Tag Archives: North East India

Rani Gaidinliu – Tribute to a Patriot

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“Invasion by foreign religion and foreign culture will pose danger to Naga Identity. Beware of this danger ” – Rani Gaidinliu

The person who guides the society not by words but by deeds putting his own life as an example is a leader in true sense. The year 2014-15 is the birth centenary year of one such great leader, the legendary Naga lady, Padma Bhushan Rani Gaidinliu. This article by  Tasile N. Zeliang on the life and thoughts of Rani Ma will truly inspire us.

Rani Gaidinlu

26 Jan 1915 – 17 Feb 1993

Rani Gaidinliu, popularly know as Rani Ma, is a highly revered Naga lady for her selfless services to Naga society and fight for freedom of the country. She was a committed lady for the preservation, protection and promotion of her forefather’s religion, eternal culture, customary laws and traditional village institutions. She organised Naga army and challenged British empire. British Government declared her as terror of north east and had awarded life imprisonment to her. When Pt. Nehru approached the British government to free her, they refused to oblige on the plea that if Rani Gaidinliu was freed, the revolt against British empire would spread like wildfire. She came out of Shillong prison when the country got Independence on August 15, 1947. But the travesty is that she was not allowed to visit her people for whose freedom, religion and culture she sacrificed her prime of youth. Same reason was given that if she was allowed to return to her Heraka people, the movement for preservation, protection and promotion of her forefather’s religion and eternal culture would catch-up momentum.

Influence of Church on some Nagas leading to separatism :

A section of our own Naga society who was under deep influence of church, was opposed to Heraka movement and Rani Gaidinliu. Rani Ma was kept in Yimrup village of Tuensang district nearly 300 km away from her people. See the fate that our own Zeliangrong persons who had been converted to Christianity spied against her and helped British army to arrest her from Poilwa village near Khonoma. They hatched a plan to kill her. Several of her Naga army sepoy were killed in the fierce battle. What was the guilt of Rani Ma ? The only  crime Rani Ma did was that she pioneered her forefather’s religion, eternal culture, customary laws and traditional village institutions. She advocated in no uncertain terms that the fate of Nagas was with India. She demanded the integration of all Zeliangrong areas in one administrative unit on the plea that this integration would accelerate the economic development of Zeliangrong people and fulfil their political aspiration.

The files in Union Home Ministry started moving in favour of integration of whole Zeliangrong areas with Nagaland. Rani Ma, Pau N.C. Zeliang and Prof. Gangmumei Kamei of Imphal were toiling hard to ensure that aspiration of Zeliangrong Nagas for integration was fulfilled. But this success was turned into failure by our own people on the plea that neither Rani Ma nor Pau N.C. Zeliang nor Prof. Gongmumei Kamei was Christian and the credit of achieving this integration should not and must not go to any person other than a Christian. And it should never, never go to a person like Rani Gaidinliu.

Loss of Culture Is Loss of Identity :

She clearly and fearlessly preached among her people that a society whose forefather’s religion, culture, tradition, village institution and customary laws are destroyed, becomes weak and vigourless. In due course of time indiscipline and chaotic situation prevailed in that society. Rani Ma and Pau N.C. Zeliang reverberated this doctrine repeatedly. Unfortunately, Naga leaders- political, social or of church, preferred to ignore.

The visit of Rani Ma in any Naga area used to spread like wildfire and people. Christians and Hindus (non-Christians) both used to come out on the road to have a darshan of her. She would stop at gathering at prominent places, meet the people, exchange the good-wishes and then advance on journey. The Hindu society worshipped her like a Goddess. She toured the country extensively.

She met the second RSS Sarsanghachalak MS Golwalkar (Guruji) in early seventies at Guwahati, attended the Second World Hindu Conference 1979 at Prayagraj (Allahabad) at Sangam (convergence) during one and quarter month long Maagh Mela. She graced the World Women Conference as its President where the lady dignitaries from all over the country and abroad had assembled. Since then, she had close association with a number of dignitaries and organisations throughout the country. She became a bridge between Naga society and larger Hindu Samaj.

Rani Gaidinliu

For the selfless service to the society and the country she was conferred a number of awards.

  • Freedom Fighter Tamrapatra Award 1972 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
  • Padma Bhushan 1982 by President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy.
  • Vivekananda Sewa Samman 1983 by Bada Bazar Kumarsabha Pustakalaya, Kolkata.
  • Birsa Munda Award, 1996 (Posthumous)

In addition to this, Rani Gaindinliu Stree Shakti Purashkar was started by the Government of India in her memory which is given on March 8 of each year to veteran women social workers in recognition to the selfless sacrifice for the society. A postal stamp has also been released in her memory.

