Whose Rani is Gaidinliu?

Kevi Meru [dropcap]I[/dropcap] am not here to referee a debate between NTC and the Heraka cult. But since someone representing the latter made a public statement with plenty holes that can hold no water, I wish to present a perspective and raise a few questions in response to Amonbo’s article in December 15 issue. Nagas never had a King and is not looking forward to manufacturing one in the days ahead. There cannot be a Rani without a Rajah. So Gaidinliu is not and has never been a Rani of the Naga people, and never will be. If the Heraka adherents wish to purchase some private real estate and organise something grand to memorialise their Rani Gaidinliu, I’m sure no one will bother them. But they will be wishing ‘axone in the sky’ if they think they can foist Gaidinliu on Dimapur airport. Because Delhi will be committing a colossal error even to think of it, and Christians in Nagaland will be welcoming ‘the golden calf’ if they allow it to happen. The wrath of God will fall on the politicians and on Nagaland if they waste money on such a ridiculous project. Are the Zeliangrong students against Christianity? Are they willing to march happily to hell following the leadership of Amonbo Chawang? Because assuming the posts of ‘President and General Secretary’ of Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Amonbo has brazenly attacked Christianity, and has revealed his ‘enormous ignorance’ on the Bible and the Christian faith. I believe Nagas are wishing to know if the Zeliangrong Students have authorised Amonbo Chawang to denigrate Christianity; or have they all joined the Heraka cult? ( A rhetorical question). Some years ago I was one of the speakers at a pre-Centenary conference of the Zeliangrong Christian Association and Reverend Visor Zeliang was my interpreter par excellence. So I have nothing against the Zeliangrong people, but I am disturbed to see someone using their name to smear the Christian faith. I hope the Zeliangrong students and the Zeliangrong Baptist Association will offer a reply to the rants of Amonbo Chawan. In a situation like this, I am also expecting NBCC to issue a statement.