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IV. Naga Hills. Early history |
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Historical Summary - The Hills Districts |
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withdrawal from Angami country; Naga raids; further reduction of outposts in North Cachar |
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After this successful expedition, the Government of India decided upon a complete withdrawal from interference with the internal concerns of the Angami Nagas. The Governor-General, Lord Dalhousie, wrote in his minute of the 20th February 1851:- |
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"Hereafter we should confine ourselves to our own ground; protect it as it can and must be protected; not meddle in the feuds or fights of these savages; encourage trade with them as long as they are peaceful towards us; and rigidly exclude them from all communication either to sell what they have got, or to buy what they want, if they should become turbulent or troublesome. |
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"These are the measures which are calculated to allay their natural fears of our aggression upon them, and to repel their aggression on our people. These will make them feel our power both to repel their attacks, and to exclude them from advantages they desire, far better, at less cost, and with more justice, than by annexing their country openly by a declaration, or virtually by a partial occupation." |
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In March 1851 our troops were withdrawn, and in that year twenty two Naga raids were reported, in which 55 persons were killed, 10 wounded, and ll3 taken captive. In 1853, as already related, an officer was stationed in the North Cachar Hills at Asalu; but he was instructed to regard the Angamis as persons living beyond the jurisdiction of the British government, although in 1841 the watershed of the Barail range to the south of the Angami country had been authoritatively laid down as the boundary of jurisdiction between Manipur and Assam. A line of outposts, with regular patrols, was established between Asalu and Barpathar, in the Nambar forest; but in 1857 these outposts were reduced and gradually withdrawn. |
