Officials of Naga Students’ Union addressing a press conference in Dimapur on June 2. (Morung Photo)
No to relocation of Hindi Institute from Dimapur
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 2
The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) reiterated its opposition to the compulsory learning of Sanskrit in schools, and the proposal to relocate the Government Hindi Institute from Dimapur to Medziphema. The DNSU addressed a press conference in Dimapur on June 2 demanding the immediate withdrawal of these plans.
According to the DNSU General Secretary Michael Kath, while the union is not against Sanskrit as a language, Nagaland's tribal diversity makes compulsory imposition unfeasible. Stating that Nagaland does not have a single common local language, Kath questioned the necessity of introducing another language when students are already managing English, Hindi, and their respective mother tongues. Rather than compulsion, he said, “Strengthen initiatives for the preservation and promotion of indigenous Naga languages, and ensure that language learning remains a matter of choice.”
Assistant General Secretary Rukewezo Wetsah referenced the lack of Sanskrit teachers in a state, where even Hindi teachers are hard to come by, and the practical difficulties of implementing the language under the three-language formula. Wetsah warned that the DNSU alongwith parents would be compelled to initiate democratic agitation if authorities persist with the move.
On the issue of the Government Hindi Institute, Dimapur, the DNSU criticised the plan to shift the facility to Medziphema in Chümoukedima. The government had reportedly cited encroachment and space constraints for the relocation. However, the union, citing site verification, held that despite encroachment, there remains adequate space for upgrade and development.
The institute was originally established in 1968 and moved to the present site in Oriental Colony in the mid-1980s. As per reports, the land originally demarcated for the institute at the present site was 20 bighas. Over the years, it has lost approximately two and a half bighas to encroachment.
DNSU President P Hinoto Awomi condemned the government's relocation proposal as “step-motherly treatment” toward Dimapur. “Encroachment cannot be used as an excuse to shift a training institute; the government must take action against the encroachers,” Awomi said. He said that the union would oppose the relocation, while stating that the issue of land recovery would be taken up in subsequent stages.
He added, “The query regarding the exact land area can also be directed to the district administration or the Land Revenue Officer.”
On the controversy over the singing of Vante Mataram, Awomi pointed to the religious conflicts it presents for the state's predominantly Christian population. He sought to distinguish between patriotism and religious worship, stating that while the National Anthem is accepted, singing Vande Mataram contradicts Christian monotheistic principles. According to him, the Vante Mataram lyrics venerate deities.
The Government Middle School issue in Midland, Dimapur, also came up. The Health and Family Welfare Department was accused of illegally occupying rooms in the school building. Awomi demanded its relocation.
