Kuknalim Naga Armed Resistance: Testimonies of Leaders, Pastors, Healers and Soldiers

“Kuknalim, Naga Armed Resistance: Testimonies of Leaders, Pastors, Healers, and Soldiers” by Nandita Haksar presents a groundbreaking exploration of the Naga national movement from an insider’s perspective. This pioneering book draws upon extensive interviews conducted with Naga nationalists during the late 1990s in Bangkok, Kathmandu, Dimapur, and Delhi. It delves into the enduring nature of the Indo-Naga conflict, which has spanned over seven decades, and sheds light on why successive Indian prime ministers, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, personally engaged with Naga leaders in attempts to find resolution.

Through direct accounts, leaders and members representing ten Naga tribes scattered across India and Myanmar share their personal narratives, recounting childhood experiences, motivations for joining the armed struggle, and the triumphs and tragedies they have encountered along the way. The stories trace their paths from impoverished mountain villages to the jungles of Myanmar, their procurement of arms from China to fight for an independent Nagaland, and their eventual journey to the negotiating table. These testimonies capture the essence of the Naga movement, spanning from World War II to 1997 when the Naga nationalists, under the NSCN (IM), entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Indian state and initiated peace talks. Additionally, the book’s introduction and various sections provide political context and offer insights into subsequent events.

The book offers invaluable perspectives into the realm of Naga insurgency and its geopolitical significance. It does not seek to persuade readers to agree or disagree with the individuals and the movement it portrays but delves into complex issues of identity politics, the interplay of religion and nationalism, and the profound sentiments that drive individuals to take up arms and endure extreme hardships in pursuit of their dreams. With meticulous research and compelling narratives, this book offers a unique lens through which readers can gain a deeper understanding of the Naga struggle.