Number of words: 187

‘Only two ancient customs have had to be put down by Government: the sacrifice of mithuns by cruel methods, and head-hunting. The suppression of the first is wholly good, and more humane methods of killing can be substituted without detriment to the rites.

‘The suppression of head-hunting, though necessary in any area which fully administered has probably not been for the benefit of the tribes. The very fact that, far from being an honour, it is a disgrace to be killed in war, makes all Nagas very careful of their own safety, and their wars are singularly innocuous affairs. In a war between two big villages each side might lose one or two men a year.

‘The number of lives saved by the suppression of the practice is therefore negligible, and is far more than balanced by those lost through the spread of disease made easy by safe travelling everywhere. In addition to this there is a very real loss in virility and keenness. Unbroken peace is no better for Nagas than it is for any other race.’

Excerpted from”page number 224, of A philosophy for NEFA”