Kedi Haralu
Whenever troops return after a period of war, becoming battle hardened, and always having a sense of alertness and suspicion, for war turns a person into a different character and the real person within emerges. A brave looking man can be a coward when he faces the face of death, and an unexpected person can be a bold and brave person. The inner qualities which emerges during hard times, is what keeps a person alive or dead. Take the example of the IPKF at Sri Lanka Operation. Out of a whole Para Commando Platoon that jumped/parachuted into the LTTE stronghold were literally butchered even before they could reach the ground, for the operation was leaked to the LTTE, thus setting a trap. The Only Survivor was the Platoon Leader, a Captain, for when he dropped to the ground, a few other dead jawans had fallen on top of him, thus concealing him and finally being rescued. There were also numerous normal Indian troops that had seen action but numerous battles were lost due to the weapons used. The SLR was no match for an AK Assault Rifle at close range. My question is, how have these jawans been debriefed? Have they been immediately put into service at home for domestic security? If so - why?
Every country has their own “Vietnam” and for India it was “Sri Lanka” and much closer to us, Nagalands Vietnam was “Chattisgarh.” Why I say this is because although our Daring Ninth had to face the Naxalites, it was not a fair battle i.e. Mano-e-Mano, but instead they were up against cowards who were more comfortable in laying IED’s and other explosives and detonated from a safe distance. That was not all, even the intellectuals of that area were for the Naxalites, so at times the 9 IR was falsely blamed and accused of cold blooded murder. Although the Chattisgarh Government demanded for a longer stay of the Nagaland Police, it did not make sense, for even politicians were hand in glove with the Naxalites. Politicians such as Shibu Soren & Co are a good example. I am glad that the Nagaland Government finally pulled out our boys from Chattisgarh for good. We will need the 9 IR if the Cease fire comes to a halt, for the protection of the innocent Nagas plus were they not actually set up for these duties?
Now, in an way it is wise of the part of the government to send the 9 IRB to their headquarters at Saijang, for atleast they will not be in touch with the city population immediately, for they do need to reorient themselves through professional help in de-briefing, before being put into domestic policing, which the 10 and 11 IR has terribly failed due to their trigger happy attitude and indiscipline and disrespect for officers in charge of Domestic Policing. But 9 IR being a well trained force since most had served in other battalions before opting to join up with this elite battalion, which even the factions regardless of how deadly and dangerous they may be, are hesitant to take on the 9 IR. I would rather like to see the 9 IR on our Streets rather then a bunch of CRPF Jawans in Camouflage Uniform, which makes them look more like a Sheep in a lions clothing. It just does not suit them. The Khaki Uniform atleast gave them some prestige in their image, but now they look like a badly dressed Rag Tag army. The 9 IRB must be used where the public is suffering due to factional clashes in certain towns and villages, putting the life of innocent public in Jeopardy. If the factions want to carry clashing, who are we to try to stop them, but it should be confined to the jungles and not in the middle of the town, using the public as a human shield. Districts like Phek, Zunheboto and Peren must be cleaned up, for the safety of the people living there. This can be achieved not by the CRPF nor the Indian Army, for the reputation they have created themselves is not a very healthy one, but instead, the 9 IRB should be utilized in such strategic clean ups, for which the public will be forever grateful for.
It is also very significant gesture for a Martyrs Park will be a wonderful memory for those who have lost a son, a brother or a father. It would be a wonderful gesture too if the Nagas came together with their different expertise and offer free service for the designing, landscaping and construction of the park which could be made in a unique way, for all Martyrs a Parks and other Parks I have come across in India all look to same, plus the designing and landscaping is a rather sorry sight. We can do much better, for Nagas are creative and innovative by nature, a gift from God which we have not been able to monopolize on.
In Conclusion, the 9 IRB should know that they have made each and every Naga proud, with their courage and daring nature plus fighting a foe who are too scared to openly face them but from a safe distance use IED’s and other explosives. It is sad to see that the modus operandi and the way and type of explosives utilized usually came from our own State as well as other neighboring states in North East. I hope those anti- social elements who sold and trained the Naxals in using detonated explosives be filled with so much guilt that he/she drops dead. I apologize for being direct and discreet about how I feel, but I am sure most readers reading this article will share my sentiments. Lastly, to the 9IRB I say “WELL DONE” & “YOUR ACHEIVEMENTS WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR IT WILL BE RECORDED IN THE ANNALS OF OUR NAGA HISTORY.” 9 IRB deserves a good rest and also needs to be praised by all for their sacrifice and valor, especially those who were not so fortunate to return hale and hearty but instead in a box. May they rest in peace and may their achievements never be forgotten.
