When, in 1963, Nagaland emerged as the sixteenth State of
the Indian Union, the State could hardly concentrate on developing economic
strength due to heavy strains of political instability and partly because the
economy of the State was characterised by primitive agriculture, negligible
industry and insufficient roads for communication. However, before this newly
formed small State, with a keen desire of giving better life to its people,
economic reconstruction was put as primary consideration. Consequently,
National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) recommended that
development of sugarcane cultivation in the State is possible and Nagaland
Sugar Mills was incorporated in 1973 at Dimapur.
The Nagaland Sugar mill in Dimapur was one of the major
projects, gradually changing the face of Nagaland during the early 1970s. Thus,
the State Government took this bold step towards industrialisation as a means
for achieving accelerated economic growth with the objectives of increasing its
own revenue, and aiming to create sufficient employment opportunities. Even it
is stated that maximum of the workers from the mills was from the Gorkha
Community. The Dimapur district (now Chümoukedima), then was surrounded with
dense forest and the Gorkhas from then Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima areas
were primarily Sugarcane cultivators and was engaged in Sugarcane farming in
the lands of Naga landowners. The Gorkha community in Nagaland has long been
involved in agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of sugarcane.
Many Gorkha families have farmed sugarcane as a primary
crop, benefiting from the favourable climate and soil conditions in certain
parts of Nagaland. Sugarcane farming provided them with a stable income and
formed the backbone of their livelihood. Gorkhas were also heavily involved in
the operations of sugar mills, either as labourers or as part of the management
and organizational structure. Their connection to sugar mills such as the ones
under the Nagaland Sugarcane Growers Association (NSGA) played a crucial role
in shaping the local economy. Many Gorkha individuals were active members of
this association, taking leadership roles and helping to advocate for the
rights and welfare of sugarcane farmers.
The impact of fast changing scenario of the urban life and
its necessity to meet the multifaceted problem, the Sugar Mill was shutdown and
the Gorkha labours of said area were engaged in farming and cattle rearing,
construction workers. Besides these they were also engaged in carpentry and
masonry activities, while some of them joined Assam Riffles and Indian Army for
the defence service. Most of the Gorkhas settled here because of the good
facilities they have been getting since the past. These families, who have been
permanently settled in Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts for decades,
have decided not to return to Nepal or other parts of India. The fact remains
that they will live and die here in Nagaland, as they do not own any land in
Assam, Siliguri, or Nepal. During the early settlement these Gorkha family
parents or great grandparents built a close bond with the Nagas and till dated
the Nagas are giving full protection to the Gorkha Community this is the reason
the Gorkha Community of Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland has preserved their
historical records of their settlement in Nagaland State till date.
The Gorkha Community of this area has always worked for the
development of the Villages in firm bond with the Naga brethren and has stepped
into the new millennium with a ray of high hope. Long residence in one place
creates great love for that particular place. Today this place that we are
living has become heaven on earth for every Gorkha living in said District. At
present there are more than 1700 Gorkha family at Chümoukedima District with
valid documents proof which can state that they are the Citizen of India hence
they came Nagaland prior to 1963.
Let this article be one of the remarkable and memorable
moments for all of us.
