By Jagdamba Mall (EMN)
Dr. Senayangba Chubatoshi Jamir (S C Jamir) born on 17th October 1931 is a Bharatiya Politician and Governor of Odisha. He has served as the Chief Minister of Nagaland (5 terms), Governor of Maharashtra, Governor of Gujarat and Governor of Goa. He is the architect of today’s Nagaland situated in the extreme North East of the country. He belongs to Ao Naga Tribe, son of Senayangba Jamir of Ungma village in Mokokchung district of Nagaland. He was educated in early life in Mokokchung, Kolkata (WB) and higher studies at Prayagraj (Allahabad University) and subsequently obtained his BA, LL.B in 1958.
A believer in all religions he rarely misses Christian religious programs. Simultaneously, he had arranged land and donations for construction of Mandirs in Mokokchung and elsewhere. He is a divine soul.
He is also the architect of 16 Point Agreement 1960 giving birth to Nagaland State. His 16 page booklet “Bedrock of Naga Society” published in 2000 in Kohima opened the eyes of enlightened and patriotic Nagas. For patriotic approaches he was ambushed four times to assassinate him including the one in Nagaland House, New Delhi in which the terrorists of NSCN-IM had pushed AK- 47 bullet in his chest putting him in a pool of blood. Doctors of AIIMS New Delhi saved his life after four hours operation of his chest.
This secular and generous celebrity from Nagaland and a patriot politician from Naga society like Rani Gaidinliu and Haipou Jadonang declared in a public gathering that he has forgiven those who assayed to kill him on four occasions and that he harbors no ill will towards the perpetrators – the NSCN (IM) militants.
It will be a befitting honor to this great son of Bharatmata if he is elected as Vice President (Up-rashtrapati) of the country as reported in a section of media.
Journey starts
He was first Member of Parliament (MP) from Nagaland at the age of 30 in the year 1961. He was one of the two Parliamentary Secretaries attached to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The other was Dying Erring, MP from NEFA (Arunachal Pradesh). Pt. Nehru had full confidence on Dr. Jamir. He was close associate of Jairam Das Daulatram, former Governor of Assam and then a MP. Jamirji gained knowledge and wisdom from Daulatram to become a successful parliamentarian during his formative years. He was a part of high profile national delegation to UNO in 1962 led by V.K. Krishnamenon, the Defence Minister. He was given the responsibility of political advisor to delegation. The other members were Motilal Rao, Govind Sahai, Kaswilall and others. Jamir learnt from V.K. Krishnamenon how to carry himself in an international event or forum. He was also an associate of K. Natwar Singh IFS, the first foreign secretary. In the Indian consulate in New York (USA) Jamir was a member of the special Political Committee and Disarmament Committee. Here, he met British missionary Rev. Michael Scott masquerading as human rightist who patronized Phizo and pushed Nagaland into genocide. Dr. Jamir was Bharatvarsh’s permanent representative to UNO. While in UNO, China attacked Bharatvarsh in 1962. During this crucial period, Jamir played a significant role as a representative of Prime Minister Nehru to put forth impressively this country’s role at international forum like UNO. During Bharatvarsh – China war in 1962, America bombed Cuba by its U-2 fighter planes to demolish Russian military bases. Young Dr. Jamir witnessed how Security Council of UNO met after 12:00 am to deliberate America’s invasion on Cuba. He also saw how global attention was shifted from Indo-China war to an imminent America-Russia showdown. He saw the words of war over Cuba between Adhai Stevension of USA and Gromyko of USSR – both permanent representatives of their countries in UNO. Both of them were gifted orators and that midnight they were at their argumentative best. The Naga society should feel proud that at least one young Naga Dr. Jamirji was present in such an important and crucial meeting.
With Shastriji
In 1960s, the Bharatiya Parliament was adorned by a galaxy of veteran freedom fighters whose contribution to nation building and society as a whole was immense. Young Jamirji was also one of them. He is living witness of embarrassing situation of 1964-65, who after Nehru?
