As one steps into the office of Longvibu of Naga Army, one distinct feature is a picture frame of the much younger General Ningkhan Shimray with an older man, a Chinese Army General. The Longvibu had fondly recollected General Lee’s contributions to the Naga movement during the 79th Naga Independence Day.
WHO IS GENERAL LEE?
General Lee was a military officer of the People’s Liberation Army of China. General Lee was the GOC of Yunnan Province back in 1967-74 and later on became the C-in-C of PLA of China.
GENERAL LEE’S CONTRIBUTION TO NAGA REVOLUTION
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) has historically sought military training and support in China, particularly in the Yunnan province. Yunnan province has been identified as a location where NSCN members have sought military training.
General Ningkhan Shimray, Longvibu of Naga Army stated “I along with many of my comrades were trained under his leadership. At that time General Lee was the GOC of Yunnan Province.”
General Lee was a military officer of PLA during one of the most turbulent periods of the People’s Republic of China. During his period as GOC of Yunnan Province, the PLA had imparted various military trainings to the Naga Army.
THE GRUELLING JOURNEY
The Naga rebels had first gone to China looking for aid and military training. The Naga Revolutionaries took the gruelling journey on foot to Yunnan via Myanmar. During those days, they did not have any arms to fight the Indian and Burmese armies that were hunting them. Without food and water, they were compelled to travel for days and days.
In an interview with The Caravan, (https://caravanmagazine.in/conflict/naga-militant-avuli-chishi-swu-trip-china-arms), Avuli Chishi Swu, who was among the first Naga cadres to go to China in 1974 for procuring arms and training, recalled her eight-month trek to China. 20 women along with 375 men led by Isak Chishi Swu had gone to China. Out of which only 12 of them reached China, 4 were women. All others perished during the journey. Avuli Chishi Swu had shared, “I have no regrets that I had to undergo this ignominy. Nothing mattered to me. All I wanted was to reach China.”
PRESENT NAGA ARMY STRENGTH
It is difficult to give the exact numbers of the Naga Army due to its various factions.
According to media reports:
NSCN-IM has an estimated 5,000 cadres
NSCN-K estimated to be under 500.
NSCN-U estimated to have over 1,000 members
NSCN-R estimated to have around 2,500 members.
Inspite of the fragmentations, one common factor that will always stand the test of time is the Nagas’ resilience and love for their land. And this could be the reason for them to unite again and again.