Christian Missionary Image of the Nagas in Current Times :

The Naga society has been led on wrong path. As a result, we are killing each other. This killing is justified in the name of Nagaland for Christ. I, once, read an article written by an ISKCON sanyasin of American origin. The title of the article was “How I was saved from being saved” . The author, herself had narrated in that article how she protected herself from being converted to Christianity by saviours of the soul. I pray Lord Tingwang, O Lord Tingwang! Please save our Nagaland from (the so-called) saviours of Nagaland.

The volcanic situation created by our own Christian brothers in the early sixties against the Nagas religion and culture in Zeliangrong areas compelled Rani Gaidinliu to hold gun again in her hands and adopt the jungle path to protect her people from forcible conversion at gun point. The second resumption of guerrilla warfare was not directly against foreign forces but against those who were destroying the Naga traditions and values and also against those who were preventing the Naga youths from following the values set-forth by our forefathers and who were breaking the traditional control of village elders over village community particularly youths.

The image of the Naga society in length and breath of the country was

  •  that cent-per-cent Nagas have converted to Christianity
  • that all Nagas were anti-Hindu and anti-India and
  • that all Nagas were wild, savage and raw meat eaters.

In America, Britain and other Christian countries, Nagas were described as wild, savage, naked, head-hunters and with no religion. I have visited several mega cities in the country and have lived with several Hindu families. When Hindu hosts came to know that I was a Naga girl, they whispered. They could not believe that a Naga person could be so refined in all respects. It was not the mistake of the Hindu hosts. It was the mistake of our own since we allowed foreign Christian missionaries to propagate that we Nagas were wild, savage, heathen, naked, head-hunters and raw-meat eaters. This propaganda is still made in foreign countries.

Rani Gaidinliu and later, Pau N.C.Zeliang had opposed this malicious propaganda against the Naga society. Rani Ma had toured the country, established close contacts with the Hindu organisations and cleared the cloud of misconception against the Nagas from the mind of the Hindus. Later Pau N.C. Zeliang and now Shri Ramkui Wangbe Newme, President of Zeliangrong Haraka Association, have been telling us that any Naga who is neither Christian nor Muslim, falls under the category of Hindu religion.

Due to their untiring efforts, the image of Naga society has improved and brightened in the country.

Courtesy :

Photo courtesy – www.e-pao.net

Article first published in Organiser in 2007.

U Kiang Nangbah – A Patriot from Meghalaya

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” It seems as if history begins with the British annexation of their territories. A serious attempt was made in this direction under the leadership of the then National Council of Educational Research and Training Director, JS Rajput, during the NDA regime, but hundreds of textbooks prepared during the time were later thrown into the dustbin under the garb of preventing ‘saffronisation’ of education. ”  – KG Suresh of Pioneer

Kiang Nangbah

U Kiang Nangbah was born to Ka Rimai Nangbah at  Tpeppale in Jwai. The exact date of his birth is not known but it is said that he was a child at the time when the British annexed the Jaintia Kingdom in 1835. Unlike other patriot of the region, U Kiang Nangbah had no royal background. He was a rural folk and a common farmer that belonged to the lineage of the Sookpoh clan. Though very young in age at the time of annexation, he was greatly disturbed by the highhandedness policies of the Britishers. The spirit of patriotism was inspired in U Kiang Nangbah by these developments and by the daring life story of his maternal uncle, U Ksan Sajar Nangbah, who fought against the British at a place called Chanmyrsiang.

British & Christian Missionary strategy :

The British initially adopted a policy of least interference and left the Jaintia people almost entirely to themselves for a period of more than two decades. During these periods U Kiang Nangbah became fully aware about the policies and plan of the British to impose authority on the Jaintias. However, the anti-British feelings started when the British India Government attempted to impose taxes and interfered with the custom and religious activities of the people. These acts are viewed by the people as an attempt of the British to impose authority and make the people “submissive to the authority” and to “acknowledge the supremacy of the British government”.

In 1860, a House Tax was imposed in Jaintia Hills. The public pronouncement of this imposition was made by Manik Pakyntein a Dorbar held at Mïnkoi Pïrdi in 1859.. U Kiang Nangbah gave a befitting reply in the dorbar and said, “Natives do not pay taxes to the foreigners”. In the same year, many more taxes were imposed which includes Income Tax and duties on trade and other commodities despite the people of Jaintia had made it clear that they would not pay any forms of taxes imposed by the foreigner.

