‘Nagas are natural at soldiering’

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 6 The Naga way of life – influenced by its geography, culture and history – has ensured that the skills of soldiering would come naturally to the Naga people, according to Brigadier Brijesh Dhiman, the Commander of 6th Sector, Assam Rifles. At a seminar on “Indian Army: A Noble Profession”, organized by Unity College Dimapur on Friday, the Brigadier said that the natural skills of the Naga people at hunting enables them to easily grasp the “craft of the battle.” While using the analogy of Nagas as fierce hunters, he said that the skills of a soldier are no different to that of a skilled hunter. “We are also hunters. The only difference is that we hunt (for) a different animal.” He cited his own experience with Naga soldiers – 30% of soldiers currently under his command are Nagas – to underscore the message that Naga people are adept at the skills of soldiering. Encouraging “at least some of the students to try”, if not join, the Indian army, Dhiman delivered an hour-long presentation highlighting the ethos, lifestyle and sacrifices that defines an Indian soldier. “It is not a profession but a way of life,” he reminded. The Brigadier also shared with the students that the dual briefs of defending the country against external aggression and ensuring its territorial integrity are what makes the military profession “noble” one. “The only profession which I consider nobler than the army is education/teaching.” He also told the students that “concerns and doubts” about the Indian army, especially among the youth, were merely “perceptional gaps.” On the occasion, the Brigadier also felicitated the B.Ed topper from the institute. The seminar was followed by an interaction session between the students and the military officers. There was also an open display of weapons by the Assam Rifles at the college campus.