File picture of navy cadets

Kohima, May 10: For a landlocked state like Nagaland, the sea is like an eighth wonder. It is, therefore, little wonder that Ruokuolhoulie Dzüvichü asked the security forces in Kohima what the sea was all about.

Just over a year later, the young highlander has appeared third in the order of merit for navigators in the Indian Navy.

Egged on by those who have got into the navy, more young men from the hills of Nagaland and the valley of Manipur have decided to conquer the seas.

More than 150 youths from both states appeared for the written exams to get into the navy. Twenty-two candidates were provisionally selected.

In the past one-and-a-half years since the navy tried to recruit boys from the Northeast, 40 Naga youths have made it to the services. “They have been keeping in touch with our office by writing letters of their experiences and it is encouraging to see them happy,” said PRO (defence), Lt Col M.K. Pal.

Two naval officers flew down from Delhi for the recruitment at the Assam Rifles ground this weekend.

“In fact, the youths are now more intent on getting into the navy than the army or the air force,” said an officer.

Indeed, the naval headquarters decided to accept those candidates who carried call letters. There have been several recruitment rallies by all the armed forces, including the Assam Rifles, in the Northeast in the past two years. There have also been exclusive rallies for Naga youths and the government has, to an extent, succeeded in getting the youths into the armed forces.

But there are some who are treading cautiously on the “encouraging” scene.

“The youths from the Northeast are usually on top for the first nine years; after that they start to burn out,” said an officer who had a long association with colleagues from the Northeast.

The first nine years in a non-officer cadre is all about hard physical work, followed by academic and more career-oriented attitude. It is here, where many have failed, having lost focus on a bright career ahead, the officer said. He said several youths from Mizoram have overcome the hurdle and reached the rank of brigadier.