Apart from imposition of taxes, there were other activities of the British government that made the Jaintia people determined not to remain mute spectators, but to resist the British authority. A police station was established at Jwai in 1855, as a token of the government authority over the hills. The setting of police station near the cremation ground of the Dkhar clan was resented by the people. The British administration was asserting its power and took additional measures to control the Jaintias and to suppress their religious beliefs.  In addition, establishment of a school by the missionaries also caused concern for the people.

The immediate cause of the resistance was triggered by the incident that took place at Yalong. On the occasion of the traditional dance called ‘Pastieh Kaiksoo’. The police led by Surki, a Khasi police officer of Jowai confiscate all the weapons that are meant for the festival and burned them before the very eyes of a large number of people that had gathered to witness this traditional dance. The act of religious intolerance carried out by the British officials had made the Jaintia to rose in arms and protect their land, customs and religion.  The government official and missionaries influenced the people to believe that the sanctity of their sacred grooves known as ‘Khloo Langdoh’ was a superstition belief.

The Resistance Begins :

This political and religious interference of the British ignited the fire of mass movement which started with the calling of the Dorbar of the twelve Dalois to appraise the people about the need to resist the alien rule.  Daring old and young men attended the Dorbar.  U Kiang Nangbah was unanimously elected a leader after fulfilling a test.

U Kiang Nangbah and his men start building barricades, stockades, stored grains and manufactured weapons and firearms. U Kiang Nangbah and his people from the villages of Jwai, Yalong, Latober, and Changpung attacked the Police station at Jwai and destroyed it completely. They also burnt down Christian settlement and besieged the military post. The attack spread to other part of Jaintia Hills like Padu, Satpator, Nangbah, Yalong, Mynsoo, Changpung, Nyrtiang, Raliang, Sutnga, Nangkhlieh, Barato, Mookayaw etc. and the British had to reinforce more Regiments to conduct a full scale military operation against U Kiang Nangbah and his men.

Treachery :

Meanwhile U Kiang Nangbah fell ill and taking this as an opportune moment,  U Long Sutnga a key member of his team,  informed about the place and condition of U Kiang Nangbah to the British. On 27th December 1862, the British captured Kiang Nangbah in the early hours but with stiff resistance from U Kiang though he was ill.

This revolutionary leader was put on mock trial and was sentenced to death within three days of his capture, before the very eyes of the troops and  locals, to send across a tough message that any resistance to the British rule would not be tolerated and would be suppressed with an iron hand.  He was hanged on 30th December 1862.

Kiang Nangbah Monument

A Prophecy :

However, as he was being taken to the gallows on the evening of December 30, 1862, U Kiang said something prophetic, “Brothers and sisters, please look carefully on my face when I die on the gallows. If my face turns towards the east, my country will be free from foreign yoke in the next 100 years and if it turns west, it will remain in bondage for good.”

In less than a century, India became independent. Like the native American Indians, U Kiang fought for the rights of the people in the face of imposition of an alien way of life and values. People of Khasi and Jaintia Hills have since lost much of their traditional culture. In fact, not many in the younger generation even remember U Kiang Nanbah.

Government Education Policy :

The ignorance about U Kiang Nanbah is a reflection on the Government’s education policy, which has totally neglected the history of the North-East. Forget Nanbah, most history textbooks prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education do not have any reference to the history, culture or traditions of the region. It seems as if their history begins with the British annexation of their territories.

A serious attempt was made in this direction under the leadership of the then National Council of Educational Research and Training Director, JS Rajput, during the NDA regime, but hundreds of textbooks prepared during the time were later thrown into the dustbin under the garb of preventing ‘saffronisation’ of education.

Private Initiatives :

Efforts to build bridges of understanding between the North-East and the other parts of the country have been happening by some organizations and initiatives such as Ekal Vidyalaya, Ramakrishna Mission, Vivekananda Kendra, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Sewa Bharati, many initiatives by swayamsevaks of RSS and other well meaning individuals.

Nevertheless, this sensitisation has to begin from the school level itself, and that can be made possible only by incorporating the history, culture and traditions of the North-East in social studies textbooks taught across the country. This can be done with the active involvement of the people of the region and by educating the rest of the country about the contributions made by the freedom-fighters, intellectuals, artists and sportspersons from the North-East towards the building of a modern India.

