Construction for the new Naga Club building at the DC office area here is expected to begin early next year even as demolition of the old building was completed during a social work conducted by the members on Friday. The complete demolition of the old building was put on hold after a misunderstanding cropped up between the land owner Naga Club and the occupants Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), leading to a stalemate.
However, following the vacation of the building by NSF, the remaining structures at the site was brought down under the supervision of the club members on Friday. Talking to Nagaland Post, Naga Club president, Kuolachalie Seyie said since the old building was in a dilapidated condition, preparations for the construction of a new one began sometime in 2019.
Sharing his excitement over the proposed plan, he claimed that after the completion of the new building, the club would provide free accommodation to all Naga tribes through separate dormitories for men and women.
Taking note of the plight of travellers, especially from far flung and remote parts of the state, Seyie noted that many travellers reached Kohima in the wee hours and had to spend time outside in cold weather, holding on to their children and belongings, since hotels did not open so early.
He said the travellers from the economically weaker section also found most hotels unaffordable.
“Those of us living here in the state capital overlook the troubles faced by our brothers and sisters travelling from far flung areas. They do not have any relatives and so they have to spend their nights at bus terminals whether it is raining or cold,” he remarked.
Apart from accommodation, he disclosed that dal, chutney and rice would be provided for not more than Rs 25 per plate, while those wanting to eat non-veg items could also do so at minimum rates.
Seyie recalled that Naga Club’s founding fathers came up with the brilliant idea of providing a free guest house, taking into account the plight of the people and constructed a two-storey thatch house measuring 45X25 feet where any Naga guest was welcome.
He pointed out that even in past, people from all tribes and backgrounds came together to play different games that nurtured friendship and brotherhood.
He claimed that this gesture helped in eradicating the head-hunting culture, adding that the need to emulate such a practice was the primary objective of even the present club members.
“We will promote the culture of unity and brotherhood which our founding fathers had envisioned through the club and its activities,” he assured.
Sharing details of the construction plan, the Naga Club president revealed the new multi-storey building would measure around 110X110 feet with parking space on the road level.
Since Angamis were in a majority in the state capital, he said around 100 donors and philanthropists would be chosen to assist in the finances, following by Lothas with 60 donors and accordingly other tribes would also each have similar or lesser donors depending on the number of volunteers.
He informed this correspondent that the highest donor would be rewarded, while names of all the donors would be inscribed on a plaque in chronological order according to the amount they donated and displayed permanently at the new building.
Apart from individual donors, Seyie said the state government and other departments concerned would also be approached to contribute financially to the project.
He further disclosed that apart from the dormitories, there would be a mini conference hall that would also serve as a town hall where any and every issue concerning the Naga people could be discussed.
Other facilities in the building would include a library that would house all published books on rich history of the Nagas and a mini museum to display traditional Naga items.
Meanwhile, on behalf of Naga Club, Seyie expressed gratitude to the Angami Public Organisation, Kohima Village Council and the public their full support to the club’s initiative.