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Leaders of Khonoma Ruffuno Nagaland pose in front of the AZ Phizo Park foundation stone.[/caption]
Dimapur, Sep. 2 (EMN): As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, the Khonoma Ruffuno Nagaland (KRN) is establishing the AZ Phizo Park, which is expected to come up in a few years’ time. KRN is the apex organisation of Khonoma people.
According to a press release from the organisers on Monday, Naga peace activist Niketu Iralu unveiled the park’s foundation stone on September 1 at Nikriuba in Khonoma, Kohima.
“AZ Phizo was the legendary Naga Leader, born to Lhuyietsuu and Krusietso Dolie of Gwizantsu clan in 1904 who rose up to become the greatest Naga leader ever known and is regarded by many as the ‘Father of Naga Nationalism’. Phizo was a man of principles and strong determination. Historical records reveal the kind of clarity of the vision he had for his people, the height of political acumen he had and sacrifices he made to secure his people the freedom they deserve,” it stated.
Although Phizo was not the first Naga to raise the issue of Naga sovereignty, his contributions were ‘exceedingly great, especially in the work of comprehensively awakening the consciousness of the Nagas to their political rights, in uniting the Nagas to this one cause and in laying down the historical and political legitimacy of Naga nationality, for which all Nagas owe so much to this man,’ it added.
According to the organisers, the park covering a few acres of land will symbolise the ‘profound love, respect and gratefulness that the people of Khonoma have for this great soul from their village.’
“Phizo Park will, hopefully, become a source of enlightenment and inspiration to many in future,” it stated.
