Commemorative monolith symbolizing Naga aspiration unveiled

Our Correspondent

KOHIMA, AUGUST 14

Coinciding with the 69th anniversary of the declaration of Naga Independence, a commemorative monolith symbolizing the Naga Aspiration was erected and dedicated today at Razhü Pru, Mission Compound, in Kohima.

The place where the monolith now stands has been given to the Nagas by the children of Kevichüsa and Mannie, as a symbolic gesture of the undying love that their parents had for the Nagas.

Contemporaries of the significant 1947 event, Mannie, it is said, upon hearing about the declaration of the independence of the Nagas, had rushed from her house to hoist a Naga shawl on a pole outside her home.

One of the living Naga Plebiscite participators, Rüguoselie Keyho did the honours of unveiling the significant monolith.

Razoukhrielie Kevichüsa, who is the eldest living son of Kevichüsa, pronounced the gifting of the ground to Nagas on the occasion.

“We do not know what the future holds for the Nagas, however, with the undying love that our parents had for the Nagas, on behalf of our family and as a symbolic gesture, I solemnly declare that this spot where the commemorative monolith stands is given to the Nagas for perpetuity and that we and our descendants shall not disturb this memorial,” he stated.

Thepfulhouvi Solo, who was the programme leader, said that to be conscious as a people in the world is most enabling feeling a society collectively or individually can feel. He maintained that the Nagas stood for freedom and equality in its simple life, and this stance had made them a people.

“We commemorate the Naga Aspiration symbolized in their Monolith. This Stone will tell every generation of Nagas and every People in every Tongue and every Race whenever and whoever stands in front of it listens,” Solo said.

He said the people will remember Mannie, wife of Kevichüsa, who first time hoisted a shawl in this cherished ground to symbolize the Naga Aspiration of freedom, equality and liberty. “As in the ancient times, we want to preserve the Naga character, the Naga culture and the Naga ethics of Nagaland,” he said, adding, “and share this value with every Naga tribe and non-Nagas who have village and ancestral land and for whom Nagaland has become a homeland.

Nagaland Baptist Church Council general secretary, Rev. Dr. Kethozelhou Keyho said the dedicatory prayer while pastor Razo Vasa of Dimapur Christian Fellowship presented the song of dedication.