Naga nationalism

During the British rule, missionaries such as Miles Bronson and Edwin W. Clark introduced Christianity to the area, greatly changing the social and political fabric of the local society.

During the Kuki revolt (1917–19) and the World War I (1914–18), the British Government recruited a number of labourers and porters from the Naga ethnic groups.

[7] It was led by Gaonburas, Dobashis, Teachers, government servants, pastors and educated people in addition to the Naga Labour Corps personnel.

[7] Heraka was a religious movement led by Haipou Jadonang and his successor Rani Gaidinliu, who sought to establish the legendary kingdom of the Naga people during 1929-33.

The NNC organized a separate government in their territory and successfully boycotted the 1952 elections, claiming that Naga support for a sovereign state was unanimous.

[12] This leaked secret document specifically states that “severe disciplinary action” would be meted out against any police found to be looting, raping, or torturing inhabitants.

Nationalists had heavy stones placed on their chests, chili and sour things poured into their eyes, and they were hung from rafters for demonstration.

The NSCN had Maoist influences and pushed for a continued armed conflict to resolve the contradiction between the larger state of India imposing its will on the Naga people.

It did not seem to be a contradiction to support the atheist doctrines of Mao along with Christianity to the NSCN, who saw deep socialist principles in Jesus’ anti-institutional teachings on the poor and egalitarianism.

[15] After a series of armed conflicts and peace missions, the Government of India agreed to create the Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA), a Union territory with a large degree of autonomy.

After further protests, violence and diplomatic discussions, the Government recognised Nagaland as a full-fledged State within the Union of India.