Kohima: The Naga Magna Carta Day was observed at Ighanumi village under Pughoboto sub-division in Zunheboto district, commemorating the historic Memorandum submitted by the Naga Club to the Simon Commission on January 10, 1929.
Organised by the Naga Club and hosted by Ighanumi village, the event witnessed the participation of leaders, villagers, and dignitaries.
Delivering the presidential address, Naga Club president Kuolachalie Seyie reflected on the historical significance of the day and Ighanumi’s role in the Naga struggle for independence and sovereignty.
Seyie expressed gratitude to the people of Ighanumi for preserving the legacy of Naga history and identity. He emphasized the Naga Club’s pivotal role in fostering unity and shaping the political and social vision of the Naga people. “This day calls for reflecting on the past, assessing the present, and planning for the future with confidence and humility,” Seyie said.
Honoring Naga Heroes
Seyie paid tribute to prominent figures like Shihani Swu, Khuli, and Teli Kiba, whose contributions and sacrifices significantly shaped Naga history.
Shihani Swu, the first chaplain of the Naga Club and a close follower of A.Z. Phizo, was remembered for establishing the UNSETI Camp in 1974 and spreading the message of “Nagaland for Christ.” Swu’s unwavering dedication to the Naga cause saw him imprisoned multiple times. In 1994, he, along with others, restored the abandoned UNSETI Camp for prayers with the support of five villages.
Khuli, a pregnant woman from Ighanumi, was remembered for her tragic death during a military operation on September 4, 1974. Mistaken for Hovili, the NNC Women Wing President, Khuli was tortured and killed by Indian soldiers. Seyie highlighted her sacrifice, calling it a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage of Naga civilians during the conflict.
Teli Kiba, the first woman Gaonbura (GB) in Naga history, was also honored for her progressive reforms, including legal rights for women over property and inheritance. A staunch advocate of Christianity, Kiba played a key role in hosting the first Baptist Association in Nagaland in 1912.
Ighanumi: A Historical and Spiritual Landmark
Seyie elaborated on Ighanumi’s significance as the oldest Sümi village, established around 914 A.D. by Ashu Igha. It also became the first Sümi village to adopt Christianity in 1904, spearheaded by missionaries Sieliezhü Angami and Suluho Chakhesang, along with village headmen Ghopfuna and Ghüsüna.
The village’s role during the Naga struggle was underscored by the establishment of the UNSETI Camp in 1974, which served as a critical site for the Naga National Council (NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN). The camp’s name, an acronym for “Unity or Undivided Naga National Workers Last Gathering Place,” was reportedly chosen through divine revelation and became the venue for the 27th Naga Independence Day celebration on August 14, 1974.
Seyie also highlighted the prophecy associated with the camp, which states it will serve as a significant gathering place for Nagas when they regain full independence.
As part of the event, Naga Club members visited the UNSETI Camp site and laid wreaths at the graves of Shihani Swu and Khuli. The gesture was a solemn tribute to their enduring contributions to the Naga cause.
Reflection and Hope
Seyie called upon the Naga people to honor the legacy of pioneers like Swu, Khuli, and Kiba by upholding the values they fought for. “Their sacrifices have laid a strong foundation for us to preserve our political, cultural, and historical identity,” he remarked.
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