introduction - sg.inflibnet.ac.in. chapter … · angami, sema, chakesang and koniacs etc are among...
TRANSCRIPT
1
INTRODUCTION
Separatism, which has become a widely discussed term all over the world,
may be referred to as a situation where people of a particular region on the
basis of religion, culture, language, self identification and self reservation
etc start demanding a separation from the nation of which they are actually
a part of. The demands, which are generally put forward, may be of a
political autonomy, demand of a separate state or demand of an
independent sovereign state (Alexseev,2008:450).
Secessionism means a situation where a group totally withdraws its
territory from the authority of the state of which they are a part of and
demand of a separate sovereign nation (Misra, 2001:51)
The following table enlists the demands of separatism and
secessionism in different countries of the world (both past & present)
NAME OF COUNTRY SEPARTIST/SECCESSIONIST
MOVEMENT
Canada Quebec
China Tibet & Zing Ziang
Russia Chechnya
Turkey Kurds
Pakistan Baluchistan
Great Britain Northern Ireland
Former Soviet Union Latvia, Estonia & Lithuania
Former Yugoslavia Kosovo, Crotia, Bosnia & Slovania
Georgia Abkhazia & South Ossetia
Indonesia East Timor & Haceh
Mexico Chiapas
Nigeria Biafra
Ethiopia Eritrea
United States Confederacy
India Kashmir, Naga, Bodo, Punjab, Tamil
2
From the above table it may be derived that the separatist and
secessionist movements are not only prevalent in the under developed or
the developing nations but have also been a part of the developed
economies. Here it could be stated that the economy and the demands of
separatism or secessionism are not proportional to each other as the
world’s greatest economy US has also such problems prevailing within the
territory.
The European Countries always vested upon violence as tool in
order to suppress separatist movements which they further carried to their
colonies. This technique was then followed by the colonies when they
faced such problems within their territory (Chandhoke,2005:7-11)
Many of the South Asian countries after gaining their independence
from the imperialist powers faced the problems of separatism by various
ethnic groups. At first they resorted to a mixed policy of negotiation as
well arms in order to curb the menace but gradually they shifted to
violence as an instrument to fight with such problems
(Shadevena,1999:NP).
State has tried to settle the ethnic uprisings by providing regional
autonomy and federal structure but these methods could not resolve the
issues. Talking about India in this regard the political elite were busy
framing up constitution of the state and hence the ethnic groups and their
demands were sidelined at that time. This inculcated a feeling of
resentment among them resulting into separatist movements (Encyclopedia
of Britannia,1993:285).
India stands for unity in diversity where different ethnic groups like
Tamils, Sikhs, Kashmiris, Tripuris, Telugus, Bengalis, Nagas, Garos,
Mizos, Meetis, Marathas and Karbi etc have been accommodated. Many of
the ethnic groups adopted peaceful as well as violent movements against
3
Indian Union in order to demand for a political autonomy for their
respective homelands. They also demanded a separate statehood within and
outside the Indian Union. India being newly Independent country always
had an approach of uniting the different ethnic as well as regional
communities in order to construct a strong nation (Encyclopedia of Third
World,1992:807).
Simultaneously with the drafting of the Constitution India was
occupied in the process state reorganization commission in which a
provision of 29 sates has been recognized till date.
According to Census of India 2011 there are 600 ethnic communities
in India out which 200 are settled in the North-East parts of India. North
east India comprises of 8% of the land under the India Union. The North-
East known as 7 sister states with population of 27 million of people
comprising of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal
Pradesh and Mizoram. Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram were earlier a part
of Union Territories but at present they enjoy full statehood status. Each
tribe is unique in its own manner in regards to culture, history, traditions,
language and values. The north-east population is divided into three
categories based on their geographical location namely- Hill tribes and
Plane tribes (Census of India, 2011)
The societal set up is both patriarchal and matriarchal. There are
also five different categories of races in the region namely- The
Dravidians, The Aryans, The Negroids, The Kiratas and The Austrics.