References & Sources –

a. Meghalaya Times – U Kiang

b. Pioneer April 2013 – Article by KG Suresh

c. Photo Credit – Bharatmata mandir, Indianetzone

Lachit Borphukan – Bulwark Against the Delhi Sultans

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Lachit Borphukan

Courtesy Hindu History Info

Assam was the only State in Bharat which defeated successive attempts at invasion by the Delhi Sultans and the Mughal Emperors. The state survived 17 invasions.  Lachit Borphukan and many other brave kings and generals ensured that the North East of Bharat remained free from the Muslim invasions. Lachit Borphukan was a commander in the Ahom kingdom known for his leadership in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat that thwarted a drawn-out attempt by Mughal forces under the command of Ramsingh I to take back Kamrup.

In the mid 1600s the Mughal Empire was in the noontide of its glory – one of the greatest and largest empires in the world with a power army to match it. By force and conciliation it had overrun a large part of India before their fanatical policies of religious persecution led to a series of uprisings and revolutions that brought the entire empire crashing into the dustbin of history.

Popularly referred to as Momai Tamuli, the first Borbarua and also Commander-in-Chief of Ahom forces during the reign of King Prataapa Singha. Momai Tamuli ensured that his son Lachit was properly educated in the disciplines necessary for nobility. After the completion of his formal education, Lachit was appointed as the scarf bearer of the Ahom Swargadeo, a post equivalent to that of a private secretary.

“Dexotkoi mumai dangor nohoi” – My uncle is not greater than my country

From his father, Lachit had inherited an unwavering sense of duty, involvement and loyalty. He now immersed himself completely in the preparations for the war. He was a harsh taskmaster, but very sincere to his job that he did not hesitate to behead even his uncle, who was found to be negligent on duty during an important situation of the war.

Liberation of Ahom territory

In August 1667, Lachit accompanied by Atan Burhagohain lead the Ahom warriors towards Guwahati. In November 1667, he captured the Itakhuli fort and later drove the Mughal forces beyond Manas after taking the faujdar Firruz Khan as prisoner.

In December 1667, the tyrant Aurangzeb was informed of the defeat of the Mughal forces at the hands of Ahom warriors. He ordered a massive army commanded by Raja Ram Singh to attack and subdue the Ahoms. Aurangzeb added an additional 30,000 infantrymen, 21 Rajput chiefs with their contingents, 18,000 cavalry, 2,000 archers and shielders, and 40 ships to Ram Singh’s forces of 4,000 troopers (from his  char-hazaari mansab), 1,500 ahadis and 500 barqandezes.)

Selection of the Battlefield

Lachit Borphukan anticipated such an move by the Mughals. Therefore, immediately after capturing Guwahati he began strengthening the defenses around the Ahom territory. He used the Brahmaputra as a natural perimeter defense and augmented her banks with stockades and mud embankments. He was fully aware that he did not stand a chance against the Mughal troops on the plains. He cleverly choose the hilly and forested terrain just outside Guwahati as his battleground, were the Ahom warriors had an advantage over the Mughals.

Siege of Guwahati and the Alaboi

Confrontation

The Mughal forces attacked Guwahati in March 1669 and for over a year laid siege to it. During  he entire period, the Mughals could not achieve any breakthrough as the Ahoms had erected secure defences . The unaccustomed terrain and climate also turned against the Mughal forces. The Ahoms had the advantage and were using it fully by conducting guerilla raids against the Mughal troops.

The Mughals tried to sow dissension among the Ahoms through trickery. They shot an arrow into the Ahom camp with a letter addressed to Lachit. In that letter, the Mughals offered to pay Lachit one lakh rupees and urged him to evacuate Guwahati. This incident was informed to the Ahom king, which raised doubts in his mind about the loyalty of Lachit. Atan Burhagohain quelled the king’s doubts about Lachit’s loyalty.

Followed by this the Mughals lured the Ahoms for a confrontation on the plains. The Ahom king urged Lachit to take this up as a challenge. A small force of Mughal troops commanded by Mir Nawab was to engage the Ahom warriors at Alaboi. The Ahoms had made elaborate preparations and concealed their reinforcement in trenches. This helped the Ahoms capture Mir Nawab and rout his troops. The Mughals enraged by this defeat let loose their entire forces on the Ahoms that led to a massacre of 10,000 Ahom warriors.

Lachit withdrew his forces up to the Itakhuli fort after this major setback. While the war was raging on, the Ahom king Chakradhwaja Singha died. He was succeeded by Udayaaditya Singha. Observing that none of the Mughal strategies were successful, Ram Singh offered the Ahoms 300,000 rupees to give up their claim on Guwahati and return to an earlier treaty agreed in 1639. However, this was fiercely opposed by Atan Burhagohain, who raised the suspicion that the tyrannical emperor of Delhi may not abide by this proposal.

