local/Public SPace
The Morung Express
Sunday 21 September 2014
Dimapur
5
How good is Nagaland govt’s good sense?: A Response A humble proposal for consideration to the article captioned “How good is Nagaland Government’s good sense?” by a Naga gentleman Mr. Thepfulhouvi Solo in the local paper “Nagaland Post” Friday, September 19, 2014. He raised the question ‘How good is the Nagaland Government’s good sense?” to construct a Museum Cum Library in the Secretariat Area in memory of ‘Rani Gaidinliu.’ The Nagaland Government surely must have not only a good sense but have sympathy with human touch for a Naga woman who sacrificed so much for her Naga people and the country. In doing so the Nagaland Government without any prejudice but in justice irrespective of Nagas’ tribes division, sex, religion and territorial boundaries decided to construct the museum. Rani Gaidinliu and her Naga tribe Zeliangrong (Zeme, Liangmai (Zeliang), Rongmei and Puimei) live together as kindred brothers in their contiguous area. They live together in harmony sharing their land, water, air and all resources. They have come thus far through thick and thin as brothers and sisters walking together side by side. They sorted out all differences cropping up from among themselves or any kind of threat from outside. For instance, there were villages feuds even among their kindred tribes but it had been settled long back by their Zeliangrong Hoho and permanently established peace in the COVENANT “CHUKSU GOROUMEI” among themselves. They erected the Memorial Stones of Chuksu Goroumei (Peace Covanant) in their District HQs and other centres to remind themselves of the Peace Covenant. The most unfortunate situation for the Zeliangrong people is that the British divided their contiguous land into three parts and put each in Assam (N.C.Hills, now Dima Hasao District), Manipur (Tamenglong District and some contiguous areas in Senapati and Churachandpur Districts), and Nagaland (Peren District). But in the eyes of Rani Gaidinliu and most of the Zeliangrong people, they see their land as one in spite of the artificial states boundaries. Rani Gaidinliu was born in Luangkao village in Tamenglong District, Manipur but for the Zeliang and the Rongmei people in Nagaland Rani Gaidinliu belongs here in Peren District, Nagaland (except for some handful people), for the Zeme people in Dima Hasao District (former N.C.Hills) and the Rongmei people in Cachar District, Rani Gaidinliu belongs there in Assam and for the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Puimei living in Manipur, Rani Gaidinliu belongs there. The States of Assam and Manipur
want to own Rani Gaidinliu as their Freedom Fighter this day. But Rani Gaidinliu as a Naga woman belongs here in Nagaland. The Nagaland Government and its Naga people naturally as Nagas give more natural love to Rani Gaidinliu. In those days Assam and Manipur did not have high opinion about Rani Gaidinliu as she was a Naga woman. In this context, two incidents are quoted here below in the writings of Jawaharlal Nehru: 1. To Gopinath Bordoloi My dear Bordoloi, “I am very glad to learn from your Governor that the restriction on Rani Gaidinliu have at last been ended. I am quite convinced that it has been a monstrous thing for a woman to be kept in prison and restrictions for 18 long years. Nothing can justify it. I say so after having read all the papers and heard all the arguments not only today but for all these years. Sri. Prakasa is giving Rs.500/. It would have been a graceful thing for the Assam Government to have done so. But as this was not considered proper, I have sent a cheque of Rs.500/- to Sri.Prakasa. Sri.Prakasa has also suggested that her pension should be increased to Rs.75/- per month. I uunderstand that the Assam Government is not willing to give this even. I confess I am surprised. However it is for you to decide. If the Assam Government will not give it some of us will arrange to give it out of our private pockets. The sum is not a big one anyhow. But it would be a graceless thing if a Government which has kept a woman in prison 18 years object to paying her pension now.” Yours Sincerely, Jawaharlal Nehru
(From Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru in Documents of North-East India: An Exhaustive Survey Vol. 4, Assam, 1936 - 1957) 2. During a correspondence for release of Rani Gaidinliu - one Mr. Sharp, a British Agent in Manipur once remarked “a surly girl” referring to Gaidinliu. Jawaharlal was so unhappy and remarked, “Manipur a tiny state which is not known by outside world but only for Rani Gaidinliu and Manipur Raj Lila dance. In the 2011 Independence Day, Kohima speech delivered by Mr. Neiphiu Rio, the then Chief Minister, he announced “The Government is