After the demise of Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri took over as Prime Minister and because of the shining image in Nehru’s PMO and appreciable role as Bharatvarsh’s representative in UNO, Dr. Jamir was retained in UNO by new Prime Minister, Shashtriji also having free and unhindered access to Prime Minister as was with Nehruji. Dr. Jamir closely observed how the new Prime Minister Shastriji inspired the people of the country from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari to contribute to Bharatvarsh’s war efforts and people at all levels responded. Dr. Jamir could see from very close distance the hard and overtime work of the epitome of simplicity, Shri Shastriji, for building and rejuvenating the nation.
In Indira Gandhi’s Cabinet
After demise of Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent in 1965, Indira Gandhi took the reign to rule the country. She appointed Jamirji as Union Deputy Minister for Railways. During his tenure as Deputy Minister he held a number of portfolios, viz. Food and Agriculture, Community Development and Labour Employment. Jamirji has seen and worked with Nehruji, Lal Bahadur Shashtriji and then with Indiraji.
Jamirji was then offered the post of Indian High Commissioner to Australia but he declined on the ground that he wanted to serve Nagaland. Since then, 1970, he had not left Nagaland till 2004 when he was appointed as Governor of Goa.
However, during Indira Gandhi’s days, he has witnessed three historic moves, Nationalization of Banks, abolition of Privy Purse and Bangladesh War 1971 which contributed much to his treasure of knowledge and experience.
The influence of so many greatmen on Jamir as a young boy and then as college students and finally as a parliamentarian was immense that shaped his life till today. As a first and perhaps youngest Member of Parliament he came into deep influence of national leaders at Delhi. Because of that influence he decided to return to Nagaland to serve his people and the nation leaving behind the lucrative job of High Commissioner to Australia offered by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. When Dr. Jamirji returned from Delhi to Kohima in 1970, the treasure of knowledge and the experience in running the affairs was such that it emboldened him to such an extent that he was ever ready to die for the cause of people of Nagaland and the country Bharatvarsh than to succumb to the life threat from NNC in early 70s and then from NSCN (IM) in 1980s and there after. Infact, Jamirji is a born patriot with steel body. He had made the resolve in very early life to serve the people and the country.
I am writing ‘country’ repeatedly with reference to Dr. Jamirji why because when Jamirji referred country he meant Bharatvarsh. Whereas, no Naga leader even for an exception or even by mistake, ever referred Bharatvarsh as their country. For Naga leaders other than Jamirji, country meant “Independent Nagaland” and “Nagaland for Christ”. It was Jamirji who single handedly stood for Bharatvarsh. And for that he was made to pay heavy price. It was very sad to say that country Bharatvarsh for which Jamirji was risking his own life, the lives of his family members and his properties, the same Bharatvarsh or for that matter, the contemporary leaders in Delhi and elsewhere in the country miserably failed to recognize his contribution in building today’s Bharatvarsh. Instead of helping him, they exhibited hostility to Jamirji embolding the anti-national forces and destractors of him. However, with the grace of God, he came out successfully from every problem – political, insurgency and terrorism.
He returned to Nagaland in 1970 and played a significant role in forming United Democratic Front (UDF) and became Deputy Chief Minister in Vizol Minitry in 1979. But he was unceremoniously dropped from the ministry for no reason or rhyme. Not only that Vizol and his coterie tried to finish Jamirji’s career.
