Faith gathering in Kohima sees Rio renew appeal for Naga unity

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday underscored the need for unity among all Nagas, urging citizens to continue fostering brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.

He was speaking at ‘Nagaland United: A Gathering of Faith, Hope and Revival,’ held in Kohima and organised by Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) in collaboration with Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF).

The chief minister acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the absence of Rev. Franklin Graham, whose visit was cancelled due to delays in obtaining required travel documents. He described the development as a matter of “deep concern.”

Also read: Naga People’s Front denies role in visa denial of Franklin Graham, counters NPCC allegations

Rio highlighted challenges arising from the government of India’s re-imposition of Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram in December 2024. While stating that situation in the other two states had its own complexities, he stressed that “the situation in Nagaland is entirely different.”

He recounted that the state government had taken up the issue with the Centre on multiple occasions—including at the NEC Plenary Meeting in Agartala on December 20, 2024, and during a Cabinet review on January 6, 2025—urging permanent removal of PAP for Nagaland. He added that visiting foreign dignitaries continued to face difficulties due to delayed clearances.

Rio welcomed the temporary lifting of PAP restrictions from December 1 to 10 to facilitate the Hornbill Festival but reiterated that the long-term issue remained unresolved.

“I will continue to pursue the matter for complete and permanent lifting of the PAP regime for Nagaland,” he assured.

Notwithstanding the absence of Franklin Graham, Rio extended a warm welcome to Rev. Robert Cunville of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), describing him as a respected and familiar figure in Nagaland and the Northeast. He recalled Cunville’s significant role in the historic 1972 Billy Graham Crusade at Khuochiezie, Kohima, a spiritual event he attended as a youth.

Rio said that the 1972 crusade sowed seeds of faith and renewal that still shape Naga society. Addressing Cunville, he added: “To have you with us again deepens our collective sense of gratitude for God’s grace.”

WATCH MORE:

He also conveyed gratitude to the BGEA team and asked them to extend the best wishes of the Naga people to Rev. Franklin Graham, adding that Nagas continue to cherish the legacy of Rev. Billy Graham.

Reflecting on the importance of harmony in today’s global climate, he said unity and peaceful coexistence are essential for humanity’s survival.

He said that education and the Gospel played transformative roles in Naga society, once marked by headhunting and inter-tribal conflict. He expressed gratitude to the American Baptist missionaries who first arrived in the 1870s, adding that the fruits of their labour remain visible in Nagaland today.

As the Christmas season approaches, he urged the faithful to renew their commitment to peace, friendship, and fellowship.

Rev. Robert Cunville delivered the sermon, highlighting the significance of the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross and urging attendees to reflect on His sacrifice.

He preached that the Christian faith is sometimes misunderstood as Western in origin, underscoring that Jesus was born in the Middle East and is regarded by Christians as the saviour of all humanity.