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Troublesome chief of Kukishe; bridge building delayed for want of a Naga who could swim |
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To Sakhalu. There is cattle disease at Zumthi. |
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Halted at Sakhalu and taking 10 sepoys went down to the Tizu and up to Kukishe. Nikhui, the Chief of this village, is a most troublesome individual. He is under the impression that he is a sort of Prester John or Soldan of Turkey and is quite incapable of listening to reason. Everyone has complaints against him, both this side of the border and that, and he has just been roving across the Tita to Shietzu and pulling up Tazuvi's paddy because he claims the land, - land which he could not possibly cultivate as it is miles away from his village. Nikiye Chief of Kitami the most easterly Sema village, and who was my Chapprassi for two years at Mokokchung before he came into his own, said he was coming in to see me, so Nikhui cut the bridge to prevent him. The dobashis say that Mr. Barnes forbade Nikhui to go across the Tita at all, but this cannot have been more than a caution, I take it. As to the complaints from our side, they were of a civil nature and I had to order Nikhui's son Nivi to pay Rs 30/- to Sakhalu's village, which he agreed to do in two days, though I am a little doubtful as to whether he will do it. |
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The climb from Sakhalu's down to the river and up to Kukishe is not very far. I suppose it cannot be more than 8 miles altogether but it is passing steep. Two of the escorts were knocked out before Kukishe was reached and had to be left and that in spite of a two hours halt at the river while we built a bridge. The Nagas had started work the day before but could not get on as they had no one who could swim and the river was unfordable. |