Nagaland at that point of time was miles behind others states in all respects. Coupled with this, Nagaland was crying and bleeding under the fists of octopusy tentacles of NNC terrorism. Nagas were killing Nagas. They were all Christians and shouting “Nagaland for Christ” from roof tops. Posters with inscriptions- “Jesus is coming soon” could be seen everywhere throughout Nagaland. “ Shisha Hohos” were organized every now and then at the places like Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Mon and all other prominent places. In these “Shisha Hohos” the visions pretended to have been occurred in the dream of some visionaries(?) and missionaries were interpreted. In some of visions it was told to have descended in dreams of some of church leaders and church activists which read- “ God had told in my dream that Nagas should ensure that S.C. Jamir must vacate the chair of Minister or Chief Minister, that S.C. Jamir must resign by himself and if he does not do, God will curse him. He will have to face eternal hell fire.” The Church in Nagaland was vertically divided. One group stood in defense of Jamirji while the other with NNC and hostile Naga political leaders. The seed what Rev. Michael Scott, the friend, philosopher and guide of Phizo sowed, was bearing the fruits. Nagas were killing Nagas that too in the name of Jesus Christ with Bible in one hand and the bullet in the other. Muivah himself pronounced, “ Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, Hallelujah” every five minutes during his speech which was objected to by Father Abraham Lotha during a NSCN-IM conclave in Hebron camp when Muivah had just returned from Neitherland. The Duncan Basti house of Smti. Monalisa Changkija, the fire-brand Ao lady, veteran journalist and editor of Nagaland Page – news daily published from Dimapur was vandalised twice for exposing Church excesses. One Tangkhul reverend was fired upon for telling that for few Tangkhul individuals, the whole Tangkhul community was being dubbed as anti-national and hostile. He was approaching Science College Kohima while going from Kohima in his vehicle. Chalie Kevichusa, Tobu Kevichusa, Dr. L.V. Reddy IAS DC Kohima, Nag Rajan Chief Engineer PHE, one Dr. Joshi, professor in Agriculture College Medziphema, Dolly Mungro of NSCN (K) and many more were assassinated. Charles Chasie of Kohima village was compelled to resign from Forum for Naga Reconcillation (FNR). Such was the volatile situation in Nagaland during those days.
What Nagaland demanded at that point of time was long term planning, development of some basic infrastructure, quality roads and most importantly treating the underground Nagas as proud citizen of the country and bringing them back to national mainstream – politically, economically, psychologically and socially. These were challenges but leaders who promised moon before elections simply forgot after elections. Hence, Nagaland remained isolated and shattered.
At that point of time of inefficiency, shortsightedness, nepotism and policy paralysis, Jamirji took up hot seat of Chief Minister of Nagaland on April 18, 1980 yet tense from inside because ‘Sword of Damocles’ was hanging over his head. He had three challenges:-
1. Formation of efficient cabinet
2. Winning political rivals and
3. Meeting hope and aspiration of people
But the anti-national forces operating from the soil of Bharatvarsh and outside were spending sleepless nights in planning to dethrone Jamirji and they succeeded. Jamirji’s ministry could last only 48 days: April 18, 1980 to June 4, 1980. But tough and hardened Jamirji was never to flinch an inch from his nationalist principles.
Because of Jamirji’s nationalistic and realistic approach the Naga underground NNC thought of teaching him a lesson. The NNC considered him to be a thorn in the flesh. So the plan was to get rid of him or keep him away from political limelight. NNC/FGN joined hands with United Front of Nagaland (UFN). They supported Kevichusa. The election process was hijacked and that is how Jamirji was defeated in next election. The militants and divisive forces rejoiced Jamirji’s defeat. The Nationalist Nagas were sad. Jamirji was down but not out because of the fact that the NNC was a heavy contributor to his defeat.
Under compelling circumstances, Dr. jamirji joined Congress in later part of 1980 under the influence of Indira Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders whom he had known since early 1960s. And on November 17, 1982 he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Nagaland again. Thus, he breathed a sigh of relief as to implementation of his vision document. He started a journey on the path of nation building which continued upto 2004 when he left Nagaland to become Governor of Goa.From 1980 to 2004 he was Chief Minister of Nagaland for five times.
Chief Minister 1982
As the Congress Chief Minister, Congress why because Congress was rumoured as Hindu Party, anti-Naga party by rival political leaders and by NNC during those days; Jamirji had challenges and challenges at every step. He was cursed as traitor having sold Nagaland to Bharatvarsh-“the oppressor of Nagas” by NNC and rivals. The challenges were:-
1. Development
2. Effective administration
3. Education and health care
4. Law and order different from that seen elsewhere having its roots in divisive movement from British period.
5. Bringing perceptible change from anti-national mindset to nationalist outlook in Naga mind
6. To establish a cordial and working relationship among the entire seven North East sister states. To realize the full potential, the states needed to work in complete cohesion with Centre.