Meanwhile, Munnawar Khan, the Mughal admiral joined Ram Singh, with a rebuking message from Aurangzeb to make war with the Ahoms and not friendship. Ram Singh was now forced to move in full strength against the Ahoms. He was informed of a breach in the embankment near Andharubali. At this time, Lachit was down with severe illness and could not actively oversee the battle preparations.

Snatching Victory from Defeat

Lachit leading his troops

Lachit leading his troops

The Ahom army was demoralized after their defeat at the hands of the Mughals in the previous battle at Alaboi. When they saw the huge enemy boats looming nearer, they were devastated and were on the brink of deserting and fleeing the scene. Sensing this, Lachit immediately ordered a flotilla of seven boats to be prepared for him and forced himself from the sickbed and on to the boats. He firmly stated that regardless of what happens, he will never desert his country. Seeing their general back on foot and hearing his words gave the Ahoms a big morale boost. All soldiers rushed to Lachit’s side and their numbers swelled immediately.

The Ahoms launched their small boats and Lachit led them to a head on confrontation with the Mughals in the middle of the river. The smaller Ahom boats had greater maneuverability as opposed to the large Mughal vessels. The Mughal boats were stuck in the water unable to navigate efficiently. In a closely fought battle, the Mughals were decisively defeated. The Mughal admiral Munnawar Khan was killed in battle. Many of the Mughal commanders and numerous troops were also killed.

The Ahoms chased the Mughals upto the Manas, which was the western boundary of the Ahom. Lachit also instructed his troops to be always alert for counterattacks from the Mughals. All these events are presumed to have taken place in the month of March in the year 1671.

Though Lachit emerged victorious in the war against the Mughals and restored the glory and dignity of Ahoms, the strains of war had taken their toll on him. He never recovered from his illness and died an year later in April 1672.

Legacy

Lachit Memorial at Naval Defence Academy

Lachit Memorial at Naval Defence Academy

He was put to rest at the Lachit Maidan built by the King Udayaditya Singh at   Hoolungapara in 1672. His statue was unveiled at the National Defense Academy at Khadakwasla in 2000 by then Governor of Assam, Lt. Gen. S K Sinha. Every year the best cadet passing out of the Academy is awarded the Lachit Medal . Nov 24th is commemorated as Lachit Divas in remembrance of this heroic son of Maa Bharati.

Source material & References  –

a.  Yuva bharati magazine – April 2011

b. Assam Info website

c. Sitaram Goel

Forced conversion of Arunachal people – Letter to Prime Minister

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Janjati Dharm Sanskriti Suraksha Manch

K. B. Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati-8

Dated: 26th March, 2011

To

Dr. Manmohan Singh

The Prime Minister of Bharatvarsh

South Block, New Delhi-1

Sub: Church conspiracy and forced conversion of Arunachalee people by the nexus of NSCN (IM), NSCN (K), ANLF, Church organizations of Nagaland, politicians, bureaucrats and NGOs etc.

Hon’ble Sir,

Janjati Dharm Sanskriti Suraksha Manch would like to draw your kind attention on the topic “ Christianity: For a New Status in Arunachal Pradesh, published in ˜The Sentinel’ dated 19th March 2011 written by Wangpon Sabin, Ex-President of Tutsa Baptist Church Council, Arunachal Pradesh and also on the appeal of Arunachal Christian Forum published in a section of local media of Arunachal Pradesh on 19th March, 2011. In these writes-up, they have challenged the credence and relevance of Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill 1978. Not only that, they have sought to re-define the meaning of ˜indigenous faith’ and include Christianity also in the list of indigenous faith as because 40% population, as Wangpong Sabin claims, has been converted to Christianity. He says, Today, it is estimated that more than 40% of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh are practicing Christianity. This matter can no more be ignored or reverted. The religious faith and practices of more than 40% indigenous citizens of a state can no more be classified as non-indigenous. He says further “ Christianity is now as indigenous as Buddhism or Vaishnavism as mentioned in the Act, the only difference being that each of them was accepted by the indigenous people in different periods of history. By saying that the church equates Christianity with Buddhism and Vaishnavism. The only difference is that Buddhism and Vaishnavism came little early and Christianity little later but the doctrines preached, as it appears from the silly arguments of Church, is all the same.

