KOHIMA — A book on Naga nationalism titled ‘Strange country: my experience in Naga nationalism’ authored by 91-year-old Zapuvisie Lhousa was released at the conference hall of Angami Women Organisation (AWO) building in Kohima, on Monday.
Pheluopfelie Kesiezie, managing director of Northfield School and adviser, ANPSA, who released the book, in his speech, appreciated the author’s detailed presentation with “a good memory and enthusiasm.”
He exuded hope that the book would be liked and read by many as well as used by the younger generation as an important historical document for research.
In his address, the author recounted how the Naga people in 1929, submitted a memorandum to the Simon Commission that “the Nagas be left alone and free as they were before to determine their own future from the day the British leaves India.”
An after the end of the Second World War, the Naga National Council (NNC) was formed based on the memorandum, to salvage the Naga people, Lhousa said .
He however expressed concern about the prevailing situation in the context of Naga nationalism where everyone wants to be the “head” unlike the past when Nagas were undivided.
He underscored the need for reviving oneness among the Naga people through Naga National Council (NNC) and affirmed that only the NNC, which started the Naga movement, can conclude the movement.
He also informed the book contains important documents that were collected from various people.
Dr. Toshinaro Longchar, peace activist, commended the author for his integrity, sacrifice, focus, commitment and the unrelenting giving spirit exhibited not only in his latest book but his other works too.
She implored on the need to celebrate what the Nagas achieved together, truthfully look at what could not be achieved and explore the challenges and possibilities that are before the Naga people.
K Puro, former chairman of NPSC, asserted that Lhousa’s book is the need of the hour as it would give facts about the Naga movement which, he said, the young Naga generations are not interested in.
Stating that the author has paved the way for the future generation to revive the Naga national movement once again, he called for patience and tolerance among the Naga people and to wait on God’s appointed time.
The programme was led by Rajuselie Lhousa.
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