Jamirji started his inning in 1982 in right earnest with all these visions in his mind. As he slowly settled down to work, he found that fund was unimaginably meagre though it always seemed bigger in paper. And State revenue was almost nil which still is. The wise and divine Jamirji, instead of complaining, used his mettle in putting right persons at right places in the state and influencing Indira Gandhi and her cabinet colleagues to avail enhanced funds from the Centre through his strong personal equation with Central leaders. The developmental works were visible on the ground and people were satisfied except NNC and rivals. During 1982-86, normalcy had returned to Nagaland under his rule. NNC cadres were encouraged to surrender.
The Government of Bharatvarsh was quite comfortable with Jamirji’s approach but NNC and NSCN (formed in 1980 by Isak Chishi Swu, S.S. Khaplang and Thuingaleng Muivah under deep influence of Chinese Communism) were in no mood to relent under the instigation of destabilizing foreign forces. They were acting as foreign stooges, Along with all round development, the thrust was on (a) surrender of underground, (b) their rehabilitation and (c) subtle way of attempting to change the attitude and mindset of the Naga people towards a reconciliatory society and Government rather than a confrontationist posture. The undergrounds confronted Bharatvarsh on one side and their own Nagaland on the other. Such a contradiction indeed. The NNC and NSCN feared that their underground movement would derail if Jamirji’s developmental programs succeeded and for this reason they organized massive propaganda a bit better than the Government.
Because of rabid maneuvering, Jamirji was toppled down by Hokishe Sema on October 28, 1986 and Jamirji was free from CM’s responsibilities during the period 1986-1993. On February 22, 1993 he returned as the Chief Minister of Nagaland.
Demolition of churches and murder of missionaries by NSCN (IM)
Phizo had silent support to 9 Point Shillong Agreement 1975 accepting Naga solution within the framework of Bharatiya Constitution. Th. Muivah, Isak Chishi Swu, S.S. Khaplang and their hard-core cadres defected from NNC and went to China for military training and indoctrination in Chinese communism. They formed National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) under deep influenced of Chinese communism. They returned in 1980 and burnt 300 churches and killed over 100 missionaries including church activists in bordering areas of Tuensang and Mon. It was battle a between Christianity (NNC) and Communism (NSCN). But both were after the life of S.C. Jamirji. Because of anti-Jamir crudsade of NSF, another youth organization- Naga Youth Liberation Front (NYLF) was formed. People of Mon and Tuensang were terribly deprived and discriminated. And discontent was brewing. They left Naga Hoho and formed Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO). They left NSF and formed Eastern Naga Student Federation (ENSF). In 1988, NSCN was divided and NSCN (K) was formed to avoid Thangkhul domination and anti – Jamirji tirade and crusade of NSCN to kill him.
Firing incident
Naga Student Federation (NSF) was acting as the youth wing of NSCN – headed by Th. Muivah, Isak Chishi Swu and S.S. Khaplang. The year 1986 was the year of turbulence for Jamirji. On 26th January 1986 – the Republic Day, NSF had boycotted the celebration. It imposed a public curfew. Not even a single civilian, Naga or Non – Naga, except the author of these lines, attended the Rebuplic Day Celebration. But determined and committed Jamirji reached at rostrum at exact time along with his ministers and MLAs. His address to security forces and to the Nagas was full of emotions, inspiring and factual. He said emphatically that hate begets hate and Bible stood for peace and prosperity. He exhorted that youths must stop day – dreaming.
Gandhiji’s Statue beheaded
With a view to pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi – Father of Nation, Jamirji had installed the marble statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the tri-junction in Police Reserve colony near Red Cross Society and he had inaugurated it. Within a fortnight NSF hammered at the head and beheaded the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. A chit was found with inscription – “No Indian is welcome in Nagaland – NSF”.