Here, I would like to state that whatever Wangpon Sabin has said is nothing but a tip of ice-berg of deeper conspiracy hatched by church and supported by foreign powers inimical to our country. After giving a small jerk, Church wants to watch the reaction from the govt and the civil society. If there is no reaction or little reaction with manageable intensity, then the church can go for next phase of their conspiracy. If there is strong reaction or opposition, the church will keep the implementation of their well-thought ˜plan’ in abeyance only to re-surface at such time a favorable govt in Itanagar is installed. Till then, the church in league with militant organizations and alien forces would work underground to over throw the constitutionally elected govt in Arunachal Pradesh and install such a govt headed by such a Chief Minister who would support Church conspiracy (i) of forcible conversion at gun-point and (ii) de-stabilize Central Government or (iii) at least influence the Central and State policies in favor of Christians by discriminating the Hindus.

This has happened in the past in January 1999 when Gegong Apang ministry was overthrown by NSCN (K) terrorists and Mukut Mithi govt was installed who soft-pedaled in favor of Church and conversion conspiracy. The Church was angry on Gegong Apang because he had passed Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill 1978 which coincided with the Freedom of Religion Bill 1978 brought over by Om Prakash Tyagi in the Parliament headed by Morarji Desai. With a view to defy and express her tough opposition to Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill 1978 and Inner Line Permit, the Church brought Mother Teresa – the international humanitarian mask of Church and Nobel Prize winner for conversion through service to leprosy patients and a Bharat Ratna (?) awarded by Indira Gandhi to appease Christians. But to her misfortune, she was stopped at the Bandardeva Gate by Arunachal Pradesh police. The infuriated red-faced Mother (?) of Christians called upon the international community to teach a lesson to Gegong Apang for not allowing her to enter into Arunachal Pradesh. The international Church agencies and their supporters in USA, UK, France, Australia and other Christian countries did respond at once. But of no avail. She had to return from the Bandardeva police check-post. She rushed then to Morarji Desai. Morarji Bhai told her in no uncertain terms, When the people of Arunachal Pradesh do not want you to visit the state, what is the need for you to force visit the state?. When she started narrating her service mission, Morarji simply said, Service and conversion cannot go together. The Bishop of Dibrugarh said angrily, To serve the people of Arunachal, we, the missionaries, are not required to enter the state. Since then onward, the church opened several schools and hostels in Assam near Arunachal boundary for Arunachalee students. They sent students at Shillong and elsewhere. And they converted Arunachalees, started mission work inside the Assam state bordering Arunachal Pradesh. Today, Church claims that 40% people of Arunachal Pradesh have been converted. Some of these Christians act as host of hostile elements. It may be recalled that on 3rd May 1978, the Church had organized a massive protest rallies throughout the country. In Nagaland, it became a joint protest rallies organized by church but actively joined by Naga National Council (NNC) terrorists, and all the politicians- ruling and opposition in Nagaland. Naga Student Federation (NSF) acted as overground wing of under-ground, its volunteers forced even each and every non Naga Hindu to join the protest march. The speaker after the speaker spilled venom against the country. While addressing the protest rally in Kohima local ground, Vamuzo “ a former Brigadier in NNC army and then a political stalwart in the Nagaland said, Pass the bill and divide the country. Similar drama was enacted by the League of Church, terrorists and politicians in Aizawl and Shillong. There was a peace in rest part of NE region as because there were no or less Christians.

During Mukut Mithi regime, the Church had a hey day in Arunachal. Today, two bishops “ one at Itanagar and other at Miao “ near China border are supervising the conversion crusade. Over and above, the Baptist Church is over-active in Arunachal Pradesh, more so in Tirap and Changlong districts with the help of NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and Nagaland Baptists Church Council (NBCC). The Naga politicians and Naga Churches are sending Naga missionaries in this area so that Changlong and Tirap can be merged in Greater Nagaland. The Church has formed Arunachal Naga Liberation Front (ANLF) who is working on this line. ANLF terrorists are being trained by NSCN (IM) in Herbon Camp near Dimapur.

In the year 2003, the nexus of Church and NSCN (IM) hijacked the assembly election in Nagaland. They directed the voters at gun point to defeat Congress ministry headed by Lokshree Dr. S. C. Jamir and vote for Naga People’s Front headed by Neiphiu Rio. As a result, Jamir lost and Neiphiu Rio formed the government. Immediately after sworning ceremony, the Neiphiu Rio Govt resolved to pay rupees 60 Lakhs to church for ˜service (?) activities. Nagaland Government paid rupees 18 crores to various church organizations meant for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan. With this enormous money, the Nagaland churches are sponsoring Naga missionaries and establishing various churches in Arunachal Pradesh. ANLF terrorists are also getting their share from NBCC.

