Dzüvinuo Theünuo
Come 1st March 2007 Kohima will be witness to a grand celebration at the local ground Khuochiezie as the Village Guards Organisation commemorates its 50th Anniversary.
Village Guards (VG) is a volunteer force of peasant soldiers, the proud traditional Naga heroes who, since the dawn of history lived in Morungs and guarded Naga villages. Their primary role is to defend their villages against insurgent and terrorist activity, and to assist security forces in their counter insurgency operations within village areas.
VGs have rendered yeoman service in maintaining peace and order in the state since their inception. Many of them gave their lives in the performance of their duty. In recognition of their services many them were awarded gallantry awards of Ashok Chakra by the President of India. A large number of them have also been honoured by the Governor of Nagaland.
The idea of Village Guards originated at Pangsha village. Due to its loyalty to the government, insurgents attacked Pangsha village on the night of 11/12 February 1957 and killed nine persons including women and children. The then Political Officer of Tuensang Frontier Division under NEFA Administration, Padma Shri Major R. Khathing MC, OBE, IFAS initiated a case for raising 300 loyal Nagas to be armed with 12 bore guns and to be known as Tuensang Frontier Division Scouts, to protect the villagers. The proposal was accepted by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi and Major M.B. Rai, Ex 11 GR was entrusted to organize to Tuensang Frontier Division Scouts. This organization was formally raised on 1st March, 1957.
Meanwhile, Naga Hills District of Assam and Tuensang Frontier Division of NEFA were united and a new area was created, known as Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA) on 1st December 1957 under Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Consequently, the special constables of Naga Hills and the Tuensang Frontier Division Scouts were incorporated and reorganized on 1st December 1957 and renamed as Village Defence Guard (VDG). A post of Military Liaison Officer to the Commissioner NHTA in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel was created with Headquarter at Kohima. Three independent wings were established at Kohima, Mokokchung and Tuensang. Each wing was commanded by a Major from the army with Headquarters located at each of the three District Headquarters. The effective strength of VDG in NHTA was 2000, divided into 40 Platoons, each Platoons consisting of 50 men.
The primary role allotted to the VDG was the immediate security and protection of their own villages against violence to life and property. Their other roles were limited protective routine duties like road opening, passing of information, acting as guides and interpreters and provision of escort to Civil Administrative Officers.
On attainment of full statehood of Nagaland on 1st December 1963, the VDG wings of Kohima and Mokokchung districts were converted and formed major elements of the first and second battalions of Nagaland Armed Police. Those VDG personnel found medically unfit were discharged with a terminal benefit for every six months service or part thereof.
The Tuensang wing covering Tuensang, Mon and Phek remained operative for the security of the villages in the international border. It was then redesignated as Village Guard, Tuensang and the Wing Commander was redesignated as Commandant.
On raising of the 3rd NAP Battalion at Tuensang in 1966, the Government almost decided that the VGs were to be enrolled in 3rd NAP and non-volunteers and medically unfit persons were to be discharged in similar manner as that of Kohima and Mokokchung VGs. However, due to the persistent efforts of the then Minister for Tuensang Affairs, Akum Imlong , DC , Tuensang, Aliba Imti, IFAS and Commandant Maj. M.B. Rai, the VGs of Tuensang were not disbanded. Volunteers were allowed to enroll in 3rd NAP Bn.
During the late 60s active insurgency shifted from other parts of Nagaland to Tuensang district. The VGs made a major contribution by themselves and in support of the security forces for maintenance of law and order in the state.
In recognition of their value, the government decided to strengthen and revitalize the VGs by increasing the strength of the VGs to cover more villages along the border and to organize a more effective command and central structure. The government has also enhanced the various allowances being paid to the VGs.
Source: Silver Jubilee Souvenir, the Village Guards (1957-82)
(A DIPR Feature)
