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Qhehezu Tuccu speaking during an event at Nihoto village in Dimapur on Tuesday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, March 5: After being appointed as the new chairman of the NSCN (IM), Qhehezu Tuccu and his family organised a ‘thanks giving prayer programme’ on Tuesday at his residence at Nihoto village in Dimapur.
While giving his speech, Tuccu said, “We are here not because of Burmese permission. We did not ask India to let us own our land. Naga lands have always belonged to Naga people and it always will. That is what I firmly stand on. There is no need to take permission from anyone for our land,” Tuccu asserted.
He said that India being a big nation does not mean that Nagas should feel inferior in front of it. Recalling the stand of the leaders who have led Nagas in the past, Tuccu reminded the audience that the leaders refused to cede even an inch of Naga lands to India and Myanmar.
“The leaders believed that God has given Nagas their own respective land and their own rights and there was no need to compromise about the land. There were thousands who shed their sweat, tears, blood, and lives for the benefit of Nagas but those alive have the same spirit; the ones that are ready to fight and sacrifice for the rights of Nagas, no matter how big or small,” he maintained.
Tuccu urged the people to have a single-minded approach and should stand in the name of God. “Let us not sell our rights or betray the Naga nation. With the banner ‘Nagaland for Christ,’ let us stand together.” He believed that God will open the way ‘as time is near for Naga solution.’
“The leaders and members of NSCN will never shake from their ground. We will stand for the rights of our people,” he asserted.
Stating that no one is perfect, Tuccu admitted that the NSCN (IM) might have made mistakes. “We might not be aware of the mistakes but do not fear to report it. If you do not report, we will not know our mistakes,” he suggested while adding that people should be ready to make corrections.
The convener of the group’s steering committee, Rh Raising, in his speech, lauded Tuccu on being appointed as the chairman of NSCN (IM).
Lamenting the demise of the former leader Issac Chishi Swu, Raising believed that the new chairman will be the same revolutionary leader as his predecessor.
“To be in the highest office of the people is a sacred calling. Tuccu is crowned with that office. He is a people’s man and a committed revolutionary leader,” he said.
“His words never depart from his deed. All Nagas will look up to his Excellency in the time of war and peace. I believe he will lead and command the people from the front,” Raising added.
During the event, more than 50 groups, associations, unions, and councils felicitated Tuccu. Opening prayer was delivered by Rev. Sekshim while the thanksgiving prayer was said by the president of NBCC, Rev. Dr. Hukashe A Zhimomi.