also giving due emphasis to development of rural tourism infrastructure. As tourism and culture go hand in hand, the Art and Culture Department is planning to set up Rani Gaidinliu Library-cum-Memorial Museum in the State.” A memorandum was submitted to Mr. Neiphiu Rio, the then Chief Minister of Nagaland on the occasion of his August visit to Tening Small Town by Rani Gaidinliu Integrated Foundation (RGIF) on 12th October, 2009. In his magnanimous gesture, he declared in the public gathering that he would recommend to the Centre (GOI) for Rani Gaidinliu Library-cum-Memorial Museum at Kohima. True to his promise, he recommended to the centre and it is actualising now. It is possible first because of the statesmanship and grace of Mr. Nephiu Rio, the patronage of the present Chief Minister Mr. T. R. Zeliang and Mr. C. M. Chang the former M.P (Nagaland) and Mr. Bijoy Krishna Handique, the then Union Minister, DoNER. Ultimately, the project is put under the Directorate of Art & Culture, Government of Nagaland. Jadonang and Gaidinliu had been fighting for the Naga Raj but the movement was confined in the Zeliang areas of Nagaland; Zeme and Rongmei areas of Assam (N. C. Hills and Cachar District); Rongmei, Zeme, Liangmai and Puimei areas of Tamenglong District, Manipur. The Independence Movement of India and the Congress Party which spearheaded the Movement considered all Movements against the then British Rule – the Freedom Movement and the persons involved are the Freedom Fighters. After Jadonang, Gaidinliu opted for the Integration of her Zeliangrong people under Indian Constitution. The Naga Independence Movement in the long run sharply divided into two groups of opinion for the best interest of the Nagas. One group opted for the Nagaland State under the Indian Constitution, and the present Nagaland State was created. The other group tenaciously cling for the Nagas’ Sovereignty. In the mean time, the Zeliangrong people were also sharply divided into two groups – the Nagas sovereignty and ‘under’ Indian Constitution. Rani Gaidinliu opted for the integration of her people under the Indian Constitution while the other group carried on for the Naga Sovereignty. The Zeliangrong representatives of Manipur who wanted to join the Nagaland State were way laid and forced to go back by the Naga National workers of Zeliangrong region (Naga Crucible by Namthiubuiyang Pamei). Fellow Naga brethrens are enjoying in the Nagaland State of Nagaland as a result of the collective sacrifice of
life, toil, sweat, and sufferings of all the Nagas whether they be of Nagaland State, and other Naga areas such as Assam, Manipur, Arunachal, and Myanmar. The majority of the Naga brethrens who live and enjoy in the hard earned Nagaland State are so understanding, and they collectively see the Nagas as a whole with love. The other Nagas who have been fighting for the Naga cause are still not getting their due share. They are not begging for sympathy from their brethrens of Nagaland state nor do they indulge in envy and jealousy. But they deserve your understanding and sincere hearts of love. Rani Gaidinliu is most slandered and misunderstood. When she was in Yimrup, now Tuensang District, she was once converted into Christianity and she had been quite happy with her new faith. But she gave up Christian faith (MANIPUR: Maid of the Mountains by R. Constantine). I am a Christian. From 1975 – 1977, I was the Personal Secretary to Rani Gaidinliu and I never compromised my faith. The repentant Christian who accepts Jesus Christ as a personal Saviour and who yields to the guidance of the Holy Spirit is always guided by the Holy Spirit. But Salvation is personal between an individual and God alone. We Christians are commanded not to judge. However, during my short experience with her, I learnt that Rani Gaidinliu was surprised by the Christians attitude of judging and slandering. Our Christian faith was very fragile those days. Singing traditional songs, dances and cultural activities were tabooed. The approach of propagating the gospel was sometimes forceful and slanderous. Gaidinliu was also one of the victims. In our place, even listening to the radio, watching cinemas, reading the newspapers were forbidden once. In the eyes of a Christian in those days, Gaidinliu was a devil possessed woman. We know that being a nominal Christian has no assurance of salvation, and may be living in the influence of the devil. I do not have authority to say about her salvation from Christian perspective but she was a great woman who inculcated and practised religious tolerance. She loved her Naga people and she loved them to the end. She lived in Kohima from 1966-1993. Within this period, she spent two years with Zeme Nagas at Hangruma village, then N. C. Hills, Assam in the last part of her life. The last short phase of her life was spent in her native village Luankao, Tamenglong District. She died in her birthplace. The British arrested Gaidinliu and her kid brother, who was a little boy of about 11 years in Pulomy village on 17th October, 1932. Her kid
brother was exiled to Yimrup village, now Tuensang District while she was imprisoned for 01 year in Guwahati jail (1933), 06 years in Shillong jail (1934-1939), 03 years in Aizwal jail (1940 to 1942) and 04 years in Tura Jail (1934-1947). Her kid brother grew up in Yimrup and married a Chang lady of Yimrup. He became a Chang and he died a Chang. He is a freedom Fighter awarded by GOI. His name is Mr. Khiusinang Marang Chang. His mortal remains lay buried at Upper Forest Colony, Kohima while his sister Rani Gaidinlu is buried in a far away place. Not only in death were they separated, but even in life, she and her kid brother were separated to the extent of becoming other Naga tribe. They are proud to become one of the Naga Tribes. For Rani Gaidinliu the artificial boundaries do not separate her Naga people. In her words, “development is very thin” when her people are living in separate states as minority. In 1966, Rani Gaidinliu surrendered and was received by the Honourable Minister, Nagaland (Father of Mr. Himato Zhimomi, Commissioner & Secretary, for Tourism, Art and Culture). Since then the Nagaland State Government took care of her till her death. Mr. S. C. Jamir, the then Chief Minister of Nagaland allotted the Government V Type Quarter in the name of Rani Gaidinliu (posthumous). She was conferred a number of awards and honoured in recognition for her selfless service: 1. Recipient of Freedom Fighter award, the Tamra Patra Award 1972 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. 