The Grand Homecoming: Swu and Muivah

Nagas in Delhi, on January 23, 2011, warmly welcomed their visionary leaders who have long yearned for the unification of the scattered Nagas in North-East India and Myanmar into a sovereign Nagalim.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

At 5 PM, 61, Lodhi Estate — a prominent location in the capital — was abuzz with hundreds of Nagas residing in Delhi, eager to witness the civic reception for National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) Chairman Isak Chishi Swu. The event was organized by the Naga Community, Delhi, and was attended by numerous Naga leaders, activists, scholars, students, and employees.

The crowd erupted in unison as Isak Chishi Swu arrived at the venue, accompanied by his wife and flanked by NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, who was also accompanied by his wife and other leaders. Swu waved at the gathering from the stage, eliciting cheers and admiration.

The reception was presided over by James Pochury, a young and dynamic gentleman. The event began with the hymn “How Great Thou Art,” followed by an invocation prayer led by Rev. Dr. Ricky Medom, Pastor of the Naga Christian Fellowship, Delhi. The Sumi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu, Delhi, presented a touching welcome song in honor of Swu and Muivah. Kekhrie Yhome then delivered the welcome address.

The organizers, Naga Community Delhi, presented tokens of appreciation and love to Swu and Muivah for their tireless leadership. Since signing the historic ceasefire agreement with the government in August 1997, the NSCN-IM has engaged in more than 50 rounds of talks in India and abroad with the government’s interlocutors, though the negotiations have often ended in stalemate.

Speaking at the event, Isak Chishi Swu explained that the NSCN leadership had come to Delhi at the invitation of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to further political negotiations towards a final resolution. Swu acknowledged the positive attitude and efforts of the Government of India and reiterated the NSCN’s commitment to achieving a solution. He emphasized the importance of not missing this critical opportunity to resolve the issue.

The Poumai Tsiidoumai Me performed a beautiful folk song, followed by a speech from the much-anticipated General Secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah, who last visited India in December 2006 for talks with government leaders. Muivah highlighted that the Government of India has recognized the uniqueness of Naga history, which forms the basis of the ongoing dialogue. He assured the gathering that the Nagas will not be betrayed, stating, “We are not a lost people or a lost nation.”

Muivah elaborated that successive Prime Ministers, including the current one, had assured a solution that would be honorable and acceptable to both sides. He noted that the extent to which the Government of India would reflect its understanding and acceptance of Naga history remained a serious question yet to be resolved. He stressed the NSCN’s commitment to peace, stating, “We have not fired a single bullet,” and reaffirmed that their leadership had come unarmed for talks, demonstrating their intent for peaceful resolution. He cautioned that the Nagas’ patience should not be tested by forcing them into an impossible position and emphasized the need for reconciliation among the Nagas.

The event also included prayers led by Naga pastors residing in Delhi. Programme Coordinator Boveio Poukai Duo delivered a comprehensive vote of thanks, and the gathering concluded with the heartfelt hymn “We Shall Overcome,” followed by a benediction by Rev. Rocky Angumai, Pastor of UEF Delhi. A sumptuous dinner was served afterward.

The Nagas, spread across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh in India, and Sagaing Division and Kachin State in Myanmar, number approximately four million. Under Sagaing Division, the Naga-occupied townships include Lahe, Tamu, Mowlick, Homelin, Laishi, Hkamti, and Namyung, while in Kachin State, they inhabit the Tanai Township, part of the Naga Hills District.

The Nagas first made their demands known in writing to the British Government’s Simon Commission on January 10, 1929, requesting that they be left to govern themselves as they were before British rule. On August 14, 1947, a day before India’s independence, the Nagas declared their own independence.

Under the visionary leadership of guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu, S.S. Khaplang, and Thuingaleng Muivah, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim was formed on January 30, 1980. The NSCN later split into two factions: NSCN (K), led by Khaplang, and NSCN (IM), led by Isak and Muivah.

NSCN (IM) has since demanded the integration of Naga-dominated areas and a “special relationship with India,” seeking greater powers for a “Greater Nagaland.” Initially fighting for an independent homeland, the NSCN scaled down its demands to creating Greater Nagaland by incorporating parts of Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh with Naga populations.

The political situation in Nagaland has remained unstable since the Naga National Council (NNC), led by A.Z. Phizo, declared independence on August 14, 1947. The NNC signed the Shillong Accord in 1975, but the NSCN has continued its struggle for sovereignty, making it one of South Asia’s longest-running insurgencies.

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