DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 9: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to visit Nagaland on October 11 to be a part of a conference to be organized in commemoration of the 120th birth anniversary of JP Narayan and to acknowledge to contributions of Biharis in Nagaland in particular and in India in general.
This was informed during an interaction with the media persons by JD (U) Nagaland General Secretary (MC) Imsumongba Pongen here at Karl’s Inn, Burma Camp, Dimapur.
On the question if his visit to the State can also be seen as his attempt to reach out to the political parties in Nagaland to create a third front as he is trying to do by travelling length and breadth of the country, JD (U) Nagaland President Senchumo NSN Lotha stated that his visit would not be a political one and he would be leaving on the same day, without meeting any political party representatives.
However, JDU Nagaland General Secretary, Kitoho Rothoka and intending candidate from 5th Ghaspani II A/C quipped that a clear picture about the same will be seen in the days to come.
Pongen stated that JD (U) Nagaland has decided to sponsor the “All Nagaland Bihari Conference” organised by Nagaland Bihari Samaj, Bihari Kalyan Samiti and Matri Foundation to acknowledge the contribution of the Biharis in the political and economic aspects of the Nagas ever since the days of JP who had come all the way from Bihar to work for peace in Nagaland, proving that it was the Biharis who had first contributed to the cause of the Nagas.
He described the Biharis as among the most hard working communities in India who would never shy away to work in any condition for survival and having the highest degree of dignity of labour. He added that Biharis, in the person of JP, first showed love and concern for the Nagas and now it is the turn of the Naga people to acknowledged this and other subsequent gestures of the Biharis.
Lotha, on the occasion, said that Biharis are often seen through a very narrow-minded prism and the JD (U) wants to send a strong message about the dignity of labour displayed by the community, which Nagas must also learn from. He said that the conference is the best way to remember the contribution of JP Narayan for the Nagas, and added that the Naga issue remains unsolved because the Government of India didn’t take his suggestions seriously.
Later, he mentioned that JP Narayan was one of the three members formed in the 1960s “Peace Mission” under the initiative of NBCC, who, prior to that had travelled the interiors of the Naga inhibiting areas and the GoI also found him to be the perfect person for the role. However, according to him, he was later asked to leave because of his outspoken personality and his suggestions that the GoI must recognize the rights of the Nagas for self-determination. He also credited JP for the signing of ceasefire in 1964.
Rothoka said that JP is now largely forgotten by Nagas and JD (U) wants to recognize his contributions. He also reminded that during the floods of 2018, it was only Nitish Kumar, among all other Chief Ministers, who had contributed Rs 1 crore to Nagaland, and his visit to the State despite of his busy schedule shows his concern for the Nagas. He asked all Nagas to be a part of the programme.
Sweety Biswas, President of Matri Foundation, introducing the foundation said that it takes up small projects focusing largely on women and it has had a special relationship with the Bihari community.
Representing Nagaland Bihari Samaj, Secretary Harendra Singh reflected that the community is often regarded as “Bihari” in an insulting tone, but they are proud of the term and proud of the fact that the JP Movement started from Bihar against corruption and misrule.
(Page News Service)
