Dr SC Jamir calls for Nagas to ‘Arise and Awake’

Gregory Thejawelie, Commissioner of Nagaland addressing Military- Civil Fusion Seminar in Kohima on September 8. (Morung Photo)

Gregory Thejawelie, Commissioner of Nagaland addressing Military- Civil Fusion Seminar in Kohima on September 8. (Morung Photo)

Military-Civil Fusion seminar begins in Kohima

Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 8

A three-day long Military-Civil Fusion Seminar 2025, organised by HQ IGAR (North), commenced at Kohima Garrison under the aegis of HQ 3 Corps on September 8. The seminar aim to align defence forces missions with civilian governance through collaboration and shared vision for the development.

Dr SC Jamir, Ex-Governor of Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Odisha and Former Chief Minister of Nagaland, addressed the gathering virtually, urging participants to remain mindful of Nagaland’s historical, socio-cultural and geographic sensitivities.

He said that in an era of globalization one can't shut one's doors and windows and dream for a bright future. “We have to read the signs of the time and prepare ourselves to be real and beneficiaries of the changed environment,” Dr Jamir stated  in his speech read out at the seminar who could not made to the programme on health ground.

“This is the time for the Nagas to arise and awake and look forward to play pivotal role in the modern socio-political domain,” he said.

On the basis of the prevailing scenario we have to chart out a roadmap for the future of Nagaland, Jamir added.

Dr Jamir said that the preservation, protection and promotion of the distinct Naga identity, continues to be the bulwark of Naga polity. He said that the distortions and failings underlying the present political environment in Nagaland, invariably ensures that the elected people's representatives are pitiful caricatures of the hallowed visions of the founding fathers of our great nation.

“Without thorough electoral reforms based on Naga traditional norms, with due emphasis on political morality and values, the people cannot expect a responsible, responsive and pro-people Assembly,” he said.

In the present conditions, he said, the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland would be adorned by members, bankrupted by the travails of the costly elections, whose sole preoccupation would be to make a quick buck to make good the expenditure incurred on the elections.

He said that the people in the state have become so shockingly self-centered and greedy that they do not even realize that by compelling candidates to pay for their votes, they are actually digging their own graves and perpetuating their miseries, administrative apathy and inefficiency of the systems.

In fact, the need of the hour is to undertake an honest and thorough introspection and conscious analysis of our hearts and minds to explore the roots of these malicious vices and infirmities, before the whole society is consumed by these dreaded worms of moral and ethical destruction, he said.

Dr Jamir said that there is no iota of doubt in his mind that the entire Naga society is at the crossroads of destiny, wherein they have to be lucidly clear in their objectives and the paths to attain those objectives.

He said that the most dangerous in human society is the negative emotions, adding that it affects almost all spheres of life, whether in relationships or societal activities.

“The basic of life is to attain happiness and peace. All religion advocate the art of discovering the self,” he said.

Building robust institutions for stability, development & governance
Gregory Thejawelie, Commissioner of Nagaland, highlighted the need for military-civil convergence to drive effective governance. 

Thejawelie said that for decades, security forces like the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army have played a vital role beyond their traditional mandate. “In Nagaland, they have provided the reach, discipline and stability needed to enable the civil administration to function effectively, especially in remote and challenging areas. This dual role has been critical in fostering an environment conducive to progress,” he said.

He maintained that the coordination between the Civil Administration including the District Administration, Police and the Security forces is a crucial part of National security, internal stability and effective disaster response.

“It ensures that both arms of the State Administrative machinery and the military works together in tandem and ensure governance reaches the last mile. The platform of the Security coordination committees in the districts provides a crucial connection between the Armed forces and the Administration for sharing of intelligence and resources,” he said.

The debate over AFSPA highlights deep-seated challenges in balancing security concerns with democratic governance. Instances of allegation on misuse of power by Security Agencies can severely strain relations with the local population, making the task of Civil Administration towards building trust and delivering development even more difficult, he said.

“Hence, the convergence of military-civil administration in Nagaland requires better coordination and collaboration to shift from a security-centric approach towards peace-building, inclusive growth and administrative effectiveness. The ability to communicate, adapt and work together is essential for the future stability and prosperity of the state,” Thejawelie said.

Let us reaffirm the central truth of our time in Nagaland: our security forces and Civil Administration are not only the guardians of peace but also powerful catalysts of development, he said.

It is a partnership that embodies the spirit of our state and will continue to be a cornerstone of Nagaland's progress, he added.
Harnessing sports and cultural platforms to strengthen unity.

Kethosituo Sekhose, Director, Department of Youth Resource & Sports, Nagaland, spoke on harnessing sports and cultural platforms to strengthen unity and youth empowerment.

While acknowledging that the Military has been doing yeoman service to the youths through many initiatives, the Director felt that a collaborative effort, in line with the Government’s emphasis on convergence, may be the need of the hour.

It was proposed that the civil and the military should align their activities at the planning stage and partner together so that young athletes are identified and groomed.

The military has the distinction of being disciplined and well oiled while the civil organization brings creativity, innovation and resources. If these two pillars of the notion come together and work hand in hand for our youths, then we can surely fulfill the dream of the Govt of a Viksit Nagaland for a Viksit Bharat @2047, Sekhose added.

Rendemo Shitio, Assistant Manager, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority stressed on a resilient joint response framework for natural disasters in the state.

Er. Imnameren, Executive Engineer, PWD Nagaland, called for innovative last-mile connectivity projects through military-civil cooperation.

Dr Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director, Department Health & Family Welfare Nagaland, underlined the potential of civil-military collaboration in healthcare delivery for remote and underserved areas.

Earlier, Brig Samir K Palande, Deputy IGAR (N) gave opening remarks.

The seminar, which will continue till September 10, promises to be a transformative platform of ideas, strategy, and partnerships, reaffirming the commitment of Assam Rifles and Spear Corps to peace, progress, and prosperity in Nagaland.



Support The Morung Express.
Your Contributions Matter
Click Here