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DIMAPUR — To commemorate the eight death anniversary of former NSCN (IM) chairman, late Isak Chishi Swu, a memorial talk was organised under the initiative of Green Club Zunheboto (GCZ) at multipurpose hall in Zunheboto town on Friday.
In his introductory remark, GCZ president, Tavinto K Sumi said that ‘Asu’ Isak Swu’s death anniversary should be celebrated by all the Nagas and not by Sumis
He emphasised that Sumi elders need to take up the initiative and ensure that the NSCN (IM) leader’s death anniversary is observed by the Nagas as a whole in the coming years. He further stated that it is about time for Sumis to construct a befitting graveyard for the late leader through a trust.
The speakers in the first session of the memorial talk were Jacob Chishi Swu and Qhevihe Chishi Swu, members of the Collective Leadership of the NSCN (IM).
Recollecting the early days of Isak Swu, the two speakers said that even as a child, Asu Isak was a good craftsman, good sportsman and a peace loving person.
Isak passed Class 6 from Satakha and studied at Government High School in Kohima till Class 10. He then went to Shillong for further studies and joined the Naga Youth Club during his college days. He represented Nagas at Assam sports tournament and even broke a record in high jump, they said.
One of the speakers recounted that as a child, when Isak’s father Kushe brought him to Kohima once, some people asked him “whether they can buy Isak as he seemed such a lovely child.”
Qhevihe Chishi Swu also narrated on what made Isak join the Naga movement, his appointment as foreign secretary of the Naga National Council (NNC) and how he was able to establish contacts with the outside world.
“The harvest of the hard labour of Asu Isak can be reaped by the Nagas only if the Nagas connect with God and work hard,” he said. Qhevihe further impressed upon the gathering saying that Isak’s 57 years of service to the Naga nation should never go in vain.
Jacob Swu also urged upon the gathering to continue to pray for the Sumi people to become a united family.
In his thanksgiving note, Ikato Chishi Swu, the eldest son of late Isak Swu, talked about the three visions of his father - Nagaland for Christ, Nagaland will spread the word of God and Nagaland will be the peace centre.
He also shared that his father always used to say said that “the basic principle of life is to do the will of God.”
The memorial talk, moderated by L. Holuto Ayemi, commenced with a moment of silence in remembrance of late Isak Chishi Swu. Rev. Inakhu Sumi, pastor of ZTSBC, prayed for Isak Swu's family, while Hope Messengers and GHQ Naga Army presented songs.
Earlier, Shikaho N Achumi, CAO of NSCN (IM) under Sumi Region, delivered the welcome note and associate pastor of SBCZ, Kabo Achumi, said the invocation prayer. Hokaito V Achumi, pastor of Sumi Region NSCN (IM), said the benediction.
The event was attended by around 500 people, the release stated.