Naga belonged to the Negroids and they descended from China and at
present they are settled in Nagaland, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur
and areas bordering Burma (Shadevena,1999N:P)
Nagas comprises of about 33 tribes and 16 major tribes the number
of which may vary according to different scholarly findings. Ao, Lotha,
4
Angami, Sema, Chakesang and Koniacs etc are among the major tribes of
Nagaland (Singh, 1992:51)
Nagaland is also called as the mother of all the insurgency in the
north-east areas because they were the first ones to raise a demand of
sovereignty. They raised their demands way back in the last years of the
British Colonialism only and the demands were sharpened in the post-
colonial era will has not been resolved till date. This has also provoked
many other insurgent movements in the region. India is blamed to be
ignoring these areas in context of socio-economic development which has
also proved to be one of the reasons in promoting such movements. The
sense of being sidelined has also promoted separatism among the people of
Naga. Actual importance of the area was counted during the war of 1962
with china when it was realised for the first time that the area is
strategically very important from the security point of view. Here the
Government of India realised the seriousness of the Naga insurgency and
was declared s a separate state of Nagaland in 1963. Earlier the community
was not tackled seriously as the Government considered it as a movement
of a handful of people. Still this political settlement of separate statehood
could not resolve the issue. This may be attributed to the major blunder
committed at the time of bordering the state by the union government as a
large number of the Naga tribes were left out of the boundaries of the
newly formed Nagaland. These tribes are now a part of Manipur, Assam
and Arunachal Pradesh. This has given rise to the demand of greater
Nagaland so that all these left out tribes may come under single
administration. First ceasefire agreement was signed between Union
Government of India and Naga National Council in 1964. This agreement
clearly states that the Government was not able to suppress the insurgents
as they had to sign the ceasefire agreement just within one year of
declaration of Nagaland as a state. Phizo played a prominent role in
5
amplifying the demand of Sovereign Naga Nation. The Union Government
was mistaken that they could resolve the issue by enforcing Armed Force
Special Power Act in Assam in 1958 which on the contrary further fanned
the movement (Kaur,2006:178).
There have been several attempts made by the Government of India
from time to time in order to pacify the separatists as 9 Point Agreement,
6th Schedule in the Constitution of India, 16 Point Agreement, Article 371
A, Shillong Accord and about 81 peace talks till date. But none of these
efforts has proved to be permanent solution of problem (Dhar,1998:20).
In nutshell it could be assumed that the violent methods of the
Government have further aggravated the situation hence this problem of
the region could only be resolved with peaceful negotiations and it would
be an exemplary move for the other separatist movements prevailing within
the north-east India.
SEPARATIST GROUPS IN NORTH EAST INDIA
State Name of group Year of Formation
Nagaland
a. Naga National Council. (NNC)
b. National Socialist Council of
Nagaland. (NSCN)
c. National Socialist Council of
Nagaland. (S.S Khaplang) (NSCN-
K)
d. National Socialist Council of
Nagaland Unification. (NSCN-U)
February 2, 1946.
January 31, 1980.
April 30, 1988.
November 23, 2007.
Assam
A. United Liberation Front of Assam.
(ULFA)
B. National Democratic Front of
Bodoland. (NDFB)
C. Bodoland Liberation Tigers. (BLT)
April 7, 1979.
October 3, 1986.
June 18, 1996.
6
Manipur
A. United National Liberation Front.
(UNLF)
B. People Liberation Army. (PLA)
C. People Revolutionary party of
Kangleipak. (PREPAK)
D. Kangleipak Communist Party.
(KCP)
E. Kanglei Yawal Kanna Lup.
(KYKL)
F. People United Liberation Front.
(PULF)
November 24, 1964.
September 25, 1978.
October 9, 1977.
April 13, 1980.
January 18, 1994.
May 3, 1993.
Mizoram
A. Mizo National Front. (MNF)
B. Bru National Liberation Front.
(BNLF)
C. Hamar People’s Convention
Democracy. (HPCD)
October 22, 1961.
1996.
1986.
Tripura
A. Tribal National Volunteers. (TNV)
B. All Tripura Tiger Force. (ATTF)
C. The National Front of Tripura.
(NFT)
1978.
July 11, 1990.
March 12, 1989.
Meghalaya
A. Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation
Council. (HALC)
B. Achik Matgrik Liberation Army.
(AMLA)
C. Peoples Liberation Front of
Meghalaya. (PLFM)
D. Liberation of Achik Elite Force.
(LAEF)
1995.
1993.
2000.
2005.
