Unsung Contributions: The Kuki Role in the Naga Freedom Movement

THE FORGOTTEN and UNSUNG CONTRIBUTIONS of the Kuki people to the Naga political freedom movement deserve to be retold with renewed enthusiasm and gratitude. The photograph below features none other than Pu Chongkhujang Singson, an advisor to NSCN/GPRN and a senior Kilonser in NSCN(U). The Kuki Tribe Union (KTU) became an integral part of NSCN(IM) under the leadership of Pu Paohao Kuki, a member of the Steering Committee, and Pu Haolim Kuki, an executive member of the Steering Committee.

The true genesis of the Naga 'Nation' began with the formation of the Naga Club. On 10th January 1929, the Naga Club submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission. Among the six tribal signatories was Pu Lengjang Kuki, a Head Dobashi. His participation was no accident—he was a citizen of the Naga Hills, a Naga in the broader sense, as the term has historically encompassed diverse Naga tribes.

Pu Seikholen Kuki was a member of the first Naga delegation to meet Pandit Nehru regarding Naga independence and was a founding member of the Naga National Council (NNC). Both Pu Seikholen Kuki and Pu Jangkhosei Kuki were elected as members of the Kuki Tribal Council under the NNC. The Kukis were also part of the Federal Army within the NNC. The Nagaland State Assembly of 1964 had two Kuki members: Pu Langkam Kuki, representing Ghaspani, and Lalkholam, representing Tenning. In the 1982 Assembly election, Pu Henlun Singson won from Tening and served as a minister until 1989.

During the Naga Plebiscite on 16th May 1951, key Kuki leaders such as Onpao Kuki (President, Kuki Union), Paochung Kuki (Chief of Khaibung), Dr Lenzalal Kuki (Chief of Bungsang), and Subedar Khupjalet Kuki actively participated, leading the Kuki people in mobilising support for Naga independence within Nagaland. The NNC claimed that 99.9% of the Nagas voted for independence from India in this plebiscite.

This rich history of Kuki involvement in the Naga movement is a testament to their deep-rooted commitment and sacrifices, which must not be overlooked.

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