Ao played a pivotal role in the resistance against the Assamisation of Naga Hills and the fight for the separation of Nagaland from the province of Assam. Prior to his rise to prominence, conflict between the NNC and government of India had led to mass insurgency and human rights violations. Through the formation of the Naga People's Convention, he resisted the economic suppression and militarization imposed by the Indian army, which included burning, grouping, and re-location of villages. The struggle and sacrifices of these pioneers granted the Nagas an identity and status.[1]
In 1959, Ao served as the President of the third Naga People's Convention (NPC) held in Mokokchung. During this convention, a demand was formulated for the constitution of Naga Hills as a full-fledged new state, to be named Nagaland, with provisions for autonomy to safeguard Naga interests. This demand caught the Indian government by surprise and presented a challenge to the integration policy with Assam.[1]
Recognizing the democratic urges of a reasonable section of the Nagas, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru moved the Indian Parliament in August 1960 to constitute Nagaland as a new state. The establishment of Nagaland was a response to the demand presented by the Naga People's Convention under Ao's leadership. This decision marked a significant step towards the preservation of Naga identity within the Indian Union.[1]
Despite opposition from Naga secessionists, the creation of Nagaland as the 16th state of the Indian Union laid a foundation for autonomy under Article 371(A) of the Constitution. This period also saw the inclusion of eastern Naga areas from the NEFA Division into Nagaland, causing concern among Assamese politicians about Assam’s potential disintegration.[1]