7
Review of Literature
This section is devoted to review the various studies related to the
North-East region in general and Nagas in particular. A review of such
studies is required as it helps the researcher in acquiring the knowledge
and more importantly in specifying the research gaps. Numbers of studies
in the forms of books as well as articles are available on problem of the
North-east region in general and Nagas in particular. However, none of
these studies is complete in itself. They fall short in one way or the other.
Mao (1992) conducted a study to discuss the political, social and
historical process of the Nagas. In his study author indicates that there is a
difference between the way of life of Naga people and the people living in
plain. He also discusses the relation of Naga people with the British. He
also tried to focus on the reason, which contributed for unrest among
Nagas. The change has been seen in the traditional Naga political system
due to the modernization of political system. He found that such type of
cultural changes affected the Naga culture, customs, tradition and their
political system.
Asoso Yonuo(1974) in his study gave a detail description of
development in Naga’s political, social and economic system. For the
purpose of his study author applied the historical approach. In his study
author examined the relationship of Nagas with the Assamies and Manipuri
tribes and also put focus on how British entered Naga tribes and to what
extent they faced resistance especially from the Angami Naga tribes
because Angami Nagas were considered as one of the ferocious tribe
people. They were compared with other tribes of Naga Hilss. Author has
put more focus on the fact that with the feeling of separatism Naga people
under the leadership of A.Z Phizo took violent secessionist path to get
Nagaland as a sovereign state. In his book a detail study of peace talks and
8
negotiations has been made and this book contributed a lot in the literature
of political science.
Hokiishe Sema(1986) focused on the earlier history of the Naga
that was before the entry of British. What was the state of nature being
animist because Nagas had many gods and how animist break away with
the missionaries entered in the Naga Hills. How missionaries won the heart
of the Naga people by using Christian revolution as tools. Author points
out the role played by the political elite while dealing with Naga issue. The
author himself is a Sema Naga from Nagaland. So, one can understand
from his work that how Naga reacted his will against Indian Government.
B.B Gosh(1982) in his work used the historical approach to study
the living style of Naga people and how their customs, religion, culture and
tradition changed from earlier to present time and how the elder Nagas
reacted against the development of Christianity in their areas. Apart from
this how political life of Naqga people is influenced by the entry of the
British.
B.G Verghese (2002) in his study found out the reasons of
insurgency in North-East India. According to him, the North East area was
isolated from the rest of India for many years and the feeling of isolation
created the feeling of separate identity. He focused on the Bado movement
and traced different reasons for the demand of separate Bado land. Caste
system in Assam is emerged as one of the important determinant. Author
also highlight that how Christian missionaries encourage the Naga people
to demand of for separate sovereign state. He emphasized that earlier Naga
loyalty was toward their tribes but after world war I and World war II
loyalty of Naga shifted from tribes to a state.
Singh Chandrika (1981) highlights the political development,
which took place among Naga people from colonial period and post
9
colonial period. He discussed how Nagaland was created as 16 th State in
1963. According to him, political settlement became political problem for
the Indian Government. He was of the view that Union Government of
India believed that once separate state for Naga was established it would
solve the Naga problem. Bu instead of solving problem the creation of
Nagaland state has created more problems for India.
Nibedon (1983) has made a unique work on the Naga secessionist
movement and Nagas underground links with external powers like China,
Pakistan, and Burma. He elaborated how far underground elements were
succeeded in their mission of arms training and other activities. Apart from
this author also explains the reason of factorial politics in various tribes of
Nagaland.
Chandola the author focuses on the stories of engagement of
political leaders. This study highlights the peace negotiations that took
place in 1964 after the first ceasefire between Delhi and the Naga
underground leader who fought for independence. In most of the peace
negotiations results were failed to bring fruitful solutions because of the
non acceptability form both sides. The study also put focus on the role
played by the Indian bureaucracy in the course of peace agreement. He
critically analyzes the reasons for the breakdown of the peace talks and the
mistakes committed by the Indian Government in its policy toward the
Nagaland.
Horam (1975) conducted a study to put light on various agreements
between union Government India and Nags. Phizo adopted violent method
against the Indian Government to raise demand of separate sovereign
state. Further, he discussed that how the Naga issue become
internationalize and how the traditional Naga polity get changed in
contemporary era.
10
Sidra Tariq (2007) conducted a study to examine the regional
prospective and its contemporary prospective in the Nagaland. According
to him North East region has great complexities in his stud6y he concluded
that Governemnt of India needs to take steps to solve the Naga problem.
