Dimapur, July 3: In expressing solidarity for the aspired common cause of Nagas sovereignty, Nagas in Mumbai came together to pay their last respect to the departed leader Isak Chishi Swu, GPRN president and chairman of NSCN (IM) on July 2. The service was organised by the Naga Students’ Union, Mumbai.
The service was the least they could come up with as a mark of paying homage to his sacrifices and charting Naga aspirations. The ceremony was conducted at the Air India Ideal School, Kalina, Santacruz East, Ground Floor, on July 2 at 5 p.m.
Nagas from all the three the states comprising Manipur, Nagaland and Assam living in Mumbai came together to pay their respect and grief over the death of their leader. It was attended by about 120 people ranging from students and researchers to working professionals, both young and old. In spite of the heavy downpour of rainfall and traffic road blocks, the event was conducted smoothly and meaningfully with everyone giving due importance.
The programme began with lamenting hymns over the loss of Isak Chishi Swu presented by the Life Resource Ministry Choir from Kalina.
Arep Tzudir, Pastor of Naga Christian Fellowship, Mumbai, invoked the service with prayer.
Candles were lit by the participants to pay tribute to his legacy and as a gesture signifying that the memory still lives on and burns bright. A one minute silence was also observed in his memory.
Elijah Chara, a research scholar from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, gave a brief biography of Isak. He reminded the congregation of how Isak followed a trait uncommon amongst Naga leaders. He highlighted of how Isak publicly spoke of the moral and material degradation that crept into the NSCN during the period of cease fire.
Keren Sumi, an Image Consultant, mourned of how the Nagas stood fatherless like an orphan in her eulogy. She, however, maintained that the soul of their departed leader would always guide them and continues to be a beacon for younger and upcoming generation of Nagas.
Dr Johnson Chithung, founder of Life Resource Ministry, Kalina, exhorted the crowd to look at the life of Isak and be blessed. He narrated of how Isak lived a Christ-centred life and preached the famous line “Nagaland for Christ” even if he was not in a full-time Christian Ministry.
The president of NSUM, Roderick Wijunamai, delivered the vote of thanks and thanked all who turned up to the call in short notice. After the singing of closing hymn, the programme concluded with a benediction said by Pastor Wungmathing Zimik of Life Resource Ministry.