2. The Padma Bhushan in 1981 by President of India Neelam Shanjiva Reddy. 3. The Vivekananda Sewa Samman in 1983 by Bada Bazar Kumarsabha Pustakalaya, Kolkata. 4. The Birasha Munda Award 1996 (Posthumous) 5. One Rupee Indian Postal Stamp in her name, released in 1996. 6. The Government of India instituted an award called Stree Shakti Puruskar in honour of six eminent women in the Indian history. They are Devi Ahillya Bai Holkar, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Mata Jijabai, Rani Gaidinliu, Kunnagi and Rani Rudramma Devi. These awards of Rs.3 lakhs and a citation are given away every year on the 8th March (International Women Day) to veteran women social workers in recognition of their outstanding services for the society. The recipients are recommended by the state Governments and
screened by the Screening Committee, GOI. 7. The Union Ministry of Defence launched on November 6, 2010 “IPV RANI GAIDINLIU” (Inshore Petrol Vessel) 51.15 metres of length and 8.36 meters breadth. The vessels are fitted with an advanced Global Maritime and Safety System (GMDSS). The armament consists of one CRN 91 Naval Gun along with its fire control system. They also carried one rigid inflatable boat. The ship crew consists of 5 officers and 34 men. It is needless to say that the monarchy system had been long abolished when India after her independence became a Republic India. Jawaharlal Nehru was not a fool to address ‘Rani’ on a very strict term but in his magnanimity out of love and high respect of a woman who dared to challenge an Empire addressed her ‘Rani.’ From then on, the title ‘Rani’ is attached to her name. Gaidinliu was not a fool either to use the title ‘Rani’ but she accepted it out of respect and gratitude for a great man in the person of Jawaharlal Nehru who had shown justice and kindness for her and her Naga people. Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr, Aung San Suu Kyi - they all have found their places in the hearts of their people for their sacrifices and love but some of our Naga leaders hardly find their places as they deserve in the hearts of their Naga people. Rather they often find slander, gossip and at times are branded as murderers arising out of fabricated rumours. Rani Gaidinliu is widely known and respected not only amongst our Naga people but in the National and International levels. She is a lone woman Freedom Fighter from the Northeast, and the Northeast people respect and love her. Volumes of Rani Gaidinliu’s good and selfless sacrifices has been said and written by people in the Northeast, National and International levels but there is no space to accommodate in this paper. Nagaland Government in perfect senses under the magnanimous leaderships of Mr. Neiphiu Rio, the then Chief Minister, Nagaland, Mr. T. R. Zeliang, the present Chief Minister of Nagaland, Mr. C. M. Chang, the then MP of Nagaland, and Mr. Bijoy Krishna Handique, the then Union Minister, GOI, have established this Rani Gaidinliu Library-cum-Memorial Museum, Kohima, in the interest of the Nagaland State in particular, and the Nagas as a whole. Achun Kamei Chairman, Rani Gaidinliu Integrated Foundation (RGIF), Regd. under Indian Trusts Act, 1882. New Ministers’ Hills, House No. G B 15, Kohima, Nagaland.
The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.
317 recruits pass out from NPTS Stay awake, be alert and avert: SCD
The 61st batch recruit constables of district Executive Force, IG (Int), IG (Crime), NPTO, Jail Warders and State Vigilance Commission during the ceremonial attestation parade at the NPTS, Chumukedima on September 20. (Inset) DGP Besesayo Kezo. Morung Express News Police, Besesayo Kezo in- sacrifice, he said that only Dimapur | September 20
317 recruits passed out from the Nagaland Police Training School (NPTS), Chumukedima, Dimapur on September 20. The recruits, including 21 women personnel, were the 61st batch of constables to pass out from the NPTS and would be absorbed in the various branches of the Nagaland Police. The Director General of
spected the ceremonial attestation parade held at the NPTS parade ground. In his address, the DGP said that toning the police uniform is like a rebirth. “It is the second birth of the men and women who are passing out today,” the DGP said; while reminding the recruits of the great responsibility that comes with the khaki uniform. Stating that life in the police service is not devoid of challenges and demands
those who put in that extra effort can prevail. “If you take your work in all sincerity, I promise you, you’ll shine in life.” Further reminding the recruits that they will be directly involved in fighting crime, the DGP said, “When a criminal treats a policeman as an enemy remember you are doing well but when a criminal treats you as a friend, you are failing on your duties”.