He also analyzed the role played by the Naga Civil Society and local
community groups to solve the Naga conflict.
Bhamik (1996) in his book titled Insurgent Crossfire :North East
India examines the causes of the origin of insurgencies and how it spread
in South Asia and creates diplomatic environment. Further, he highlight the
major sponsored guerllia movement in South Asia. The author concluded
that ethnicities are the amin cause of insurgent crossfire in the nations such
as Bangladesh, China , India and Pakistan.
Bhaumik (2007) in his study examines that North East India has
been one of the longest insurgency in India. The demand of independent
state was commenced in 1952 and followed by izo rebellin in 1966. Every
state of North East India is affected by the insurgent violence specially
Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura. He further examined that
Government of India from time to time extended ceasefire agreements and
made efforts to reach at everlasting and worthy solution to the decades old
Naga problem
Horowitz (1985) in his study argues that the formal originated life
reflects the impact of ethnic affiliation besides family and social life; the
ethnic groups are heavily tied to kinship that effectively uses political
structure and provides services which are a good substitute for what the
modern state provides. He further says ethnicity is familitic. Those in
ethnic group recognize each other as kin for many reasons, in fact,
according to the author ethnicity and kinship overlap each other, they are
interdependent. One builds on the other and often the two are
11
interchangeable, understood. He outlines the two imperatives of explaining
ethnic conflict, first is the origin and manifestation of raw ethnic
sentiments and the other is how institution can affect the expression of this
sentiment. The three main approaches applied to ethnic conflicts are
modernization theory, economic interest and cultural pluralism, but he says
that social psychological theory cannot be ignored in the study of ethnic
conflict, to take the case of particularly Asia and Africa where the self
esteem of ethnic group is strongly influenced by the comparison of their
group to the others. He concedes that ethnic conflicts arise from the
common evaluated significance, accorded by the groups to the
acknowledged group difference. Further he adds that electoral systems
whish facilitate the formation of ethnic parties, serve to help deepen and
extend pre-existing ethnic conflicts. He opines that political parties to play
their role in society must attempt to serve as combination of interest, and
constituted his theory of ethnic conflicts, relating ethnic affiliation to
kinship and inter group relations to the fear of domination.
Smith (1986) investigates the link between ethnicity and formation
of nations. He discussed that while the revolution of industrial capitalism,
the bureaucratic system, and secular mass education, represent a watershed
in human history, compared to Neolithic transition, they have not
obliterated or rendered obsolete many of cultures and identities, formed in
pre-modern era. They have certainly transformed many of them, others
they destroyed, yet others amalgamated and revived. It is important to
enquire int5o that state of cultural identity of a given community on the
eve of its exposure to the new revolutionary forces, in order to locate the
basis of its subsequent evolution, into a full fledged nation. Smith argued
that subjective factors making day to day fabric of ethnic consciousness are
often recorded and immortalized in arts, language , sciences and law of
community , which thought subject to slower development, leave there
12
imprint on the perceptions of subsequent generation and shape the structure
and atmosphere of the community. In this approach to ethnicity, he takes
the position that ethnic competition for state power and state resources is at
the heart of the matter of ethnic group formation. He made a study based
on instrumentalist approach, without going much into primordial
framework. Moreover, he has not discussed role of any external linkages of
the groups in internal conflicts.
Singh (1987) in his study found that major changes have occurred in
all the states of North-Eastern region. According to him the North east is
most complex and difficult than anywhere in the country. The emphasis in
the book is on administrative process. He is also sensitive to specific
nature of the problem of the hill regions, which require very particular
policy initiatives, rather than the heavy –handed laying down of the law,
which has often been characterized by state policy.
Pakam (1990) indicated that the issue of nationality, ethnicity and
cultural identity that assumed a multidimensional importance in view of
the urgent need for economic, social, cultural and political development of
North-East India, regional economic development can be sustained on
rational policy forms and strategies for the achievement of the goal of the
overall development of nationalities, conscious of their distinct identities.
There is no simple mechanical solution to the problem of national
integration for peace, prosperity and development. The author suggests that
issues of national formation should be viewed in proper perspective and the
question of nationality, ethnicity and cultural identity should be
scientifically analyzed.
