Konyak Union (KU) has expressed strong opposition to the construction of Gaidinliu memorial hall and recognition of Heraka as religion in Nagaland.
KU president S.Manlip Konyak and general secretary Y. Hosea Konyak disclosed that the National Committee for Birth Centenary Celebration of Rani Ma Gaidinliu comprising of its chief patron,patron, president and secretary were members of the RSS/VHP. It said the committee had submitted a memorandum to prime minister Narendra Modi seeking recognition of Gaidinliu as a freedom fighter. K.U.however said, as per its knowledge, Gaidinliu was known as leader of a religious cult in Tamenglong district of Manipur but not as a freedom fighter.
KU questioned the dignitaries of Nagaland as to why they proposed to recognise a particular faith or religion and for a development of a resource centre? Further, citing media reports, KU said the governor of Nagaland had also proposed construction of a temple in Peren district for Heraka.
KU cautioned that Nagaland was a Christian dominated state, which was known in India and the world and any attempt for a project to inject a particular faith or religion, under the umbrella of Resource Centre & Development activities would not be tolerated.
Further citing media reports, KU pointed out that as per historical records, Gaidinliu was a mere leader of a cult or Heraka faith and fought against the British to defend her religious cult. KU asked, how has Gaidinliu now being named and honoured as a national freedom fighter ? It also asked what was the motive behind screen for a leader of a religious cult and defender of her faith, to have become a freedom fighter?
KU also said late Gaidinliu was from outside Nagaland and had contributed nothing for the cause of Nagas so construction of the memorial hall and erection of portraits and statues including recognition of Heraka as a religion should not be taken up nor enforced in Nagaland state.
KU said if Gaidinliu had contributed to India’s national struggle, then she should be honoured in Delhi or the memorial constructed in her native place at Lungkhao village under Tamenglong district of Manipur “but not in Nagaland”.
KU said it was known to all citizens, that when the state and central governments could not sustain basic infrastructure like road, how was a huge amount of money being sanctioned for infrastructure for a particular religion.
KU therefore urged upon Naga civil society groups and citizens of Nagaland, to oppose any move that intended to disrupt and provoke Naga society.