Limalenden Longkumer
Mokokchung | June 24
The construction of the 75 foot tall structure commemorating the 75th anniversary of AKM according to Allem Jamir, AKM Platinum Jubilee Planning Board Convener, was done solely by local skilled workers. When inquired about the significance of the monument, the President of AKM, Aodangnok, said that the tower is being named in memory of Luke Sasong, a very promising Naga leader during the first half of the twentieth century who unfortunately faced untimely demise. The incumbent President added that the tower stands testimony to the fact that Nagas can also do any kind of construction works provided we have the sense of dignity of labour.
As countdown to July 11 continues, some observers of AKM Survival 2007 contain that Mokokchung will face a dearth in the labour market and that it will rebound in the form of hiked labour wages. However, the younger lot holds a different view. A young member of Mitkar, a recently formed Mokokchung based pressure group hitherto maintaining a low profile, on the condition of anonymity said, “We will still have sufficient labour force enough to construct the Great Wall of China here in Mokokchung even after the migrant labour force humbly exit, but we must first secure our future”.
Survival 2007, or locally and more commonly addressed as ‘ILP Issue’ is a major concern for the entire Naga society as a whole, and not just for Mokokchung alone, and therefore it is observed that this issue be thoroughly deliberated upon by all sections of the society. Ever since the perceived threat posed by illegal migrants first surfaced, it has always been the students spearheading the illegal migrants detection and deportation moves. On observing the immediate predecessor of the present generation being more complacent than not and remaining largely indifferent to the ‘ILP Issue,’ which is in total contrast with the zealous present and younger generation avowed to secure their future from the perceived threat posed by the illegal migrants, Nagas need to engage in an intere-generational dialogue in this issue so that all efforts to curb this particular problem are consorted and justified by all members of the society, lest it be relegated to a clichéd subject and time too late.
Meanwhile, the AKM Officials during an informal discussion with this correspondent at their Office chamber stated that the Luke Sasong tower was wholly constructed by local masons and labourers, which is a case of rarity in Mokokchung where the general perception of the people is that only migrant masons and labourers alone can perform RCC works. The students’ leaders present agreed to the slogan to let this tower be the epitome of Naga dignity of labour, the resurrection of a subdued spirit inherent in the Nagas. The Luke Sasong Memorial Tower was inaugurated on the third of June last.
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