Central Government had asked to (i) introduce IPS cadre in Nagaland and (ii) declare 15 km wide “no man’s land” along international border between Myanmar and Bahratvarsh. During these days, Jamirji’s Government had declared to upgrade Dimapur Sub-Division to full- fledged district. NSF took a lead in opposing it. Meanwhile, the budget session of State Assembly occurred which coincided election of MP. Rajya Sabha. On the day of budget session and election, NSF declared public curfew. Movement of public was prohibited. Jamirji along with minister and MLAs arrived the assembly house before NSF volunteers could reach the spot. NSF had gathered all the innocent student from class VIII above. The vehicle of Chief Secretary I. Longkumer and his guards were gheraoed by NSF volunteers. The stones were pelted on his vehicle and the situation turned so violent that it appeared that Chief Secretary might not come out of the students mob. To scatter and scare the mob, the police fired in the air but of no avail and unfortunately, two innocent students were killed in police firing that followed in 1986.
The detractors of Jamirji got God given opportunity to evenge. The posters with inscription- (i) S.C Jamir – the killer of Nagas (ii) S.C Jamir – the agent of India and many more appeared over night through out Nagaland with cock’s blood and dark red colour sprinkled on the poster resembling Naga blood. They were instigating the masses to revolt against Jamirji and finally kill him. These instigations resulted into four fatal ambushes on the life of Jamirji.
First ambush on Jamirji’s life Kohima 19.2.1990
Dr. S.C. Jamir was returning to Chief Minister residence from his private residence in Kohima barely a couple of miles away, Midway at exactly 4:15 pm the cadres of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN IM) laid an ambush at his motorcade. It was a well planned assassination attempt to eliminate the great soul – Dr. S.C. Jamir. Same Jamirji who had been fighting throughout his life for Naga cause came first in the hit list of NSCN (IM) and its supporters in Nagaland politics. NSCN – IM and its patrons also proclaimed that what they did was also for Nagaland. What a contradiction? Because both cannot be true at the same time. His driver and bodyguard were killed, wife injured but he was safe but shocked, security personnel were wounded. God saved him.
Second Ambush, Delhi, November 19, 1990
The ambush emboldened and hardened Jamirji as a politician. But exactly nine months later same year on November 19, 1990 another ambush was carried out by the same NSCN (IM). The first time the ambush killers had failed to put a bullet in his body but this time they succeeded. Only the spot was different.
On that fateful evening on November 19, 1990, he had just returned to Nagaland House (29 APJ Kalam Road, New Delhi) after meeting with Governor of Assam Shri Loknath Mishra who was also looking after Nagaland at that time. He was working on the draft preparation inside his room in Nagaland House. Suddenly the door was flung open and the next moment, three persons with automatic weapons were inside. The intruders fired him immediately point blank. The shot hit him on the chest. It was a few minutes of mayhem in the room. He was shouting at the top of his voice and at the same time running helter-skelter in the room. The terrorists were shooting indiscriminately. Altogether, the assassins had fired 11 shots, one had hit him at the chest and the rest had found their way unto wall. He was rushed to AIIMS, New Delhi and the team of doctors there saved his life by taking out bullet from his chest in a four hours operation. Thank God, He saved great Jamirji this time also. Who knows the ambushers may be living todays also but must be repenting their heinous deeds. Lord Jesus Christ will never plead for them on the day of judgement when they will rise from the grave.
Third Ambush, Piphima November 29, 1999
The nine years later on 29 November 1999 at 5:45 am Jamirji had third brush with death. This time the assassins had changed their tactics. Perhaps they thought that they could not kill him by bullets so they would take help of bombs. He was travelling in a Chief Minister’s convoy on NH 39 ( now NH 2 – Kohima- Dimapur road) on 29 November 1999. When his carcade crossed Piphima on way to Dimapur and reached the spot at 5:45 am, all the 12 powerful bombs exploded at the right time. The bomb was planted again by NSCN (IM) to blow off his convoy and him, infact, Jamirji was the main target.