Brass (1991) has examined the origins of ethnicity and nationalism.
he argues that ethnicity mainly develops when certain category of people
think themselves different from others in certain spheres, the conversion of
13
cultural differences into bases for political differentiation arise only-under
specific circumstances e.g. with elite competition, critical role of
relationships established between the elites and the state, political
mobilization of traditional rural communities, especially through
traditional networks of religions , communities and language ,
modernization and industrialization in large multi-ethnic states tend to
proceed unevenly and benefit some ethnic groups, more than others, which
is the cause of consciousness and communal mobilization of groups. He
specifies language, religion and politics as critical factors, which are used
to build political identities and identity formation takes place through three
sets of struggle; firstly within and ethnic group, secondly within ethnic
groups and thirdly between state and groups. He also mentions that no
regime, even the most authoritarian can avoid, confronting the issues of
power sharing and pluralism in modernizing multi-ethnic societies.
Cannor(1994) conducted a study to distinguish between patriotism
and nationalism. He maintains that ethno nationalism is a loyalty to ones
community which is not disappearing, indeed has never been strong. The
book lauds that the age of nationalism has never ended. It is there
throughout the world. He compares nationalism and patriotism stating that
nationalism is subjective and consists of self identification of people with
groups. Patriotism is an allegiance to the state which is a political not an
ethnic body. He argues that scholars, policy makers have almost unrated
the influence of ethno nationalism and misinterpreted its passionate and
non rational qualities. He objects the assumptions of political scientists
that modernization leads to greater ethnic assimilation. He counters the
comments the comments that modernization brings previously isolated
culture into contact while linking ethnically common but geographically
dispersed people; increased communication and travel are more likely to
differentiate people and increase conflicts. He opines that if the surface of
14
most homogeneous state is scratched, the result will be the surprising
ethnic diversity. His work could also improve important question that
arise, such as what should be more important state unity or the myth of
separatism or can the two myths contained within democracy that respects
both majority rule and minority opinion.
Datta (1995) gives a detailed text of various ‘Peace Accords’ since
1947 signed between the various struggling ethnic groups and the state and
the central Government. It would have been better if the author had
analyzed these Accords in the form of concluding chapters.
Singh (1995) is of the view that Nagaland has a geopolitical
importance of its own. He focuses on the interference by foreign powers
like Pakistan and China in their affairs, their aid to and abetment of the
underground Nagas , which create insurgent situation developing in the
hills. Further the author believes that it was to satisfy the political
aspirations of the diverse ethnic and linguistic in the region that entire area
was re-organized.
David (1996) discuss that as new nations struggle towards the
consolidation of nation-states, two crucial lessons can be learnt. First, in
that periods of consolidation will alternate with periods of crises and
rupture and secondly later periods may include the redrawing of boundaries
of these nation sates. He has stressed that the assertion is usually made that
the ordinary people who are but innocent vested by the guileful politicians,
is a naïve oversimplification. The author argues that ethnic consciousness,
chauvinism, racism and religious tolerance are ambiguous ideologies that
may run deep among people in various ethnic groups. David elaborated that
ethnic ideology has a deep grip on the mass audience and false prophets
about the opportunistic politicians may be more a result that cause which
can be debatable point, given by him. Besides this he had discussed various
15
conventional solutions undertaken by the states e.g forcible mainly (
military) integration , incorporation elimination of recalcitrant ethnicities,
federalism, regionalism autonomy, devolution democratization, economic
decentralization etc have been implemented to various degrees and forms
ethnic coalition politics, forcible interference , intervention or intercession
by other countries or various agencies such as UN, EU, IMF and peace
movements.
Mehrota (1998) opines that separatism is not a new phenomenon.
He refers that nationalism has been a catchword with many different
meanings in modern times. It can work in multiplicity of forms. It can be
exfoliated for cultural integration, political ends, and democratic ideals and
may even lead towards authoritarianism. Nationalism as an ideology can be
dangerous as it may lead to the formation of an authoritarian Government
that may also follow the policy of expansionism. The extreme form of
ethnic nationalism is the primary cause of ethnic cleansing, which Adof
Hitler adopted in the inter-war period. Finally, according to the author,
nationality is based on the consciousness of an encompassed within a
geographically defined territory. In fact, ethnic nationalism has had an
advantage over territorial or civic nationalism because the former appears
as natural continuation of a pre-existing ethnicity.
