protect their unique identity, culture, and ancestral lands. When India gained independence in 1947, the Nagas expected autonomy or even independence based on earlier promises. However, the Indian government integrated the Naga territories into the Union of India without granting the promised rights.

Despite their traditional reputation as headhunters — a practice that had declined significantly by the mid-20th century — the Nagas had a strong sense of ethnic pride and cultural uniqueness. They saw themselves as distinct from the rest of India, with their own language, customs, and way of life. The fear of losing this identity under Indian rule galvanized the Nagas to organize politically and later militarily.

When political negotiations failed and promises of autonomy were ignored, many Nagas felt betrayed. They believed that peaceful means would not secure their future, so they chose to raise an army and take up arms to defend their land and rights.

The Formation of the Naga National Council (NNC)

The political journey began with the formation of the Naga National Council (NNC) in the 1940s. The NNC became the primary voice of Naga nationalism, advocating for independence from India. It was led by the charismatic leader Angami Zapu Phizo, who played a central role in uniting different Naga tribes under a common cause.

In 1947, just before India’s independence, the NNC declared the sovereignty of the Nagas. This declaration was ignored by the Indian government, which insisted that the Naga areas were part of India. This rejection led to growing tensions and eventually armed conflict.

Internal Divisions and the Shillong Accord

As the struggle continued, divisions began to appear within the NNC. The turning point came in 1975 with the Shillong Accord, an agreement signed between the Indian government and a section of the NNC leadership. The Accord accepted the Indian Constitution, which many Nagas saw as a betrayal of their demand for sovereignty.

This split created deep resentment among the ranks. Some leaders felt that negotiating with India compromised the Naga cause. Others believed that continuing the armed struggle was necessary to achieve true independence.

The Birth of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)

In 1980, due to dissatisfaction with the Shillong Accord, three influential leaders—Isak Chishi Swu, Thuingaleng Muivah, and S.S. Khaplang—broke away from the NNC and formed the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). Their goal was clear: to establish a sovereign Nagalim, which would unite all Naga-inhabited areas across Northeast India and parts of Myanmar.

NSCN K Faction 

The NSCN adopted a more radical and organized approach, combining political ideology with armed struggle. They emphasized the need for unity among the Naga tribes and sought to gain international recognition for their cause.

The 1988 Split: NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K)

Despite the shared goal of Naga sovereignty, internal disagreements again led to a major split in the NSCN in 1988. The division was based on leadership rivalries and ethnic differences:

NSCN (IM) was led by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. This faction mainly included Naga groups from Nagaland and Manipur and was more open to peace negotiations with the Indian government.

NSCN (K) was led by S.S. Khaplang, whose base was primarily in Myanmar and focused on armed insurgency.

This split complicated the peace process and led to increased fragmentation within the Naga nationalist movement.

Naga Army 

The Growing Number of Factions

Since the 1988 split, the Naga insurgency has seen the rise of over 25 factions claiming the NSCN name or aligned ideologies. These groups have emerged due to:

1. Tribal and ethnic differences: The Naga people are not a single homogenous group but a collection of many tribes, each with its own identity and leadership.

2. Leadership rivalries: Power struggles and personal ambitions have caused multiple breakaways.

3. Geographical factors: Operating across the India-Myanmar border has led to localized groups focusing on specific areas.

4. Different approaches to peace: Some factions favor dialogue and negotiation, while others insist on armed resistance.

Among these, the most prominent factions today include:

NSCN (IM): The main group engaged in peace talks, led by Muivah.

NSCN (K): Remains more militant, especially in Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh.

NSCN (R): A reformation faction seeking peace engagement.

NSCN (U): The unification faction working to bridge divides.

Present Situation and the Road Ahead

Today, the Naga insurgency remains complex with multiple factions operating independently. The Indian government continues dialogue mainly with NSCN (IM) and some moderate factions, hoping for a lasting peace settlement.

However, challenges persist due to the fragmented nature of the movement, cross-border issues, and deep-rooted ethnic differences. The dream of a united Nagalim remains alive among many Nagas, but achieving it requires addressing the diverse aspirations of all factions and tribes.

Conclusion

The Naga armed struggle was born out of a profound need to protect a unique culture and identity from being erased. From the formation of the NNC under A.Z. Phizo to the many factions of NSCN today, the movement has evolved but remains centered on the goal of Naga sovereignty. Understanding this history helps us appreciate the complexities and hopes of the Naga people as they continue their long journey toward peace and self-determination.

Quiz: What is the primary objective of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)?

A) To promote economic development in Nagaland

B) To establish a sovereign Naga state called Nagalim

C) To support Indian government policies in Northeast India

D) To encourage tourism in Nagaland

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Disclaimer 

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not promote or oppose any political, religious, or separatist movement. The views expressed are based on publicly available sources and do not reflect any bias.