I pen these simple words in honour of Khriesavizo Metha and Bendangnunsang Longkumer; who stood and fell on the night of the Thirtyfirst Day, of the First Month, in the Two Thousand and Seventeenth Year of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I add my humble condolences to those of the rest of Nagaland and offer them in tribute to the Mothers, Fathers, Sisters and Brothers, of our Heroes who fell on that Famous Night. For just as a man’s deed make him a hero, so is the time he performed those deeds remembered.
But I do not mourn, I rejoice. And I ask you, the near and dear ones of The Fallen; and all of the people of Nagaland, to rejoice with me. For all men die; but it is given, only unto the Fortunate Few, to be Remembered; for as long as there is a Nagaland, and as long as a Naga draws breath; they will be remembered; they will be honoured; and they will be thanked in our daily prayers.
They will be remembered because they proved to us, and all the world, that though the Naga have given up our head-hunting ways; the blood of the head-hunter still courses through our veins; and the spirit of the head-hunter still fires up our hearts and our minds.
They will be honoured because of their unflinching Courage, in the face of insurmountable odds; when the stood with stick and stone against the watercannons, teargas and lathis, only falling to a volley of lead. The British had their Charge of the Light Brigade, the Polish had their suicidal charge against Hitler’s Panzers. Now Nagaland has you. Their nations may have been larger, their stage may have been grander; but the courage you displayed was no less than theirs.
But, most of all, they will be Thanked in Our Daily Prayers. They will be thanked because the blood they shed, stemmed and turned back, the wave of tyranny that threatened to enslave us all. The blood they spilled refreshes and strengthens us, in our war against the lies and corruption that still surrounds us. And every drop of their precious blood will surely cleanse us, of the filth and greed that drives us.
So, you Mothers and Fathers of the dead, rejoice! For what greater glory can a parent have, than to have sired a martyr; a son; who gave his all, for the good of all!! Walk, not in mourning, but with your heads held high; while all of Nagaland looks upon you, with envious eyes, and wonders, why The Good Lord favoured you so? To become sires to immortals.
God bless you and yours.
And God bless our Nagaland.. I, along with all of Nagaland, remain,
forever indebted to you,
Your humble servant,
Kahuto Chishi Swu
