My attention has been drawn by 19th December 2012 issue of Nagaland Post news item wherein District Planning Development Board Dimapur recommending to the Government the PWD Road to DC Court Junction in the name of Sanchisao Lotha Road. I am not contesting under what criterion the board has made this decision but as a pioneering senior citizen of Duncan Basti, I would like to set straight historical facts on record through this short write up after more than three weeks of contemplation after I first read the news item.
In mid 1920s Lt T Matong Longkumer from Longkhum village had settled in Dimapur and had served as Ranger towards the late 1940s. It was during this period around 1949-1950 on his initiative the establishment of present Duncan Basti took shape. To recall an incident, in 1950 Lt S J Duncan, the then Deputy Commissioner of Naga Hills ordered the eviction of the new settlers personally. But on Lt S J Duncan’s next visit, he was given a warm welcome by the new settlers and to his surprise, he noticed a board hung under a tree where it was inscribed “DUNCAN BASTI”.
This diplomatic approach by Lt T Matong Longkumer in naming the new settlement in the name of Lt S J Duncan was instrumental in the survival of the new settlement and it did pay off. Lt. S J Duncan donated/sanctioned a sum of Rs. 300/- for the development of the village. With this money, roadside jungle cutting for widening of road from Dhobinala Junction upto present sub-jail area was undertaken and the first ring well for Duncan Basti was dug under direct supervision of Lt. T Matong Longkumer which still exists till date for anyone to see.
He served as Mozadar of Dimapur between 1950-1955. In this capacity as Mozadar, his contribution had been quite enormous in all round development of the society at large and for greater expansion of Dimapur Township in particular. Perhaps he was the first and the last Mozadar of Dimapur among the Nagas during 1950s.
With all these contributions from a humble man, without prejudice to anyone, it will be quite befitting to acknowledge his contribution to the society by naming the road from Dhobinala Junction to Sub-jail Junction as Lt. T MATONG LONGKUMER ROAD.
L Takum Longkumer
Ex. Head GB Duncan Basti
H/No 166 Dimapur
