Jamir turns 96, says "People mock at Statehood, yet want benefits from State Govt"
Born on Oct 17, 1931, veteran Naga leader S C Jamir turns 96 on Saturday Oct 17, 2026.
On this occasion I caught up with him for an e-mail interview and a brief tele chat.
Answering multiple questions, Jamir now on the eve of his birthday said:
"Today, I can say as someone who has seen a younger Neiphiu who had been a Chief Minister for the longest time could have transformed Nagaland as one of the most advanced states of the Northeast".
However, he lamented: "But we are aghast to see that the governance is in doldrums and the Naga political solution has become a myth".
"Rio missed a great opportunity. He is running a government in alliance with the BJP. If he delivered and performed well; even the BJP would have benefited and the Naga people and North East would have benefited".
I also asked him, - how was the so-called 'Heart to Heart Talk' with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat - "I liked the headline you gave to the small booklet. As a journalist I am jealous of your talent".
S C Jamir's response was -- "Good compliment. But more seriously, talks went on smoothly. He was serious. I am glad, Shri Mohan Bhagwat wanted to understand various perspectives. I was specific about one thing ... in these few years, we have seen the situation in Nagaland has reached a rock bottom. I told him; a day will come when people are going to blame the BJP and also the RSS for propping up an Opposition-less government. This Govt has made a mess in Nagaland. Therefore, is it not time to review the stand ?"
On his demand for President's Rule in the state:
Jamir said - "I have been a constitution's man. As Governors and Chief Ministers - what are we ... ... just the servants of the Constitution.
Now that the all Legislators of Nagaland officially told the Prime Minister and all Opposition Leaders of the Country that they would resign en-bloc to prepare the way for solution of the Naga problem.
I simply told the RSS chief to take advantage of this declaration. I did not suggest President Rule in Nagaland as such".
Answering questions, Jamir said - "We do not have beggars. Everyone is self- sufficient in a Naga village. No one is allowed to go without food even for a single time. The females have a fairly high status in Naga society.
In contemporary politics - we took some time .... no doubt to elect women leaders. Rano Angami (Shaiza) was the first woman member of Parliament and today we have a BJP woman MP.
The former chief minister also said:
"The village council elections are highly democratic. No one can push things out of turn or by use of force. Elders are always respected. Minor disputes in villages are often settled by village elders. The verdict is often accepted even by IAS officers or ministers. I turn 96 today .. and see around -- people have so much affection and respect for me".
I quickly countered him - saying - but some leaders are attacking you?
S C Jamir's response was smart and statesmanlike:
"Dev, you are absolutely wrong. They criticise my politics but as a Naga elder; they all have high respect for me. And those misguided youngsters can be forgiven and even taught softly.
You all can do it in the media. Today's social media is something of a headache. But as for me, whether I am in power or out of it is almost the same because a politician continues to serve the people in any status or capacity .As the proverb says - “Politicians never retire".
On the general socio-political challenges in Naga life and many phases of transitions; he said -- "That ... even after so many decades, we have not been able to resolve the Naga political problem is also a puzzle in itself. I am in pain about that. During my Matric – we had to walk from Mokokchung to Kohima (a distance of 144 km from Jamir’s hometown to the state capital) to appear for the exam. But Nagas have been political stakeholders all along.
I or even my friends and political rivals of that era saw politics as a different stage of life. It was never about power alone.
"We tried to contribute politically. I can fondly remember my friends, my elders and also political rivals – Dr Imkongliba, P Shilu Ao, Vizol... Hokishe Sema, Vamuzo and T N Angami and so on. We all wanted to contribute something for our people.
In 1993 - when I said Nagaland elections should be on three Rs ... focusing on Reconciliation everyone liked it.
Even P Eniye who was in NPC liked some of those ideas. We struggled for Reconciliation. We coined the phrase ‘Peace Offensive’.
He further added:
"True, things have changed a lot. Well said, even in my life some changes came pretty fast. In my young days ... the days of the early years of the Naga movement and our struggles. Things changed all of a sudden, my sincerity impressed my seniors. Initial years of my days in the Naga People’s Convention, I was a very good listener. I was no longer just an ordinary politician; everyone thought I would be an unexpected phenomenon. Everyone encouraged me to work harder.
Jamir in 1998 : Raj Bhavan, Kohima after swearing in
"In my long career - I found one thing was certain -- I realised that many people would also talk about me and my ideas without truly knowing me.
"All of a sudden, I became the most harassed Naga politician. But amid all that; I found and always believed .. Nagas were united. They would stick together irrespective of any differences. Nagas are united by a shared purpose.
To another question, he said:
"The fight to achieve a lasting peace, development and better days for their children is a goal. The Naga sense of self-determination was a cherished affair. Leaders of yesterday’s years had full commitments towards this cause and they gave their all for this. But today in the name of Naga cause there had been mushrooming of factions and they started exploiting the common people of Nagaland.
There were people who would often show disregard to our Statehood, mislead people and youths and at the same time demand all benefits from the state government".
ends
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