The Nagas

Hill Peoples of Northeast India

Project Introduction The Naga Database

typescript 'Journey to Nagaland', by Mildred Archer. An account of six months spent in the Naga Hills in 1947

caption: differing reactions to the Hydari agreement and the Khonoma groups secession from the NNC
medium: diaries
person: MayangAlibaHydari/ Sir Akbar
date: 18.7.1947
production:
person: Archer/ Mildred
date: 9.7.1947-4.12.1947
text: Opinion about this agreement now seems to be very divided. The more acute Nagas realise that the clauses were very loosely worded. Many matters were left unsaid. It was believed by some to convey much fuller powers than it did. It said nothing of an interim government. But on the other hand, it does seem to have given the Aos the substance of their first (17) demands and both Mayang and Aliba seem willing to maintain it.
text: The Angamis on the other hand seem to have been very far from satisfied. The more cautious Kohima group reluctantly accepted the clauses but the Khonoma group, the most extreme of the Angamis, were bitterly disappointed. 'The only safeguard for the Nagas is gone' they said. The more they reflected on the position the worse it seemed and as the Governor was returning from Manipur they again met him and demanded the right to opt for independence in ten years' time. The Governor refused to change the ninth clause, so seeing no alternative the Khonoma Angamis have now seceded from the N.N.C. and have started a movement of their own.