Lanukaba Imchen, a 74-year-old former Captain in the Naga Army from Aliba Village, Mokokchung Town, shares his journey and experiences in the Naga movement.
Lanukaba Imchen joined the Naga Army under the Federal Government of Nagaland when he was just 21 years old. “During our time, recruitment to the Naga Army was done through the village authority. Therefore, we joined the Naga movement with the People’s mandate,” he states. His commitment to the cause was driven by a deep sense of duty to protect the safety and security of Naga National workers, a responsibility that, according to him, was shared by the community.
He recalls the discipline and dedication with which they served the Naga Nation, “We served Naga Nation with sincerity, dedication, and well discipline.” Despite the hardships, which included surviving seven days without food and three days without water, Imchen expresses no regret for his involvement in the movement. Instead, he reflects on the valuable lessons and historical knowledge he gained, which he is now eager to pass on to the younger generation.
During his service, Imchen had the opportunity to serve in the General Headquarters (GHQ) in 1972, where he learned the programs and policies of the Naga movement and the importance of defending their rights. His understanding deepened when he realized that “any movement’s economic self-sufficiency is the most important for the success/achievement of the movement.”
However, circumstances compelled him to step away from the active Naga movement in 1975, after which he decided to continue his education. He pursued a degree in Agriculture, graduating with a B.Sc. in Agriculture from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Post-graduation, he served in the Agricultural Department for more than five years as an Agricultural Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO). In 1987, he resigned from service to continue his mission of creating awareness about the importance of strong unity among the Nagas and economic stability for the success of any movement.
Imchen’s commitment to serving his people is evident in his work as a social worker, where he continues to serve “in the best of my ability without any bias.”
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Significant Memories: A Glimpse into the Naga Struggle
Lanukaba Imchen’s recollections extend beyond his personal experiences to the broader history of the Naga movement. He recalls the first ceasefire being declared on August 6, 1964. This was an important moment when political talks began between the Government of India and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) for the recognition of Naga Sovereign Independence. Imchen remembers that during the process of these political talks, some of the FNG leaders defected from the FNG and formed a parallel government, known as the Revolutionary Government of Nagaland, in 1967.
Imchen notes that the aims and policies of the Revolutionary Government of Nagaland, the State Government, and the Government of India were directed toward ending the Naga movement led by the Naga National Council (NNC) and FGN and resolving the Indo-Naga issue within the framework of a 16-point agreement. To suppress the Naga movement, he recalls, the State Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Revolutionary Government of Nagaland and the Government of India, unofficially enforced the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) against the Naga movement. Imchen said “The State Government could not enforce the said two Draconian Laws officially because Nagaland State was placed under External Affairs Ministry as per the 16-point agreement.”
Imchen vividly remembers that as the situation became intolerable, the Naga Army of FGN ambushed the convoy of Nagaland’s Chief Minister, Hokishi Sema, between Dimapur and Kohima in 1972. In response, he recounts, the Government of India, following advice from the State Government, placed Nagaland under the Home Department to officially enforce MISA and AFSPA against the Naga movement, implementing these laws with force. Imchen highlights that even personnel from the NAP and DEF were deployed to fight against their brothers.
He emphasizes that the situation deteriorated to such an extent that the very survival of the Naga movement was at stake. Imchen recalls that in 1974, the NNC-FGN mobilized for an armed struggle under the leadership of Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah. He also remembers a piece of advice given by the NNC Vice President, Imkongmeren, who urged, “If necessary, make friendship even with the Devil.” That is how the Naga Movement could survive against the clutches of MISA and AFSPA.
Imchen emphasizes the importance of remembering these events, particularly for the younger generations. “The present and younger generations should know how the Indian Armed Forces tortured the Nagas – Nagas were hunted like animals in the jungle. They raped Naga women; villages were burnt to ashes; church buildings were not spared, and five or six villages were grouped together in one village, becoming a Concentration Camp where Nagas were tortured. Many people died of starvation, while many others died of multiple diseases.”
He also stresses that despite the turmoil, “Nagas never surrendered our rights to the invaders. There was no question of Press media to expose the issues to the world; everything was executed under strict security.” The period between 1954 and 1964, which he refers to as an “undeclared war,” was a time of extreme hardship for the Naga people, but their resolve never wavered.
Reflection: A Call to Action for the Future
In his closing reflection, Imchen calls on the current generation to recognize the sacrifices made by their ancestors. “Please understand that you are sons and daughters of those who were tortured, humiliated, and killed as they stood to defend their, and our, rights.”
He highlights the significance of the Naga movement in protecting the Naga homeland, which was never a part of India “either by Consent or by Conquest.” The struggle, he asserts, is purely for the recognition of Naga history and rights, which was eventually acknowledged by the Government of India on July 11, 2002.
Imchen also draws attention to important moments in Naga history, such as the 16th May 1951 Plebiscite and the 14th August 1947, Independent Declaration, which are intrinsic to the Naga identity. He warns against the confusion created by anti-Naga agencies and urges the Naga people to unite in pressing the State Government and the Indian Government to honor the promises of freedom.
“This is the time when Nagas should understand the unique history of our land and people, and not let the bloodshed and suffering of our parents and grandparents go in vain. It is time we stand together and pressure the State Government and Indian Government to give us the freedom we were promised.
“We must not prolong our independence. The Government of India has already recognized our unique history and situation,” he affirms, ending with “KUKNALIM”.
