College girls handle guns on 2 Assam Rifles lawns in Kohima on Thursday after a seminar on joining the army as officers. Picture by Nishit Dholabhai

Kohima, Aug. 26: A confident “yes” filled the 2 Assam Rifles auditorium as scores of Naga youths gathered there responded to the question: “Do you have it in you?”

More than a hundred college boys and girls had gathered today at the auditorium to attend a seminar on how to become army officers.

Assam Rifles had held seminars in three colleges this month, inviting applications for training to the Combined Defence Services and National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examinations.

“We want 10 men and at least four women from the Kohima area to become officers,” said the commanding officer of the unit.

The response from the youths, caught in a battle for identity and dreams of a bright future, was tremendous.

Zakieleto, a BA first year student from Khonoma village, the native place of legendary A.Z. Phizo who is also referred to as “the father of the Naga nation” by many, is one those who have made up their minds. “Phizo was a great man and I like his ideas. But I am going to pursue my career in the army,” he said.

Today, most of them got the first glimpse of life in the forces at a presentation arranged by the Assam Rifles.

Their resolution was, if anything, re-established as they watched Hrithik Roshan passing out from the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Doon, in the film Lakshya and Sunny Deol blasting Pakistani troops at Longewal during a slide show.

Another slide show said: “Indian Army. A great life. A great lifestyle.” Adventure, a good payscale and perks were listed as some of the attractions of being in the army, besides the opportunity to study further and be rich.

The presentation concluded with the question: “Do you have it in you?” The answer, as the officer asked, was a resounding “yes”.

“They want a solid career and they are happy about this,” said Kohima Arts College principal H. Saiborne.

Last week, the college seminar hall was packed with 600 students who had come to listen to the Assam Rifles officers. The college authorities later received 150 applications.

Army officers said Naga youths have a fair chance of getting through the Services Selection Board interview because of their culture and upbringing. They said the youths here have the tendency to help others and are physically and morally brave.

This was amply demonstrated by the girls as they handled light machine guns and Indian Small Arms System (Insas). The youths were also allowed to try their hands at light weapons at the meet today.

Teseivinuo, a second year student, wore a bullet-proof jacket to pose before friends. She said she would consult her parents about a career in the army, but found the seminar “certainly useful”. Another junior college student Moa said he would try for the NDA exams.

However, some people are apprehensive that this could backfire. K. Sumi, a former militant, said if the youths are really intent on getting into the forces and do not get through, they could end up in the jungles with rebel factions. The boys will handle guns anyway, he added.

Army officers, however, are sure many of them will get through. An entrance test by local Assam Rifles authorities will prepare the youth for the NDA and IMA entrance examinations next year, said PRO (defence) Lt. Col M.K. Pal.

The officers, working on a project specifically for Kohima, will cover three colleges, including Alder College and St. Joseph’s College at Jakhama.