Early Life of Zapu Phizo
Zapu Phizo was born on May 16, 1913, in the village of Khonoma, which is part of the Nagaland region in northeastern India. He hailed from the Angami Naga community, notably belonging to the Merhüma clan. The Angami tribe is one of the prominent tribes in Nagaland known for their rich history and unique cultural heritage, including intricate traditions in weaving, agriculture, and rituals. Khonoma, known as the first green village in India, is not just significant for its natural beauty but is also steeped in history, closely associated with the Naga independence movement.
Phizo's early life was marked by adversity, particularly due to a paralytic attack he suffered in childhood, which left his face twisted. This physical challenge did not deter him; in fact, it may have fueled his determination to pursue his goals and become an influential figure among the Naga people. His resilience is often highlighted as a significant part of his character. During World War II, Phizo played a notable role in the Naga context by collaborating with the Japanese army in Burma. This collaboration was pivotal as it aimed to gain independence for the Naga populace from British colonial rule. The Naga Hills were strategically important during the war, and Phizo’s association with the Japanese reflected his commitment to the Naga cause.
Described as a visionary, Zapu Phizo later emerged as a prominent leader in the struggle for Naga self-determination. His complex background and experiences contributed to shaping his political ideologies, which sought to empower the Naga people. His early years indeed laid a foundation for his future endeavors as he strived to unify the Naga tribes and advocate for their rights, ultimately marking him as a significant figure in the narrative of India’s northeastern regional politics.
Political Life of Phizo
As the British colonial regime was nearing its end in India, a significant political maneuver was taking place in the northeastern region, particularly among the Naga people. Naga leader A.Z. Phizo sought to unite various indigenous tribes, including Assamese, Garos, Khasis, Lushais, Abors, Mishmis, and Meiteis, to establish independent sovereign nations. This was driven by a desire for self-determination rather than joining the newly proposed Union of India. Despite Phizo's fervent advocacy, his endeavors to persuade these groups to break away and form their own countries were unsuccessful. Underlining his commitment to this cause, Phizo declared the independence of the Naga region on 14 August 1947, a day before India formally gained independence.
Phizo's prominence within the Naga National Council (NNC) grew substantially during the late 1940s following the retirement of NNC secretary Imti Aliba Ao. This change in leadership presented Phizo with an opportunity to solidify his influence, and he ultimately became the organization's chairman in late 1949 after a closely contested election against Vizar Angami, winning by a single vote. Phizo's leadership marked a significant shift towards a more radical approach, advocating for secession from India and encouraging the Naga populace to abstain from participating in Indian elections. His quest for dialogue with Indian leadership led him to meet three times with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru between 1951 and 1952, as well as other prominent politicians like Jaipal Singh, although these discussions did not yield fruitful results.
The quest for an independent Nagaland led Phizo to establish the "People’s Sovereign Republic of Free Nagaland" with assistance from the Chang chiefs of Tuensang in 1954. This move was consistent with his attempts at restructuring the NNC as prospects for a peaceful resolution diminished. However, internal dissent arose within the NNC, and key leaders, including T. Sakhrie and J. B. Jasokie, broke away from Phizo's leadership in 1955. Their departure highlighted rifts in the movement, leading to violent outcomes, including the assassination of Sakhrie in January 1956. Responding to the growing tensions and asserting his authority, Phizo established the "Naga Central Government" on 22 March 1956, which was later rebranded as the "Federal Government of Nagaland" in 1959, complete with a military wing to support its ambitions.
Facing increasing pressure, Phizo fled to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in December 1956 and eventually made his way to London. In exile, he continued to advocate for the secessionist movement in Nagaland, maintaining his ideological stance until his death in 1990. Despite his efforts for the cause, Phizo encountered challenges regarding his travel, particularly when the Indian embassy denied him a visa to visit India after he had acquired a British passport. His contributions and leadership style were later memorialized by Khodao Yanthan, who asserted that Phizo epitomized the qualities of a true Naga leader, suggesting that his unique position in Naga politics was unlikely to be replicated in the future. Phizo's legacy remains significant in the context of the Naga independence movement, as he fathered eleven children, ensuring the continuity of his family's legacy amidst the turbulent historical backdrop of his nation's struggle for autonomy.