EMN
Kohima, May 24
Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today organized the 50th year of Indo-Naga ceasefire foundation monolith dedication programme at Sakraba in Phek district.
Addressing the occasion, FGN Tatar Hoho speaker, Lhouvitsu, said the people have gathered to witness and dedicate this monolith in commemoration of the dawn of peace in our war torn land that peace was made possible by a successive meetings at Sakraba.
Firstly, he said, mammoth gathering of a public meeting was held on May 23, 1964, rare of its kind after a decade of turbulence, followed by the meeting of the Federal Government of Nagaland representatives and the Peace Mission Members on May 24, 1964. From this meeting, the FGN representatives agreed to the peace mission proposal for ceasefire in Nagaland, and it was signed on May 25, 1964.He said the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) was deeply concerned about restoration of peace and normalcy in Nagaland. As such, the church leaders were determined to take tremendous pain and risks to travel throughout the length and breadth of Nagaland and they successfully organised the Third Nagaland Baptist Convention at Wokha from January 31 to February 2, 1964.
He said the convention discussed about the urgent need for peace and normalcy and peaceful talks between leaders of Nagaland and India. Thus, to explore ways and means for restoration of peace in Nagaland, he said it was unanimously decided from that NBCC convention at Wokha.
Consequently, the church leaders obtained consent of Government of India to open avenues and also in availing the services of Jayaprakash Narayan, Shankar Dev, Bimala Prasad Chaliha and Rev. Michael Scott with the sole objective of exploring ways and means for the speedy restoration of peace and normalcy in Nagaland, he said, adding that they did successfully brought in an international ceasefire agreement between Nagaland and India effective from September 6, 1964.
Nagaland is peace loving country our leaders committed for peace in the midst of Indian aggression, he said adding we paid dearly but for peace and harmony.
He also stated that the Naga National Council and the Federal Government of Nagaland stands committed for peace, adding we shall uphold the policy and endeavor to work with the hope that India realize its folly sooner than later and withdraw its armed forces from our land.
Unveiling and dedicatory prayer was done by Rev. Narola, NBCC.
Vezokho, pastor Phola Baptist Church pronounced Bible reading & prayer and the function concluded with mass prayer.