The deafening sound of explosion of twelve powerful bombs took everybody with surprise and in minutes debris were everywhere. Vehicles had veered off the road, people were shouting, many ran helter-skelter, some were still tucked inside their vehicles out of fear. Thank the Almighty! Our Jamirji was safe again. By God’s grace he was alive. But two of his faithful and sincere bodyguards were gone forever. He escaped unhurt. God made NSCN –IM to lick dust for their unchristian deed. In fact NSCN–IM is a mix of Christian and Chinese communism- a hotch- potch (khichadi) – a camouflage to befool the Naga mass. To NSCN-IM’s misfortune, it stands ditched today by both – (i) Christian countries like USA, UK and its allied group and (ii) Communist China.
The fourth Ambush on life of Jamirji, Changki, November 20, 2007
On this fateful day Governor of Goa, Dr. Jamir was proceeding to Dimapur from Mokokchung after attending an official function in his capacity as the Goa Governor. On the day of departure, news came that militant cadres from NSCN (IM) were laying ambush at three places:
1. Mokokchung-Moriani road near Changki Village.
2. Amguri- Mokokchung road
3. Mokokchung- Kohima road
Dr. Jamir preferred to travel by Mokokchung-Moriani road and accordingly Deputy Commissioner was asked to deploy security forces for road protection. Despite this, NSCN(IM) had succeeded in planting bombs on the roadside below Changki village. All the bombs exploded when the carcade reached the spot. Some explosions were pretty close to his vehicles. With grace of God, Jamirji escaped unhurt. He got a new lease of life. NSCN–IM was saddened again.
So many leaders of the world – Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pope John Paul-I and Lal Bahadur Shastri to name the few, have fallen to assassins bullets and bombs without getting a second chance. It is, therefore, a bare truth; Dr. Jamir’s survival after four deadly attempts on his life is nothing short of divine intervention.
As Chief Minister
The tenures of Jamirji as Chief Minister were remarkable in the sense that the law and order situation had improved significantly because Jamirji’s Government pursued, in principle, a truth that was over looked earlier and that was that law and order problem was completely different from the Naga political problem of which the underground was a part. Clubbing the two together, anti- socials or criminals could pose as underground cadre fighting for the cause of a “Sovereign Nagaland” and indulge in extortion at gunpoint. The underground also indulged in criminal activities either to vent their anger or just to take revenge on somebody. The difference should be clearly understood. Unfortunately, some senior Naga politicians rival to Jamirji patronized the underground against Jamirji. The unlawful, anti-social and anti-national activities were controlled substantially because there was neither political patronage nor covering support by some Government servants.
Jamirji had always been sweet, sober and sound with terrorist elements even though he was at the top of their hit list. It was said during those days that Jamirji’s name figured from 1 to 10 at the hit list of NSCN (IM) and its frontal organizations and NGOs. But what was his approach towards assailants? He says, “When the underground carried out attacks on my convoy in an attempts to eliminate me I had prayed for them in my heart of hearts and had pardoned them publicly.” ( A Nagas Quest For Fulfillment p/284). He says further that with clear mandate from the people he could have taken a tougher stand but that was not the way. It was a matter of misplaced judgement or misjudgement on the part of the underground that they still think this political problem would be solved if they go on with their decades old demand. That the underground fails to see the reality and though some of their irrelevant (in today’s context) demands are in fact causing harm to the Naga cause, they remain defiant; their obstinate approach is driving Nagaland backwards, not forward (P/285 ibid).
On Naga problem
“I had known all along since I entered politics at a very young age that the people on general were obsessed with the idea of Naga sovereignty. I genuinely felt that in reality it would not be possible or practical one at the present juncture. When I became the Chief Minister I tried to consolidate the gains of statehood. My sole objective was to get as much as possible for the development of the state. However, the underground Nagas (with foreign patronage) continue to demand sovereignty and wasting both lives and bullets on that. I still believe that my stand would someday be vindicated. Those who try to lure people, especially the youth, into the underground fold are in fact doing great disservice to the people of Nagaland. We are living in that phase of history when the Nagas need to look forward, not backward” says Jamirji (ibid p-285). This approach of Jamirji’s Government contributed to “two Ceasefire Agreements 1997 with NSCN-IM and 2001 with NCSN-K”. Jamirji worked day and night to pull out Government machinery from corruption and administrative inertia that hinders development and growth.