On 7th March 2011, NSCN (K) Supremo S S Khaplang has warned the ministers and legislators of Changlong and Tirap districts of dire consequences if they did not withdraw support to Dorjee Khandu Govt by 10th March 2011. NSCN (K) accused Dorjee Khandu of being the killer of Naga People of Tirap and Changlong districts. NSCN (K) did not do this at its own. The Church is behind this game.

One Wangdong Chaktey, Central Intelligence Officer of NSCN (K) served a threat letter dated 4th January 2011 to President, Central Rongfra Administrative Council (CRAC), Tirap and Changlong districts of Arunachal Pradesh in which the terrorist outfit has ordered the followers of Rangfra religion to stop all the socio-cultural and religion promotion activities of Rangsohom (Rangfra mandir) of Kothum village of Tirap district including Lazu circle and whole of the Changlang district. The outfit has ordered that non-compliance of his order would invite a dire consequence. NSCN (K) has banned the construction and repair of Rongfra mandirs in all the villages under their command. The priest, Wangjam Chaktey, 75, was tied in a post, tortured for four hours on January11. Again on February 1, 2011, Kamjam Hamphuk, Secretary of Rongfra Administrative Council of Kothum village was kidnapped and retained in their designated camp for six days till Feb 6. He was thoroughly beaten and was released only when Rs 65 thousand in cash was paid and a pig worth rupees 10 thousand was given to him. This harassment was meted out with an intention of converting the Rongfra followers into Christianity and integrating both districts – Tirap and Changlang into greater Nagaland. Earlier, similar threat letter was issued by NSCN (K) on October 30, 2011. Now also, most of the villages are under the control either of NSCN (K) or of NSCN (IM). They are not allowing villagers to move out even for their ˜kheti’ work. On January 14 this year, the Chief of Ozakho villages, Awang Wangs, the only son of his parents was shot dead. A decade ago, his father was also shot dead by Naga terrorists. But under protective cover of NSCN (K) and NSCN (IM), the Naga Christian missionaries are masquerading as peace makers with Bible in one hand and AK-47 in the other. It may be noted that the Naga Christian missionaries are in both the factions-NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K), working for the extension of sphere of Nagaland for Christ. The official logos of both the factions bear prominently the slogan-Nagaland for Christ signaling that Christianity is the only recognized religion in the area of their control.

On 13th May 2010, Lingam Hakhun Naga alias Lamba Chool Wala, the area Commander of NSCN (IM) called a meeting of Gaon Burhas and village elders along with people of all the 12 villages of Tikhak community in Putok I village in which village elders and other people of Motongsa, Longchong, Putok I, Putok II, Putok III and other seven surrounding villages participated. Lingam belonged to Hakhun Naga Community living in the villages in the bordering areas of Arunachal’s Changlong district and Assam. The meeting place was surrounded by twenty four armed terrorist of NSCN (IM) displaying their lethal fire arms. Lingam cursed that all the followers of Buddha would go to eternal hell-fire and that all of the villagers had to convert to Christianity if they wished to attain salvation. He cautioned that all followers of Buddhism must convert to Christianity failing which the villagers should be prepared to face dire consequence. NSCN (IM) had banned the celebration of Buddha Purnima in May 2010. The Tikhak Community faced the challenge boldly and saved the people from Church onslaught. In 2008, a lady was burnt to death as she refused to convert and the Ao Naga missionary was arrested for committing this heinous crime. The nexus between Church and terrorist organizations are no secret.

In South Africa, the Negros who followed their indigenous faith-Voodoo religion, were slaughtered by white missionaries. In Britain, the British who followed their indigenous faith – Dhrud religion were persecuted by Church. In USA, the janjatis – Cheroki, Inca, Maya and Aztec who followed their indigenous faith and Mayan Civilization and refused to convert to Christianity, were killed en-mass and their gold were looted in tons. When Indonesia refused to be subjugated to western Church masters, an Indonesian Christian convert-Jose Ramos Horta and Carlos Bello- the Bishop of East Timor were helped to cause mass- uprising resulting into vivisection of Indonesia creating a Christian country-East Timor. Jose Ramos Horta and Bishop Carlos Bello were awarded Nobel Peace Prize for causing unrest in Indonesia. Similarly, Aung Sang Sui Kyi of Myanmar is a Christian married to an American. This lady has been awarded Nobel Peace Prize for disturbing peace and spearheading mass-movement in Myanmar. The Human Rights organizations which are the creation of Church are spreading the malicious propaganda against the elected government.

