Kohima: The Naga International Support Center (NISC) fired back at former Nagaland Chief Minister S.C. Jamir on September 24. They targeted his recent public comments regarding the political status of Nagaland. The group cited broad consternation following Jamir’s recent interview. They questioned his timing. Why speak up now? They asked if he only just realized the conflict between India and the Naga people has been a declared war since 1956.
The NISC acknowledged that free speech is a right for all citizens. They noted, "Freedom of speech does not mean words cannot be criticized." The group then dismantled Jamir’s definition of Nagaland. They claimed the British never colonized all Naga territory. They argue less than 25 percent of the land fell under British rule. They demanded to know if Jamir considers the "unexcluded areas" of the "Free Nagas" part of his definition.
Jamir helped form the state of Nagaland in 1963. He was part of the Naga People’s Convention that signed the deal with the Indian government. The NISC claims the convention never spoke for the entire Naga population. They challenged Jamir to produce documents proving Britain ever ceded Naga lands to India. The NISC searched the British Library for proof. They even wrote to the British government. They received no response.
The organization pointed to sharp differences in culture, language, and values between the Nagas and India. They highlighted the lack of a caste system among their people. The NISC claims most Nagas desire a sovereign state rather than governance by an alien culture. They argue Jamir should have been direct. He should have explicitly stated that he wants Nagaland to remain part of India.
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