The Dimapur Diary

Pankaj is a geologist by profession, hailing from Odisha. His family includes his beautiful wife, Meera, their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Rinky, and his elderly parents. Pankaj's work often takes him away from his hometown for field-related research, typically 3 to 4 times a year. During these trips, he sets up field camps in various parts of the country, conducting research on minerals, ores, and rocks in different valleys and mountains. His team comprises other geologists, directors, mining personnel, daily wage laborers, a driver, and a cook. Additionally, two local watchmen and security guards are deployed to ensure the camp's safety.

In the year 1983, Pankaj made plans to take his wife and daughter on a sightseeing trip to Nagaland. After obtaining his parents' permission, they packed their belongings and joined the other members of the field team for the journey. They reached their campsite at Keruma in the Northeastern Himalayas of Nagaland on the evening of December 12, 1983. The camp was perched atop a ridge with steep slopes on both sides, surrounded by perennial streams at a depth of 1000 meters. The camp used sturdy tents that were difficult to damage unless a very sharp weapon was used. Supplies like groceries and fuel were procured weekly from the nearby city. The military patrolled the area regularly to ensure the camp's safety. The field trip had been previously communicated to local authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner of the district and the state ministry.

The temperature often dropped to freezing at night, and the ground would frost over. They created temporary fireplaces to combat the cold. In the chilly mornings, clouds would blanket the valley below, gradually dissipating in the golden sunshine. The camp offered a breathtaking view, and small yellow flowering bushes, along with lush green grasslands, attracted butterflies and children. The kids enjoyed chasing butterflies and picking flowers.

Pankaj and his team set off for fieldwork the next day, leaving Meera to enjoy the beautiful surroundings with Rinky and new friends. Although Meera was initially anxious about being away from her hometown, she began to feel more at ease as the days passed. Pankaj returned to the camp before nightfall, and Meera, relieved to see him, shared her positive experience of the place. Pankaj even promised to take her on a field trip someday.

On the evening of December 15, 1983, Pankaj, Meera, and his colleague V. Reddy were having tea and chatting with a patrolling army team. Suddenly, they heard loud noises from behind their tent, and they found themselves surrounded by a group of well-dressed Angami Naga youth emerging from the bushes. At first, Pankaj mistook them for students interested in their research. However, more individuals joined the group, brandishing spheres and daos. They questioned why the team was camping in their territory despite being denied entry by central agencies. They threatened the team and demanded all relevant papers, instruments, and ore samples. Pankaj quickly complied, fearing for everyone's safety, and pleaded for their release.

Pankaj had a Nepali driver who also stayed at the camp with his wife and daughter. The Nagas harbored resentment towards the Nepali community due to their association with the Indian Army, which had previously destroyed a Naga rebel camp. This fueled their anger.

An elderly figure among the Nagas issued commands in the local language. Eventually, they allowed Pankaj and his team to leave within half an hour. During this time, they ransacked the tents, destroyed the kitchen, discarded mineral samples, and broke instruments. The ladies were instructed to sit in the Jeep while they searched for the driver, causing great fear among Meera and the other women. The driver was located nearby, hiding in the bushes, and Pankaj ordered him to start the vehicle. After much persuasion, the Nagas allowed Pankaj, his colleague V. Reddy, and the ladies to accompany the driver in the Jeep.

Their ordeal continued into the pitch-dark night. Small children, including Rinky, began to cry loudly, making Pankaj feel helpless. The Naga group watched them from a nearby mound. With great difficulty, they reached the outskirts of Kohima, where the Indian Army provided them with blankets and biscuits and arranged for their safe passage out of the town. The driver drove through the dark forest overnight, with the Nagas pursuing them and damaging the vehicle along the way. Once they left, Pankaj and the others managed to reach a nearby army check post at Ghaspani near Dimapur, where they spent the night.

News of the incident spread quickly, reaching the local government and their central headquarters. The government extended protection to other camps in the interior parts of Nagaland. The Oriya community residing in Dimapur and army units offered support and courage to Pankaj and his group upon hearing of the incident.

Reflecting on this harrowing experience, Pankaj is grateful to have escaped the Naga rebels unharmed, along with his family. He acknowledges the role played by the women in the group, as the Nagas showed respect for them. Pankaj remembers that he had done nothing wrong and had simply carried out his duty for the nation.