Our country Bharatvarsh is strong enough to counter Church conspiracy. Still, the west managed to award Nobel Prize to Mother Teresa for converting lakhs of people in our country under the mask of social service to leprosy patients in Kolkata. No wonder, if USA-UK combine manages to award Nobel prizes to Phizo, S.S.Khaplang, Th. Muivah and Isak Chishi Swu for waging war on our country with the help of international Church organizations.

There is clear evidence which confirms that scores of international Christian organizations are backing terrorism and separatist movements in Northeast Bharatvarsh. The Church backed organizations are providing funds, arms and ammunitions with the aim of creating a separate Christian state. The priests, pastors and church leaders act as spy.

National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) was founded in 1989 by Christian converts and since its inception the NLFT has been engaged in an armed struggle to carve out a separate Christian country-Tripura. The forced conversions at gun point are irrefutably linked to the combine of NLFT and Baptist Church.

In Nagaland, Rev. Michael Scott- a British missionary was friend, philosopher and guide of Phizo- the President of Naga National Council (NNC). NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) of Nagaland are managed by Christians with open support of Church. Because of Naga terrorism, over 40,000 innocent people have been killed. NSCN (IM) has its offices in New York, Geneva and Hague. The letter head, seals and its logo read-Nagaland for Christ. It has links with international Church organizations, ISI of Pakistan and Maoists of China. It has bases in Bangladesh, Myanmar and China. Isak Chishi Swu declared at Boveralli USA four years ago that NSCN (IM) was working to send 10,000 Baptist missionaries in neighboring states of Bharat and neighboring countries as well to spread the gospel preached by Prince of Peace-Jesus Christ. Reverend Merüpfü Kent- a fanatic Naga Baptist missionary was the chairman of NNC. Now also, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) is headed by Rev (Dr.) Wati Aier who is an Ao Naga and Vice President of Baptist World Alliance (BWA) in charge of Southeast Asia. He was a missionary in USA and other foreign country. Recently, he received Baptist World Alliance Human Rights Award conferred by Baptist World Alliance (BWA) for uniting NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and NNC and bringing proper alliance with Church.

In Meghalaya, the Church has converted almost 80% of Khasi and Jaintia population. The other 20% Khasis are still following the Nian Khasi religion and 20% of Jaintias are following the Niantre religion. The Church birthed Henewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) – a Christian terrorist outfits which agitates for separate Meghalaya ˜country’. Rejoy Singh Khongsha- a Khasi leader was abducted and killed by North East Red Army- a Church outfit. The Presbyterian Church of Mizoram created Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by Laldenga which killed thousands of innocent people in quest of attaining ˜freedom’ from Bharatvarsh. In Manipur, Church is funding almost all terrorist organizations. Here, Church is now bringing Korean missionaries to attract Meitei Hindus. The church buildings are coming up everywhere in Manipur when the state is burning in the flame of insurgency. The church is also found associated with smuggling and circulation of arms and fake currency notes across the border.

Hon’ble Sir, it will be seen from the fact narrated above that church works (i) through terrorism (ii) by influencing educated class through propaganda in media and educational institutions and (iii) by planting such politicians in ruling party who advance church agenda.

The destructive intension of Arunachal Christian Forum and Tutsa Baptist Church Council backed by church sponsored terrorist outfit – Arunachal Naga Liberation Front (ANLF) is very clear in their demand either to repeal Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill 1978 or to amend it suitably to include Christianity as indigenous religion of Arunachalees or to exclude Buddhism and Vaishnavism from the list of indigenous religions of Arunachal Pradesh. If the church is succeeded in their game plan, Arunachal Pradesh will become Nagaland where the Church controls the political leaders, terrorist outfits like NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and NNC, Civic organizations like Naga Hoho, Naga Student Federation (NSF), Naga Mother Association (NMA) and thousands of overground and underground NGOs. The Civil Liberties and freedom of speech of common mass are hijacked and only the diktats of church pronounced through terrorist organizations and sponsored political organizations, rules the rouste. The Church will also ruin the cultural identity inherited from our forefathers.

It is, therefore, humbly requested that rules for Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Bill 1978 be framed and implemented strictly so that the innocent Arunachalees are protected from Church onslaught. It is also requested to institute a high power judicial inquiry commission headed by a retired justice of a High Court to investigate the subversive activities of Church in Arunachal Pradesh.

With best regards,

B. B. Jamatia

President

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