EC announces schedules for 11 Northern Angami - II bye-election KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 20 (DIPR): The Deputy Commissioner & Returning Officer, Kohima, W Honje Konyak has issued a notification for the forthcoming Bye-Election that an election is to be held for a member to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in the 11Northern Angami -II Constituency. Nomination papers may be delivered by a candidate or by any of his proposers to the Return-
ing Officer or to Assistant Returning Officer, Asangla Imti at DC & RO Office between 11 A.M and 3 P.M on any day (other than public holiday) but not later than September 27. Forms of nomination paper may be obtained at the place and time aforesaid, the nomination paper will be taken up for scrutiny at DC Kohima Conference Hall on September 29 at 11 A.M. Notice of withdrawal of
candidature may be delivered either by a candidate or by any of his proposers or by his election agent who has been authorized in writing by the candidate to deliver it to either of the officers specified in paragraph (2) above at his office before 3 P.M. on October 1 and, in the event of the elections be ing contested, the poll will be October between the hours of 7:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m.
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 20 (MExN): The Sumi Council Dimapur (SCD) today expressed its disturbance and apprehension over the spats of incidents in the recent past where innocent women and girls have been subjected to “brutality of the worst kind”. In a press release, SCD Chairman, Kuhoi Zhimo said that, the Council has taken note of all the incidents, which are disturbing the very fabric of our Naga society. The barbaric act of one husband to his wife at Kohima on September 4, the brutal rape and murder
of a school girl at Merapani on September 12 and the same rape and murder of an innocent child of nine years at Amaluma village under Dhansiripar SubDivision of Dimapur District on September 14, have sent shockwaves across the state, it added. Moreover, all these crimes were committed within a span of a fortnight for a small place like Nagaland, the Council stated while condemning all incidents that smears the tag of a civilized society. The SCD further added that, the society has a major role to play instead of
just appealing to the law enforcing agencies after whatever happens to initiate stringent action against the perpetrators of heinous crimes. In this connection, the Council appeals to all right-thinking citizens remain “awake to the event happening around” and make necessary action to avert the such situation from getting out of hand. “This will reduce crimes in our society and save precious innocent lives of our people, more particularly the womenfolk who are supposed to enjoy equal In this image, the Principal of St. Joseph's College Fr. status in Naga society.” Abraham Lotha with His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Delhi
Alaphra Group Signs MoU with IIE DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 20 (MExN): A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on September 19 between the Alaphra Group and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, a national level Institute set up by the Government of India under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for the establishment of Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) through Partner Institute. According to a press note from Ricky Ozukum, Managaing Director, Alphra Group, the MoU was signed at IIE Head office, Guwahati at the presence of Ranjit Singh, Director IIE, and Senior Faculty Member & Nagaland State In-charge, Biraj Das and Associate Faculty Member, P Goswami.
during a meeting of Diverse Spiritual Traditions of India: Promoting Human Values & Inter-religious Harmony, organized by Dalai Lama on September 20 and 21.
BUD emergency meeting DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 20 (MExN): An emergency meeting of the Bhumnyu Union Dimapur (BUD) is being convened on September 21, at 3 pm at the treasurer’s residence to discuss important matters related to the union. In a press note, the president of BUD, H Sunep Phom requested all the members to make it convenient to attend the meeting without fail.
Anti-Extortion Team arrests two
Ricky Ozukum-MD AlaphraGroup and (left)Mr. Ranjit Singh, Director(IC) IIE
As per the MOU, both the institutions will engage in research and development, undertake technical activities including human resource development programmes, testing and technical consultancies to promote entrepreneurship in the whole state in
general and the Dimapur area in particular, added the release. Meanwhile, it further stated that, Alaphra Group have trained and developed more than 500 unemployed youths in the last three years by imparting skill development trainings in Nagaland.
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 20 (MExN): Based on a specific information, the Anti-Extortion Team of DEF Dimapur raided the residence of L Thoyba Rongmei(55) of Rangailong colony under East PS Dimapur & chairman of Ragailong colony, on September 20 and seized an amount of Rs. 13,200/- and one booklet of “labour registration 2014” issued by Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland Union Territory from his possession. According to a press note from Addl. Superintendent of Police/PRO, Dimapur, 43 labour registration slips were found already detached from the booklet and only 7 forms were found intact. It further added that, the arrested chairman admitted that the booklet was handed over to him today by Vikheho Yeptho, a member of GPRN/NSCN who was later arrested collecting labour tax @ Rs.300/-per head from the non-locals at his residence.