Preface
This series on Naga political developments is not an exhaustive list but a collection of some major events which may help understand the chronology of events on Naga political developments. This series not only covers insurgency / Naga separatism but other aspects as well.
The roots of Naga separatism precede the India’s Independence. Way back in 1929, when the Independence Movement of India gained momentum, the Naga leaders urged the British not to attach the Naga territory with India. Under the banner of the “Naga Club”, the Nagas petitioned the Simon Commission that they should be left alone to determine their future as in the past and not forced to be ruled by Indians. With recommendations of the Simon Commission, the Government of India Act 1935 declared the “Naga Hills District” to be treated as “Excluded Areas”. On 19 July 1947, a Naga delegation met Mahatma Gandhi at the Bhangi Colony in Delhi and told him that they were resolved to declare their independence a day before India would do so, on 14 August 1947. Gandhi assured the delegation that under no circumstances would force be used against the Nagas, who, according to him, were free to stay out of the Indian Union, if they desired so.
Chronology of Naga Political Developments – Part One
1826: The British annexed Assam in 1826.
1832– First contact between the British and the Nagas happened when Captain Jenkins and Lieutenant Pemberton escorted by Raja Gumbeer Singh‘s Manipur troops forced a passage through the Naga areas for a strategic survey of road communication between Assam and Manipur.
1866: Creation of Naga Hills district
- The Naga Hills district was created in 1866 by the Government of British India and Naga Hills became a district of Assam Province with its headquarters at Samaguting (present day Chumukedima).
- The first police outpost was established in the Naga Hills at Samaguting in 1866, which was later shifted to Kohima in 1888.
1918 – Formation of Naga Club
Read MoreChronology of Naga Political Developments – Part One
