More than thirty years have passed, yet her selfless and generous act remains vivid in my memory.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Beilieü Shüya. When I received the news, my thoughts immediately went back to 1992—a memory I have carried in my heart all these years. It also brought back memories of another woman whose kindness I will never forget, Aunty Rano Shaiza.
On January 30, 1992, while travelling to Eastern Nagaland, eleven of us were arrested by the Assam Rifles at Meluri. Nine of us were members of the Naga National Council/Federal Government of Nagaland, while the other two were members of Naga Vigil: David Ward, Co-ordinator, and Stephen Hillman, Photographer.
Neipielie Chucha, Tatar, Federal Government of Nagaland, was shot at point-blank range and died on the spot. Immediately after our arrest, we were subjected to third-degree interrogation and torture. The abuse continued as we were taken away in a vehicle and later at the Army Camp in Meluri, where we were subjected to further brutal assault, including being kicked and stepped on with Army boots.
We were then taken to the Army Camp at Jessami, where we were kept blindfolded for thirteen days and nights. Each of us was given only one thin, coarse quilt to sleep under in the bitter winter cold. We had no sense of whether it was day or night and no idea what the next hour would bring. There was always the fear and uncertainty of whether we would live or die.
Stephen Hillman was eventually released, but he never fully recovered from the injuries he had suffered and later passed away in London. Three NNC/FGN members also died prematurely following these events.
The rest of us were taken to Imphal and imprisoned in Imphal Central Jail, Manipur. Far from our families, we had little idea of what was happening beyond the prison walls.
Aunty Rano visited us while we were at Jessami and later visited us again at Imphal Central Jail. There, she gave me an NIV Bible, which became very precious to me. During that time, I began to understand more deeply the value and comfort of God's Word. I have never forgotten the courage and care she showed us during one of the most difficult periods of our lives.
As the months passed, we remained behind bars, uncertain about what lay ahead. Then, on the eve of Christmas, Aunty Beilieü came and brought clothes and personal essentials for all nine of us. Her presence and thoughtfulness brought immense joy into a place where there was very little of either.
We thought that was the end of her visit. But the following day, on Christmas Day, she returned during the lunch hour. She had cooked Naga food and brought it to us herself. I still remember the joy that meal brought us. In the midst of confinement and separation from our families, her act of love made Christmas feel like Christmas again.
Aunty Beilieü's big-hearted gesture gave us hope in the midst of hopelessness and immense comfort in a time of great hardship. Her deed brings to mind Jesus' words in Matthew 25:35–40, where He speaks of feeding the hungry, clothing those in need, welcoming the stranger and caring for the sick. He then says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” There she was, doing it for Jesus.
I do not know whether Aunty Beilieü ever realised how deeply her acts of kindness would remain with us. More than thirty years have passed, yet her selfless and generous act remains vivid in my memory. I am grateful to God for the kindness she showed us when we needed it most.
Thank you, Aunty Beilieü, for the warmth and joy you brought into our lives that Christmas, and for remembering us when we felt forgotten.
May the Lord receive you into His eternal rest and comfort your family, loved ones, and all who mourn your passing.
You will be remembered with gratitude, love, and deep respect.
Zhopra Vero
Kedahge, NNC/FGN