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The British Statutory Commission
Camp-India

Sub: Memorandum of the Naga Hills

Sir,

We the undersigned Nagas of the Naga Club at Kohima, who are the only persons at present who can voice for our people have heard with great regret that our Naga Hills is included within the Reformed Scheme of India without our knowledge, but as administration is continued to be in the hands of the British officers and we did not consider it necessary to raise any protest in the past. Now we have learnt that you have come to India as representative of the British Government to inquire into the working of the system of Government and the growth of education and we beg to submit below our view with the prayer that our hills may be withdrawn from the Reformed Scheme and placed outside the Reforms but directly under the British Government. We never asked for any reforms and we do not wish for any reforms.

Before the British Government conquered our country in 1879-80, we were living in a state of intermittent warfare with Assamese of the Assam valley to the North and West of our country and Manipuris to the South. They never conquered us, nor were we ever subjected to their rule. On the other hand, we were always a terror to these people. Our country within the administered area consists of more than eight regions quite different from one another, with quite different languages which cannot be understood by each other , and there are more regions outside the administered area which are not known at present. We have no unity among us and it is only the British government that is holding us now.

Our education is poor. The occupation of our country by the British government being so recent as 1880, we have had no chance or opportunity to improve in education though we can boast of two or three graduates of an Indian University in our country, we have not got one yet who is able to represent us in any council of a province. Moreover our population numbering 1,02,000 is very small in comparison with the population of the plains districts in the province; and any representation that may be allotted to us in the council will be negligible and will have no weight whatever. Our language is quite different from those of the plains and we have no social affinities with the Hindus or Mussalmans. We are looked down upon by the one for "beef" and the other for our "pork" and by both for want in education, is not due to any fault of ours.

Our country is poor and it does not pay for its administration. Therefore, if it is continued to be placed under the Reformed Scheme, we are afraid that new and heavy taxes will be impose on us, and we cannot pay, then all land will have to be sold and in the long run we shall have no share in the land of our birth and live will not be worth living then. Though our land at present is within the British territory, Government have always recognized our private rights in it, but if we are forced to enter the council the majority of whose number is sure to belong to the other district, we also have much fear the introduction of foreign laws and customs to supersede our own customary law which we now enjoy.

For the above reasons, we pray that the British Government will continue to safeguard our right against all encroachment from other people who are more advanced than us. By withdrawing our country that we should not thrust to the mercy of other people who could never be subjected; but to leave us alone to determine ourselves as in ancient times. We claim not only the members of the Naga Club to represent all those regions to which we belong, viz., Angamis, Kacha Nagas, Kukis, Semas, Lothas and Rengmas, but also other regions of Nagaland.

Signed by:

1. Nihu Angami, Head Interpreter
2. Hisale, Peshkar,
3. Nisier Angami, Master
4. Khosa, Doctor
5. Gebo Kacha Naga, Interpreter
6. Vipunyu Angami, Potdar
7. Goyiepra Angami, Treasurer
8. Ruzhukhrie Angami, Master
9. Tikhrie Angami, Sub-Overseer
10. Zapuzhulie Angami, Master
11. Zepulie Angami, Interpreter
12. Katsuno Angami, Interpreter
13. Nuolhoukielie Angami, Interpreter
14. Inzevi Sema, Interpreter
15. Apomo Lotha, Interpreter
16. Resile Renga, Interpreter
17. Lengjang Kuki, Interpreter
18. Nikhriehu Angami, Interpreter
19. Miakrao Angami, Chaprasi
20. Levi Kacha Naga, Clerk.