To many what Assam Rifles has been doing with Naga Mothers and a few widows from Phek district is nothing exceptional.This is a "people's friendly force" is the refrain from many soldiers and officers.Assam Rifles has been fostering a new bond with the locals over the years.
Not long ago, earlier in January this year, the force rescued more than 172 civilians at the Zojila Tunnel site in Jammu and Kashmirwho were trapped due to an avalanche. The value of the force is now felt overseas as well and has resulted in their deployment in Sri Lanka during Op Pawan and United Nation missions at Haiti and Congo.
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| GoC, Maj Gan Lakhera with Naga Mothers from Phek |
Kohima
Success lies in doing the things you know best rather than chasing multiple things.
Soldiers across the world are associated with guns and violence. But in northeast India, men in camouflage and these days even eves or women are also harbingers of peace. But as emotions; what works best in a soldier ?
In an Indian soldier; perhaps it is the typical one --- bond with motherhood. --
Away from home, these soldiers often hit upon elderly women; and that way the 'Naga mothers' are a special lot they hit upon at times.The Naga mothers have a reputation of their own. One had heard of injured soldiers being attended by an emotional Naga mother and she would easily scream "marom bhi lagey (I feel bad for the wounded soldier)".
But there are other ways to look at things. A Naga mother like millions across the globe is not only the 'best friend' around; she can be the most honest critic, and also biggest fan all rolled into one.
And she would guide youngsters to see reasons.
Known as the 'friends of the hill people'; the paramilitary force Assam Rifles in northeast has now undertaken a unique 'national integration initiative' involving elderly women -- mothers and widows taking them out on a tour of north India.
A group of 16 women from remote Phek district in Nagaland under a unique National Integration initiative visited New Delhi and Agra and returned to the state capital Kohima on Oct 23rd.
The enthusiastic women shared their experiences calling it an "eye opener" as many of them ventured out of the northeast and also traveled in the train for the first time.
GoC Nagaland, Maj Gen V Lakhera said, "To me these women symbolise strengths and love..we took this out of box initiative to take elderly mothers for the exposure at the suggestion of some of my young women soldiers and officers. Earlier we have taken young school children for the exposures a number of times. We want the narrative to be changed and take out people from the legacy of the past".
A number of women participants at the tour said having seen the technological and scientific developments in the heart of the country and with amazing opportunities waiting to be exploited by the talent of the future youth; they will now "encourage their new generation to venture out and be a participant without hesitation".
One of them said, "...travel and moving out of home is a must in life....it opens new vistas of life..it starts a new conversation... between people.. a conversation which is so unique and leaves a far reaching impact".
In other words, these Naga mothers and widows can in future connect the dots when the state of Nagaland actually charts its own journey of growth with a fresh endeavour. They have tales to tell children and grandchildren.
Ms Akulu Vero said, "Starting with our visit to the India Gate and the National War Memorial we could feel the surge of emotions. As we stood in front of these two monuments which pay homage to the fallen warriors who gave their lives to the service of the nation, in the solemn moment we could feel connected to the memories of the people in the rest of India".
But what was still the bigger takeaway from interaction with these mothers? One of the enthusiastic participants made the candid observation:"....I will say, we are indebted to Assam Rifles and the government of India for understanding the real voice of Naga women".
GoC Nagaland General Lakhera said this tour would go a long way in promoting national integration as it is for the first time in the northeast such initiatives have been undertaken involving the elderly women.
"...this trip has sown a seed and we hope to get good and effective fruits in the national interest and in the interest of peace," he said. "Mothers are the same everywhere whether it is Nagaland, Tamil Nadu or UP , they are the backbone of the family and society. This is no rocket science but we all must go back to these roots," said Maj General Lakhera.
"The interesting part is we have soldiers from UP and these Naga mothers realise that young boys and girls are discharging duties and providing security to people and nation in the border state," he said.
One young Assam Rifles woman personnel who accompanied the team said,"It is true like any force we in the Assam Rifles are operating with guns, which is what we are trained to do. But we are also operating with hearts and this trip was a living example".
ends
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