In 1998, NSCN (IM) had boycotted assembly election and all other parties in Nagaland succumbed to underground pressure but Congress under Dr. Jamirji refused to do so. He writes, “ As elected members of Nagaland Assembly under constitution of India, all of us had taken oath of allegiance to protect the unity and the integrity of the country and also to uphold the sanctity of the Constitution. All the oaths were taken in the name of God. Secondly, the Chief Minister and the other ministers had taken the second oath of allegiance to the Constitution of India for the discharge of their respective responsibilities.” (p/ 288 ibid). Dr. Jamirji was very clear in his vision that an elected Government under the Constitution of Bharatvarsh, the largest democracy in the world, could not – and it should not – run at the behest of the secessionist organisation that was NSCN (IM). By turning down their demand Jamirji gave a strong punch at its face that shook them from within and it fell flat on the ground. This, in fact, was a direct confrontation with NSCN (IM) and all other political parties on one side and the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee under Dr. Jamirji on the other.
Disappointed with his strong posture, NSCN(IM) retaliated and armed militants were sent to prevent nominations and block election. But the election was conducted peacefully and efficiently and Jamirji formed the Government. That is how Jamirji saved democratic process and upheld the sanctity of Bharatiya Constitution in spite of NSCN-IM’s threat to his life and blocking election process .There were several senior rival political leaders who were hand and glove with NSCN-IM to oppose one and all whatever Jamirji’s Government planned to do. However, he was successful in changing people’s mindset and attitude and foiled the conspiracy against nation. People began believing that good governance was possible. People were happy on one hand but on the other, the underground feared that once basic infrastructure work began in right earnest, people would care less about the underground; in fact people would spurn their offers. Thus, underground is breaking the backbone of Nagaland’s economy.
The 2003 Assembly Election was hijacked by NSCN-IM absolutely even then Congress got 21 seats under Jamirji but he refused to form the Government even though he was invited by Governor being single largest in the election but he refused to do so and NPF (Naga People’s Front) with the help of independents formed the Government and Neiphiu Rio became the Chief Minister.
As a Governor:-
After 2003, he decided to give up state politics, When Congress high command knew this, Dr. Jamirji was appointed as the Governors of various states as given below:-
1. Goa 17.7.2014-21-72008
2. Gujarat 24.7.2009-26-11.2009
3. Maharastra 19.7.2008- 21.1.2010
4. Odisha 9.3.2013- till date
Awards:
1. Lok Shree Award
2. Hindu Ratan Award
3. Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Award
4. Indira Smriti Puraskar (Award)
5. Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award
6. Arch of Asia Award
7. National Citizens Award
8. Rashtriya Ekta Puraskar.
Author:
He has written following books:-
1. Reminiscences of Correspondence with AZ Phizo (1998).
2. Bedrock of Naga Society (2000)
3. Naga Peoples Convention and 16 Point Agreement
4. Nagaland : 50 Years And Beyond (2013)
5. A Naga’s Quest For Fulfilment (An Autobiography 2016).
6. Nagaland : Star of the East; A framework for Transforming Nagaland
Remarkable Personality
Dr. Jamir has emerged as a strong, honest, upright, humble and simple. He is a man of steely resolve, clear vision, unflinching determination and undaulted desire to serve the nation. Such traits in his personality were not cultivated, rather his poor and simple background and struggle in his early life made him both simple but bold and humble. From 1947 till 1960-61 when insurgency was at its peak and duo Rev. Michael Scott (British missionary) and Phizo were most active for vivisection of Bharatvarsh, Dr. S.C. Jamir proved to be the most tenacious Naga leader showing exemplary courage, determination, foresight and commitment and for this act of nationalism, he will always go down in the history of this country in golden letters. The nation honours this great Naga leader and true son of Bharatmata who fought throughout his life for the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.
