The DOT Talks Webinar on the topic ‘Indo-Naga Dilemma: An unbiased Historical and Contemporary View’ was held on 7th September 2020 with resource speaker Kahuto Chishi Swu with the aim to put into proper perspective the Indo-Naga issue by addressing the subject on a holistic basis; using historical, cultural, social and political frames of references.
Starting with a brief outline of Naga Society from pre-British Colonialism, the Colonial era, Indian Independence, Statehood, to the present, Kahuto Chishi Swu attempted to bring light on various issues from the Naga Labour Corps, the Naga Club, the Naga National Council/ Federal Government of Nagaland, the Plebiscite of 1951, Statehood, the Revolutionary Government of Nagaland and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.
During the webinar, the resource person emphasized on the need to take a multipronged approach while talking about the Indo-Naga issue.
While there are multiple accounts of the sequence of events in Naga history, Chishi opined that certain aspects of history have been ‘distorted’ over time. This he said, has created confusion in the minds of the people.
The resource person also asserted on the fact that a truthful assessment of the movement cannot be achieved without understanding the context of the times.
Giving a brief history of the formation of the Naga National Council and the incidences between the Indian Army and the Naga Army, Chishi viewed that the Naga movement was a ‘full blown war’ and not a simple ‘insurgency’ movement. This, he said, was evident in the bombardment by Indian forces and the numerous atrocities meted out to the Nagas during the period.
In the contemporary context, Chishi opined that present day leaders have been using the ‘confusion’ for their own advantages.
He also emphasized that those at the helms of power should maintain transparency on what the ‘solution’ that has been promised to the Nagas is, and what the people should expect.