The Nagaland Village Guards (The Guardian of the Frontier Villages) held its 67th Raising Day hosted by Noklak Unit on March 1 at the VG Museum-cum-Memorial Hall, Pangsha.

During the commemoration, the only surviving VG pioneer, Havaldar Yanthong from Pangsha village was felicitated.

Guest of Honour, Arikumba, Deputy Commisioner & EX- Officio Commandant NVG, Noklak stated that the main purpose of raising VGs is to safeguard and protect the villages. The DC highlighted the many challenges and issues faced by the VGs such as their meagre salaries and the sacrifices laid at the border areas. The DC also highlighted on the importance of providing proper training to the Village Guards. Besides maintaining law and order, the VGs initiate checking anti-social activities for the public service, stated the DC.

While acknowledging the services of thr VGs, the DC also expressed that such reports should be reported to the administration or Police rather that solving with the village circle, adding that though they carry out their duties, failure to report to the concerned authority hinders their recognition. Stating that times has changed, the DC also stressed on importance of the application of PIMS Code for right recruitment. Expressing his appreciation to the Pangsha Unit VGs for being the only village to be conferred Ashoka Award, the DC further challenged the present VGs to pursue such goals of achievements.

Mongoyanchu, IPS Commandant, NVG , Tuensang, in his address advocated for the need to recognize the services of VGs. The importance of trainings for the VGs not just on village based but on other various aspects was highlighted by the IPS, which according to him can further enable them to contribute to a better Naga society.

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Wanmei Konyak, Dy Commandant, NVG, Kiphire briefed on how the VG was first incepted in Pangsha on March 1, 1957 even before Nagaland became a statehood. “Initially, it was known as Tuensang Frontier Scout but changed to Village Defense Force in the same year on December. After the declaration of Nagaland Statehood in 1963, the VG was converted to NAP. However, inorder to maintain the original identity of the VG, presently, it remains as Nagaland Village Guards,” he added. Konyak said that they have been called as NVG with a strength of 9,553 which spread over 380 villages under Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng , Shamator, Noklak and Meluri under Phek district. He also lamented that the Village Guards do not get the due recognition and are only labelled down as ‘Wagers’. “VGs stands to protect the lives and the properties of the village, moreover, assist the administration and the Police, perform election duty, and present during national events,” asserted Konyak who expressed the hope for proper sanction and approval by the Government of Nagaland.

Earlier, the DC along with the NVG Commandants inspected the VG Museum where they witnessed astonishing antiques, historical significance possessed by the Museum. One of those was the the Ashok Chakra award- the highest Peacetime military award in the country- given to the Pangsha village.

Earlier, the program was chaired by by A/C Panglong Konyak, Asst. Commandant, NVG, Tobu, and an invocation by Tsuno, Pastor New Pangsha Baptist Church. Gratitude was delivered by A/C Nokchem L, Asst. Commandant, NVG, Noklak and benediction was pronounced Pungom, Pastor Old Pangsha Baptist Church.