Veteran Naga leader Jamir dispels rumours about his health and death
Source: Nirendra Dev *

New Delhi, November 14 2022: "This is to inform all citizens of Nagaland and beyond that through the grace of God I continue to maintain a very good health," said the 91 year-old S C Jamir, who was Nagaland Chief Minister for five terms.

In a 49 second video posted on social media and local TV channels, the political stalwart and a protagonist of nationalism in the insurgency-stricken region, said, "It is most unfortunate that there are some people who are spreading canard about me, which is totally false" .

"However, may God bless them to carry out such canards if they desire to do so," he said.

The veteran leader also served as Governor of Goa and Odisha and was one of the early Naga parliamentarians.

Jamir, who enjoys good personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their intimacy during his stint as Governor of Gujarat only for five months, has served under first Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru as well.

A seasoned Congressman nowadays spends most of his time in his Chumukeidma residence near Dimapur with his wife.

In fact, prior to the spreading of the concocted fake news, on Nov 13, it was very much a normal day for Jamir.

He even spoke to a few friends and this journalist over phone and generally enquired how electioneering is going on in Gujarat.

"I propose to visit Delhi during winter session of parliament Dev...," he said.

Jamir also posted a brief video of quotes to some associates on social media wherein an illustrious thinker speaks about 'ants' and how two varieties of ants can stay alongside in a jar until the jar is shaken by an external force.

And when he was told that the video is quite apt and has a universal value, Jamir said, "Is not the situation almost similar in Nagaland?....that's how these quotes are so relevant" .

Jamir has survived attempts on his life more than once including one in November in 1992 in Delhi's 29 APJ Abdul Kalam Nagaland House.

Often he pens articles on contemporary Naga politics and the ongoing peace parleys.

He is well known for his hardliner views on certain issues and he is a strong proponent of statehood for Nagaland and for upholding of Article 371 (A) .

Jamir is actually the only surviving leader among Nagas who inked the Statehood pact -- commonly known as the 16 Point Agreement of 1960 .

Only after this pact was inked Nagaland came into being as the 16th state of Indian union.

Commenting on his relationship and understanding with PM Modi, Jamr told this scribe in November 2021, "We had a very good relationship though I was there only for five months.

We were good friends.

When I became Governor of Gujarat in 2009, I told him, I am an ex-Chief Minister so I know the responsibility of a Chief Minister.

So as Governor I will never interfere.

My role would come only when you trespass on the constitution.

I myself never liked Governor to interfere, so I never interfered" .

In the past too Jamir had to dispel rumous about his health conditions at least twice.

* The sender of this news report can be contacted at nirendev1(AT)gmail(DOT)com .

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