'Most Nagas do not want the Indian state of Nagaland'

:Because Nagaland is such a forgotten corner of the world. It isn't at all well known even in India, and it is much misunderstood. I had known about the Naga hills from childhood. For me, at that stage of life, and as someone with a great love for India, this was a Secret Garden or Lost Kingdom, a land from a Kipling story. As I grew up, I remained curious. When I finally went to Nagaland in the early 1980s, I had the opportunity - not as a journalist - to tell the story of a people and a place that deserve recognition. I have been astonished by how little people in India know about Nagaland and its extraordinary history. Here, aside from a fascinating people with a rich culture, is a land that has been a junction box for political ambitions that have shaped the world. This is where the Japanese nearly invaded India in 1944. This is where China might have invaded in 1962. For any number of reasons, Nagaland matters.Iwould say that the vast majority of Naga people want independence from India.Being forced into Indian citizenship when the state of Nagaland was created in1963 only strengthened the resolve of most Nagas. From then on, to fight forNagalim - the dream of a greater Nagaland embracing all Naga tribes across stateand international borders - meant being a subversive or traitor. This has notgone down well with Naga people. Of course, there are those who do well workingwith the federal government and in modern business, and these people - a smallminority - do have a less intransigent view of where Nagaland stands in relationto India.Nagas were promised theirfreedom by Mahatma Gandhi. This offer was revoked, and brutally so as eventsproved, by Jawaharlal Nehru and his successors. So there is a lack of trust.Nagas come from a very different background and culture. They still want theirown country, much, perhaps, as the Irish did when ruled byBritain.Nagas are very happywith the idea of being Nagas; their attachment to their beautiful hills isprofound. India cannot truly understand Nagaland because most Nagas do not wantthe Indian state of Nagaland. If more Indians were able or willing to travelthrough Nagaland, I think they would understand. After all, Indians worked hardfor their independence. They, of all people, should understand the dream of anindependent Nagaland.The desire for independence is deep-rooted. TheLook East policy, driving economic development into Nagaland and the northeastgenerally, has helped many people in a matter-of-fact way. Yet, whenever I speakwith Naga people, no matter how seemingly integrated into modern Indian life andeven the global economy, I hear a longing for an independent Nagalim. And, asNagas, whether villagers or professors in North America, told me, Nagaland isnot for sale.