I had the opportunity to visit Kashmir’s only Hydro Power Project during November 1967 which was bombed by Pakistan and subsequently abandoned after India-Pakistan war. The climate at that time was extremely cold but the land was fertile for cultivation of Kashmiri Apple. Carpet Industry is another source of income besides Tourism. Tourism Industry was blooming mainly because of western tourists. At that time situation was very peaceful. Kashmiri people’s survival was mainly because of the generosity of the Indian Government. Dal Lake provides boat house. There is not a single pig rearing in Kashmir and the ordinary local residents mostly listened to Radio broadcast from Pakistan who expressed their heart of loyalty to Pakistan. I had an appointment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi on 26th November 1967 at 5 p.m. in the Parliament. At that time there was ceasefire between the Federal Government of Nagaland and the Govt. of India led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi. We talked about ceasefire and peace process but the prospect was weakened due to distrust created by the Federal Army who went to China for military training. So, the Prime Minister questioned- “can China help Nagas in getting so called Independence? Look at Tibet, what’s happening there….” And she advised me- “go, you meet them and tell them that there is only danger….” As a Prime Minister she sincerely and earnestly advocated to solve the Indo Naga problem.
Then there was Mahatma Gandhi who is called the Father of the Nation because he cared for all Indians for whom he fought and willingly suffered for them to fulfil their aspirations and finally freedom was achieved truthfully and without shedding blood and destruction of wealth. After this, it was his desire to remove poverty and social stigma from the face of Indian people. But his life was cut short by unfortunate assassination which was a great loss to India in particular and to the whole world in general. He never distinguished the colour of the people, communal mentality of races and for him, anyone as Indian belongs to India. When political freedom for India was accomplished from the iron hand of the British Government, he was determined to deliver economic and social freedom from the bondage of corruption and suppression transforming into the glorious liberty and equality of the children of India so that every free Indian will have two square meal a day and shelter, clothing and healthcare facility free from disease.
The present political leaders in the State and the Centre should learn the examples and the ideals of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi who worked very hard to deliver prosperity in abundance to its citizens so that they shall not hurt or destroy but work and live in peace.
N. Theyo
Chairman
Nagalan Peace Centre
