Critically examine the internal and external reasons that brought the spirit of nationalism among the Nagas. To what extent, this spirit was responsible for making Nagaland an epicentre of insurgency in North East? Examine.

The spirit of Naga nationalism has been shaped by both internal and external factors, impacting the region’s insurgency dynamics.

Internal Factors:

1. Historical Context – Pre-British Nagas were independent tribes, encouraging a strong sense of identity. The British colonial policies disrupted traditional governance structures, leading to resentment.
2. Leadership Divisions – Post-independence, various factions emerged, such as the Naga National Council (NNC) led by Phizo and the Naga People’s Convention (NPC). These divisions often resulted in violent confrontations, undermining unity.

External Factors:

1. Colonial Legacy – The arbitrary borders drawn during colonial rule ignored ethnic identities, sowing seeds of discontent among the Nagas, who felt their sovereignty was compromised.
2. Political Agreements – The Nine-Point Agreement of 1947 and the Shillong Accord of 1975 were perceived as failures by many Naga groups, intensifying their demands for autonomy and self-determination.

Impact on Insurgency:

The culmination of these factors transformed Nagaland into an insurgency epicentre. The rise of armed groups, such as the NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagaland), aimed at establishing a Greater Nagaland or Nagalim, further escalated violence. The internal strife among factions often led to civilian casualties and a cycle of retribution, resulting in a protracted conflict.

Thus, the interplay of internal divisions and external pressures has entrenched Naga nationalism, rendering Nagaland a focal point of insurgency in Northeast India.