Durbar Hall Kohima now renamed Dr Imkongliba Hall

Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi; Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio; former CM, Dr SC Jamir with other dignitaries  during the programme on January 26. (DIPR Photo) 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 26 

The Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, Kohima was officially renamed as Dr. Imkongliba Hall today on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day celebration here.

During the Governor’s ‘At Home’ programme, Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi unveiled the plaque in the presence of Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, former Chief Minister, Dr SC Jamir and several other dignitaries.

Ravi said the Naga people have not forgotten Dr Imkongliba and his sacrifices for the Naga people in times of turmoil. He also saluted the pioneers of Nagaland who fought for the welfare and wellbeing of the Naga people in times of turbulence.
"These leaders under extraordinary circumstances put their heads together and carved out what is best for the people of Nagaland. These leaders also got together, deliberated and pursued a path for the Naga people and much more than that is the incorporation of a special provision in the Constitution of India," said Ravi.

The occasion also witnessed felicitation of 21 Naga personalities- Dr SC Jamir, JB Jasokie, Kheloshe Sema, RC Chiten Jamir, Goyiepra Chakesang, TN Angami, Etssorhomo Ezung, Tanwang Konyak, P Demo, Imtichuba Chang, Laukiumong Yimchunger, Bautung Phom, Sentsi Rengma, P Shilu Ao, Sashimeren Aier, R Khathing, Chuba Sangtam, Loyem Chang, Chingai Konyak and Hokishe Sema.

Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio said that Dr. Imkongliba was a man of great determination and values with a far-sighted vision to bring all Naga brethren together and finding a practical solution during the turbulent time in Naga history.

In his address, Dr SC Jamir, called upon the younger generation especially young political leaders of the state to clearly understand how and why the Naga Peoples Convention (NPC) emerged in the Naga political scenario, so that a true perspective can emerge on the ideas, ethos, activities and goals of the NPC.

Dr Jamir said that the greatest need in the current political scenario in Nagaland is to recognize and conform to the contemporary realities, as “we are in the threshold of a new dawn for a united, peaceful and progressive Nagaland.”

He gave a clarion call to the people of Nagaland in general and the leaders in particular to completely bury their hatchets with true Christian spirit, reinvent, redesign and revolutionize the new Nagaland to measure up to the sanctity of the declaration of “Nagaland for Christ."

On behalf of the family members of Dr Imkongliba Ao, Tali Longkumer thanked the Governor and the government for arranging the programme in honoring the memory of his father and his colleagues.

Longkumer said Dr. Imkongliba accepted the overwhelming challenges of shouldering the Naga politics of his days that was churning through the crisis of identity and survival.

“It was indeed a difficult and dangerous assignment in charting a way for peace in the midst of violence. He had nevertheless accepted this challenging task with courage, vision and fortitude that subsequently paved the way for him in leading the Naga delegation to Delhi for negotiation with the Government of India that finally concluded in signing the historic 16 Point Agreement that incorporated a provision for the creation of the state of Nagaland,” said Tali.