Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 29
Chief Minister TR Zeliang today said ‘Japan-Naga Reconciliation and Revival Summit will go down the history of Nagaland and this should be a leading example to the people of the State’.
Extending his greetings to the congregation, particularly the guests from Japan at the second revival meeting in NBCC hall, Zeliang said, Nagaland is fortunate to be a predominantly Christian State but has much to learn from Japanese Christians who live and practice Christian values in their daily lives.
While appreciating the All Japan Revival Mission for coming to Kohima with their mission of peace, chief minister recalled the battle of Kohima during the Second World War where Nagas who were under the British at that time had to counter with Japanese soldiers. However, both fighters were in the line of duty.
Zeliang said, ‘We read about atrocities and war crimes during Second World War but in the case of Battle of Kohima we have not heard of any war crimes or atrocities on Naga civilians or prisoners of war’.
In this regard, he observed that Nagas and Japanese never had any real animosity or lingering issues of grievances or misunderstandings.
“From Christian perspective, if we really analyze our thoughts and actions, we are in need of reconciliation with fellow human beings almost on a daily basis.
The chief minister maintained that reconciliation is a process, where two sides are involved, and both need to be positively engaged. When one party refuses to reconcile, the best thing in such situation is to leave to God, he said.
‘What really important is whether we have made our best efforts, and whether we have truly forgiven, and are at peace with the other party. Even if the other party does not respond, you still get benefits of reconciliation’ added Zeliang.
Zeliang also said, the act of reconciliation made between Japanese and Nagas should not be the end of the process and beginning of a new friendship between the two people.
Stating that Japan is far advanced technologically, he said Nagaland could benefit tremendously if we can develop partnership in economic development. The Nagas can also provide Japan with English and music teachers. ‘In such exchange programme, Japanese being better off than the Nagas may have to give more.
Meanwhile, the chief minister thanked the committee for organizing the historic summit, and also the AJRM on behalf of the State government for undertaking the mission of reconciliation and revival in many countries, and for including Kohima in their mission.
The programme was chaired by Rev Dr TR Angami, Senior Pastor, First Assembly of God Church, Kohima with Rev Jun Takimoto, Senior Pastor, Shinshiro Church, Aichi, Japan as the speaker and scripture reading and prayer by Rev Asangba Ao, Pastor, Kohima Ao Baptist Church.
Special songs were presented by Ajeen Longchari and Asin Shiirhozelie and Ameii iisou Zao and friends, NCRC Choir and Tim Kepler, AJRM. Dr Hokheto Chophy, Associate Pastor, Siimi Baptist Church Kohima offered prayer and benediction by Rev Dr R Paphino, President, Nagaland Christian Revival Church.