Brwon(1998) examines that nation-states have been weakened by
the failure of ruling elites to deliver the promised social justice. The
inequalities of development have exacerbated the need of individuals for
an imagined community which could provide a sense of identity, security
and authority. Ethnic community is increasingly replacing the state, in this
role, because of capacity of ethnicity to portray itself as social justice. The
author opines that if the state claiming to be a cultural nation, cannot offer
16
the necessary protection , then it is the cultural nation claiming to be the
potential states, which offer the next best to state.
Dhar gives the emphasis on ethnic identity crisis. He is of the view
that this crisis held in most parts of the world and if we talk in Indian
contexts, India’s long experience with infiltration by various ethnic tribes
and tribal groups, during different periods of India’s history, their
absorption into Hindu society, their preservation of different cultures,
languages and religion, living as identities, separate from others, separate
sates were established like the story of Assam, its period of glory and
decline with the formation of Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal
and Bodoland with demands for formation s of more states like Karbiland
and Purbanchal with complex developments arising with quite a number of
militant outfits , operating in the north east states with foreign aid and
collaboration to subvert Indian administration.
Oommen (2001) found that most interpretations of ethnicity
concentrate either on particular societies or on specific dimensions of
‘world society’. However variations within and across societies are vital
for understanding contemporary dilemmas of ethnicity. The author’s main
focus is on citizenship, nationality and ethnicity and he also talks about
their applicability to a variety of empirical situations. Oommen sees that
the nation is a product of a fusion of territory and language. He
demonstrates that neither religion nor race determines national identities.
As territory is must for a nation to emerge and exist, the dissociation
between people and their ‘homeland’ makes them a ethnie. Citizenship is
conceptualized both as a status to which nationals and ethnies ought to be
entitled and a set of obligations, a role they are expected to play. He
analyses three historical episodes such as colonialism and European
expansion, Communist internationalism and the nation-state and its project
17
of cultural unity and also examines to provide the empirical content of
argument.
Nag (2002) describes the nationality question in India. It is one of
the most important problems faced by the modern Indian political society.
The book is an incisive study of the nationality problem in Assam. It
dwells deep into the development of Assamese nationality, being from the
pre-colonial era and advent of British capitalism and consequent
transformation.
Misra(2002) argues that in the process of nation building , Nagas
expressed their reservations about becoming a part of the newly
independent republic and launched an armed struggle for an independent
Naga homeland. Not only, has this Assam posed much serious challenge to
the nation state. Today, with its really complex ethnic situation Assam has
emerged as the problem to Indian Union. This book deals with social,
historical and political factors which led to secessionist in states as
different as Nagaland and Assam and refelect how the future of Nation-
State in India depends.
Singh (2002) talks about the Naga insurgency and resurgence and
ultimately how Naga leaders misused the political power for their personal
interest, which gave birth to corruption, which hinders the democratic
process in the way of democratic system. He also describes the role of
money and muscle power at the time of election. The problem of linguistic
and cultural identity, ethnicity and autonomy demands have led to violent
expression like Dravidland, Khalistan, Nagalim, Jharkhand, Gorkhaland
etc.
Zhimomi (2004) presents an analytical account of the Naga
political history where both the moderate and extremist Naga leaders have
been playing different roles. He examines the political event of the state
18
even before the creation of Nagaland state and the circumstances in which
political events appeared and developed till today. Main focus is also in
important Naga militant movement, on the Naga politics and on the Naga
people.
Venuh(2004) finds that the Nagas belong to multi-ethnic groups and
sub-groups, but with similarity in physical features and affinity in culture.
The focuses that before the advent of British to the Naga hills, the Nagas
were in a state of confinement as they followed the tradition of their
forefather in all socio-economic and political aspects. The Britishers,
brought change in Naga society but yet certain traits of traditional life and
culture persisted. This book is valuable because it focuses on the social and
cultural change taking place in the Naga society in current era.
Kumar(2005) analyses the process of Naga identity formation in a
broader framework. Tracing origin and history of the Nagas, he discusses
their migration, culture social structure. Ethnicity, religion and village
polity. It also deals with the politicization of the Naga identity.
Basu (2005) has presented in his work that the above demands
disturbed the democratic structure. This study also analyses different
aspect of democratic politics and movements in India.
Deb (2006) argues that in the recent era, ethnicity occupies a space
of importance in civil society discourse, in the North-Eastern region of
India. Ethnic diversities of the North-Eastern region and elite manipulation
of cultural sentiments Cultural intolerance arising out of ethno-cultural
paranoia produced alarming outbursts of Naga-Kuki clash of 1994. Ethnic
issues also from the core of secessionist demands in certain parts of North
East India.
