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W.G. Archer's visit to the Governor of Assam |
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desire to integrate Nagas into Assam |
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Sir Akbar and Bardoloi on the other hand are much more concerned with Assam. 'The Nagas must learn to fit in. They (64) must shed their insularity. The hills must be "integrated" with the plains. I look forward', Sir Akbar told Bill, 'to a time when the hillmen will be indistinguishable from plainsmen. We must modernise the tribes. We must make them citizens of the new India. From this point of view, the objective must be greater and greater subordination, lesser and lesser independence.' As Sir Akbar went on and on, Bill was filled with damp despair. |
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When Bill told Pawsey this evening that the Governor desired to turn the Nagas into plainsmen, Pawsey was astounded. Then with his blunt, naive directness, he exclaimed. 'What an extraordinary man he is! But it can't be done. They are quite different!' |
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As I lay awake that night, the Governor's attitude haunted me. It made me think of a Calcutta calendar I had seen in a village on our way to Kohima. There was a picture of a Naga warrior in his full ceremonial dress. On it was printed 'Mr Body Beautiful in his traditional war dress. Give him Pen, and Paint. He will fight and live the modern way. The three Rs in "warrior" stand for Reading, Riting and Rithmetic.' With its garish incongruity it was a terrifying portent of the Governor's brave new world. |
