Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 17
Chief Minister TR Zeliang today issued a clarion call to Naga people to forgive and forget the past and work together for the common good of the people.
Speaking as chief guest at the golden jubilee celebration of Nagaland Peace Centre at the Heritage, Kohima, he said, “Today, the Naga political issue has entered a new era with the signing of the “framework agreement” between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) on August 3.
‘At this crucial juncture of Naga political history, the situation demands that we sink all our petty differences, and forget and forgive the past bitterness and pains, and come together for our common good and common goal.’
Also while referring to the repeated statements of the Interlocutor to Naga peace talk that the talk is for the Nagas and not for a particular group, the chief minister said that Nagas should also contribute actively what is best for them and be a part of the process.
He also expressed his desire that the rest of the Naga political groups should also come together and strengthen the Naga issue stating “we are one and our goal is one”. ‘We must remember that by remaining divided Nagas will not achieve anything but if we are united, can take forward the Naga issue for a solution that is acceptable to all’ chief minister said. The chief minister also appealed to all tribal hohos, NGOs, churches and civil societies to encourage and appeal to all Naga political groups to come together and talk with government of India to resolve the decades old Naga political problem.
Recalling the history of the Peace Centre, he said the ceasefire agreement of 1964 had its origin in the Baptist Church Convention held at Wokha during 31st January to 2nd February 1964. He stated that it was during this convention, that the Naga Peace Mission was formed, consisting of three famous personalities, namely, Jayaprakash Narayan, Rev. Michael Scott, and B.P. Chaliha. It was through the dedicated efforts of the Naga Peace Mission, supported by the prayers and resolutions of the Baptist Church Convention led by Rev. Longri Ao, that a ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the NNC was arrived at on 23rd May, 1964 at Sakhaba village in Phek district.
But it was officially declared and made effective from 6th September, 1964.
While stating that most of the people would not have much personal recollection of those tumultuous years, preceding and following the ceasefire of 1964, the chief minister appreciated the Nagaland Peace Centre that in spite of that serious set-back, it continued its noble efforts to bring peace in Nagaland through Naga political movement that witnessed countless incidents of violence and bloodshed.
“The Nagaland Peace Centre also diversified its areas of activities towards empowerment of women and poorer section of the society through various skill development training programmes to prepare them for self-employment and self-reliance. I compliment and congratulate them for the good works,” chief minister added.
In his message, Rev Dr Kethozelhou Keyho said peace in Nagaland that was established 50 years ago is a hard earned commodity. Recollecting the pre-peace era of the land which was chaotic due to political unrest, turmoil and bloodshed, he said, ‘We were made equal with the other party to come to the negotiating table and this door of opportunity was opened to us through the signing of ceasefire with the government of India 50 years ago’.
However, he maintained that what has happened and what has not happened in the post-ceasefire era is a point of contention today, and added that ‘peace or ceasefire has been left unnurtured. It was let alone to survive on its own term’.
Rev Dr Keyho also pointed out that peace is not the absence of war and that peace is the presence of trust. Therefore, he said when trust is established peace will automatically flow and flourish. However, he noted with regret that trust and sincerity is lacking in our talk about peace. He also asserted that laying down of arms must follow with sincere dialogue, a dialogue that sees the weaker and the lesser as equals. However, he also pointed out that this demands boldness and statesmanship of those who see themselves as stronger and mightier than the other counterpart.
He also maintained that peace cannot be build with a threatening attitude nor for that matter at gunpoint, and that peace cannot be imposed but it has to be embraced. Therefore, he said ‘This pseudo peace-like-talks and peace-look-alike invitation will only lead to selfishness and fragmentation’.
Rev Dr Keyho also noted with concern that in our longing and in our journey to find peace, Naga people have lost sight of the way and priority. Therefore, he maintained that in order to find our way back to peace, ‘We must find God first so that the peace of God will find us and lead us to the path of peace in our engagement with each other’.
Delivering the welcome address, N Theyo, Chairman, NPC said jubilee celebration is an opportunity to look back and appreciate the contributions of the pioneers and founding members who have initiated peace and brought ceasefire in Nagaland and the formation of Nagaland Peace Centre.
Recalling the great contributions of a number of leaders of the past and present who have made great sacrifices, Theyo called upon all to consider on how one can promote peace in our state indirectly, directly, individually or collectively and make Nagaland a land of peace.
He also stated his desire for a young visionary leadership to lead the Centre and move forward to promote peace in our state and beyond.
Theyo also expressed hope that this celebration today will not simply be an occasion to revisit the past, but young and old will have much to look forward to with confidence and hope. He also extended goodwill and peace to all.
The programme was chaired by Rev Dr Chen Rengma, member governing body, NPC while Lhusi Haralu, Executive Director, NPC gave an introduction of the programme and a special song presented by the jubilee choir led by Vesato Theluo, Music Director CBCK.
