"Locals are equal stakeholders" ::::: "Civil-military synergy is more about knowledge sharing ... than merely joint patrols", says a key military officer Brig Samir Palande, Deputy IGAR-North

"Nagaland’s diversity is both a blessing and a challenge," said Brig Samir Palande, Deputy IGAR-North.

At present posted at Kohima, he also served multiple tenures in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a first of its kind seminar the Military Civil Fusion organised by Assam Rifles and the office of GoC Nagaland; Brig Palande said - "...the internal security situation has historically been complex. Sporadic insurgency, extortion, trafficking, cross border challenges and competition among groups have necessitated a robust security architecture".

".... intelligence sharing and trust between civil authorities, communities and armed forces becomes paramount. Civil military synergy must go beyond joint patrols or check posts. It should evolve into knowledge sharing, early warning systems and community based intelligence gathering where locals are equal stakeholders," Brig Palande said. 

He said :

"True development is not measured just by road construction, electrification, or economic indicators. It is measured by the empowerment of communities – their ability to withstand shocks, their capacity to adapt and their confidence to participate in decision–making."

 With 18 major tribes and numerous sub tribes, each with its distinctive identity, he pointed out that the state of Nagaland embodies pluralism. 

"Respecting and preserving this uniqueness is integral to peace," he said. 

Yet, Brig Palande maintained - the internal security situation has historically been complex. 

"Sporadic insurgency, extortion, trafficking, cross border challenges and competition among groups have necessitated a robust security architecture."

"A villager, a teacher, even a student armed with awareness can contribute to the larger goal of security if avenues for cooperation are open and free from fear," he said. 

Analysing certain key security related aspects; Brig Palande says: 

"Nagaland shares a porous and sensitive border with Myanmar. This boundary though rich in history and culture is unfortunately also susceptible to illegal trade, insurgent movement and transnational crime.

Effective border management does not mean isolating communities who live across both sides. Rather, it must balance security imperatives with humanitarian considerations. 

Border fencing, advanced surveillance and joint patrols are essential instruments but equally important is the assurance of livelihood and mobility for people living in border villages."

Hence he underlines ---- 

"Civil military collaboration can ensure this balance. 

"While the forces secure the boundary, civil administration and local leadership can jointly provide border populations with opportunities so that they do not become victims of exploitation or recruitment," he said.   

Brig Palande said - "The youth of Nagaland are its greatest untapped reservoir of strength. With their creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, they have the capacity to transform society. 

But they need institutional support.

Whether it is skill development centres set up by civil agencies, pre recruitment training run by the army or sports and cultural festivals jointly organised, these initiatives create pathways toward empowerment. 

We need to shift the narrative of youth from being recipients of aid to being creators of solutions.

Employment, digital literacy, start up ecosystems and cultural entrepreneurship are the frontiers where civil administration, military goodwill projects, NGOs and private sector initiatives can converge.

"If we can turn the energy of our youth towards construction rather than conflict, towards innovation rather than insurgency, the dividends for Nagaland will be immeasurable."

Brig Palande with guests and fellow colleague officers  

Ends