In Nagaland, Rani Gaidinliu fought against British before 1947 and again during1960-66 she fought against NNC and Church. The life of S.C Jamir is also more or less the same as Rani Gaidinliu who was fatally ambushed and attacked by NNC repeatedly. Similarly, Dr. S.C. Jamir was also ambushed four times by NSCN(IM) to assassinate him. Thank God, He has saved this great son of Bharatmata. Shri Jamirji is an embodiment of patriotism and a strong bond of unity connecting Nagaland to rest part of the country. That he did voluntarily putting his life in grave danger knowfully when nobody dared to reveal even his mind in support of Delhi. But when time came, lakhs of Naga people from Nagaland and adjoining states came out in open supporting Dr. Jamir. That is how, Dr. Jamir inspired lakhs from this region and that unique ability of carrying millions forward by his transparent clear vision fulfilling Naga people’s hopes and aspirations by his nationalist deads is most remarkable. He has the charisma and resolve. The legendary Prime Minister Shri, Narendra Modiji fathomed Jamir’s indomitable spirit, dogged determination and all out offensive against anti-national agencies sponsored by foreign forces operating on Bharatiya soil. He presumably realized that Jamirji is a right man in wrong party. This is perhaps the reason that Governor tenure of Jamirji – a five term Congress Chief Minister of Nagaland, is extended from time to time. Modi Government is doing what it should to honour this great Naga Leader – the epoch maker. The nationalist section of Naga society who had lost their confidence in themselves regained their self-esteem and self-confidence by seeing Jamirji.
Jamirji is an articulate, strong, wise, visionary and politically enlightened person who had a strong will to take out Naga society from the grip of NNC, NSCN and all other anti-Bharatiya forces that he has done successfully. He brought out Nagaland from chaos and disorder and situation is so congenial today that even BJP is ruling in Nagaland through collision government. The sweat and blood of Jamirji are behind bringing us today’s Nagaland. Ignoring this great national leader from North East will be a monumental blunder. Had he been from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat or any other states of the country or had there been a strong supporting lobby in Delhi, Dr. Jamirji would have been adorned by Tamra Patra, Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan, Padma Bibhushan and so many other decorations. Unfortunately, Dr. Jamir- the great son of Bharatmata is still left in oblivion and is paying the price of being a Nagas – the community which has been patriotic before the advent of Church but now in the grip of octopus of divisive and secessionist forces projecting them (Nagas) as fanatic Christians, anti-Hindu, anti- national and Pro-America and Pro-China but the fact is other way round. Naga youths are fed up of gun culture and bogus slogan of “Sovereign Nagaland” or “Greater Nagaland” or “ Nagaland with more autonomy” or “Nagaland for Christ” or “Nagaland with shared sovereignty” so on and so forth. They are also fed-up of art 371 (A) of Constitution which is a great hurdle in the path of industrialization of Nagaland and overall development of the state. In bringing out this awakening and enlightenment in Naga Society of all the states – Assam, Nagaland and Manipur even Myanmar and instilling, infusing and rejuvenating the thought in Naga psyche and Naga mind that destiny of Nagas lies with majority community – the Hindus and with the country – Bharatvarsh, the contribution of revered Dr. S.C. Jamirji is emmense, extra- ordinary and unparallel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi retains
When Modiji took over as the Prime Minster of the country, there were many Congress appointed Governors in different states. Delhi appointed new men to the post of Governors as and when the sitting Governor’s tenure expired. But Modiji has singled out Jamirji and the latter is still firm and comfortable on the chair in Odisha. During BJP National Executive meet on 14, 15 April 2017 at Bhubneswar, Prime Minister Modiji stayed in Raj Bhawan with Jamirji. Both had quite a long interaction with each other.
Now, there is in a section of media that Dr. Jamirji’s name is also under consideration for the post of next Vice President of Bharat. If that is so, it is a happy news because Jamirji is not only the fit candidate, rather the fittest for Vice President’s post.