19
Dutta (2007)focuses on the genealogy of conflict in the North-
Eastern areas of Assam, Bodoland, Karbi Anglong, the North-Cacher Hills,
Manipur and the ensuring peace process, the relevance of Gandhian values
and philosophy has given due importance, toward the formation of peace in
the very first volume. The second volume consist of extensive scholary
writings focusing on the insurgency problem and the development of the
peace process, in the North Eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura
and in Karbi Anglong, along with the NC Hill of Assam, with special
reference to Nagaland scholars, like Charles Chaise, having examined the
historical agreement between the NSCN and the Government of India as
well as the current position of the Nagaland.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The study aims to seeking the answers of the following questions
1. What is separatism? What are the foundations of separatism? Besides,
what types of situation leads to the emergence of separate feelings
among the people of a particular community?
2. What are the roots of primordial loyalties on the basis of which Nagas
developed in colonial India and got sharpness against the post-colonial
Indian state?
3. What types of strategies and methods have been adopted by the Indian
state in the process of Nation building against the Nagas to pacify their
rancor?
4. Most of the separatist movement has transnational affiliations and
cross-border support and encouragement to their cause against the
hostile enemies groups or states. The very fact makes the ethnic
rivalries more acute and complicated due to various humanitarian and
instrumental reasons, transitionally fractured and divided community.
They have tried to get external support in their struggle against the
20
Indian state. Hence, it is also necessary to discuss how naga have tried
to get external support? Further, what is nature of external support?
How far they have succeeded in their mission?
5. What are the implications of separatism on Indian polity especially the
question of center state relations in view of the handling of Naga
problem? What are the patterns, forms and dimensions of peace process
between the Naga insurgents and the Indian state?
CHAPTER SCHEME
The answer to the above raised questions will be tries to find out in the
following
Chapter:-1: Introduction
Chapter 1 provides introduction to conducted research and discuss
the review of literature to provide a more concrete foundation on the issue
of Naga problem. It further sets research questions, research methods,
sources and relevance of study and describes the plan of study.
Chapter:-2: Conceptual Framework of Separatism
This chapter will include the discussion over the issue of separatism
in a broader way. This will also analyze the foundations and consequences.
Chapter: - 3: Naga politics under Colonial rule from 1832 to 1947
This chapter will discuss the historical evolution of Naga identity.
Apart from this, chapter will also examines the pre-modern roots of Naga’s
problem in colonial and post-colonial period and also that what type of
response and treatment they have been met out by the colonial and post-
colonial regimes.
21
Chapter: - 4: Naga Separatism and State Response
This chapter describes and analyzes various peace talks and
negotiations that have been held between the Nagas and Indian state.
Chapter: - 5: External Linkages in Naga Uprisings
This chapter presents the external support getting by Nagas and
explore the external linkages of Naga separatism.
Chapter:-6: Conclusion
This chapter provides conclusion of the entire study with major
findings and provides some suggestions which are useful and practicable
for the Naga Problem of India.
RESEARCH METHEDOS
The Present study is based on historical, descriptive and analytical
methods. All the data have been collected from primary as well as
secondary sources. The primary data has been collected from official
reports and document related to the Naga community. Secondary sources
include books and articles published in various research journals,
magazines and newspapers. Besides this, internet sources also used as per
the requirement of the study. Apart from above mentioned sources
Nagaland is also visited to consult various sources available there, like
documents and other related material.
RELEVANCE OF THE STUDY
Relevance of the study lies in the fact that separatist movements is
going on not only in India but also in other neighboring states such as Sri
Lanka and Pakistan. There is consistent struggle for more autonomy and
some demands for separate state and separatism. With regard to the Naga
problem there are efforts going on in India and abroad to resolve the issue
22
but that may take a long period. In the other words, Naga imbroglio is
dominating the national and international academic and political circles.
The study traces the genesis of Naga problem in the colonial period and
analyzes the relation of the Nagas with the Indian state. Moreover, the
study will also include the external linkages of the Naga movement. They
have established their links with foreign powers to get support for their
struggle against the Indian state. Hence, the study will help us to
understand the different aspects of long standing problem of Naga
separatist movement in India.