Dimapur, June 30: ‘A God-fearing man who lived his life professed for Naga nationalism, a leader committed to the Naga issue who spent his entire life for the cause of the Nagas’ were the words for Isak Chishi Swu, the recently-deceased NSCN/GPRN chairman, from various civil organizations at a public memorial service in Dimapur on Thursday. The program for the tributes was hosted by the Naga Hoho and the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization (ENPO) at the Agri Expo site on June 30.
Thousands of people from all walks of life including from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar gathered at the venue to pay their last respects to the departed NSCN leader. One thing that was commonly spoken about Swu was that ‘he was a man of principle and a God-fearing man’.
NSCN (IM) ‘ato kilonser’ (general secretary) Th Muivah, one of Swu’s closest comrade-in-arms, said in his emotional speech: “We understood together the purpose of God for the Nagas. We were happy because that was the confidence we had and we did not betray each other but walked together along this line. I cannot think of the loss when I talk…it pains me beyond words.”
Muivah, who broke down twice during his speech, said it was under the guardianship of Swu that the Naga negotiations and peace process, leading to the latest ‘peace agreement,’ could come this far. With Isak Swu as chairman, the Indian leaders came to understand and respect the “uniqueness of Naga history and position” and that they became ‘more rational’ unlike in the past when many Indian leaders threatened to “exterminate the Naga” from the face of the earth, the underground leader explained.
“The way to the Naga future is already paved. Now GOI can never betray us. But are we Nagas ourselves prepared for the change?” Muivah asked and cautioned about ‘the danger of self-destruction.’Muivah also recalled Isak Swu’s last speech stating the need to forgive one another and to be united.
GPRN/NSCN ‘ato kilonser’ N Kitovi Zhimomi also spoke quoting Isak Chishi Swu’s counsel to his comrades “how much ever we Naga fight, without God we will never achieve.” Zhimomi remembered Swu as a ‘God-fearing man’. He questioned the gathering ‘why we should gather only when someone dies.’ He called upon every political group and civil society ‘that the next gathering should be something worthwhile for which everyone needs to put a collective effort.’
Also, the United Liberation Front of Assam’s (ULFA) Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa paid his respects to Swu during the event. He remarked that Isak Chishi Swu was a leader not only for the Naga but a leader to the seven sister states of North East India and the entire South East Asia. Baruah called upon the states to unite and pursue a solution. He maintained that ‘if we remain divided, our rights cannot be established even if we sacrifice for the cause individually.’
NSCN (R) president Wangtin Naga recalled Swu as a man who stood for the Naga cause against all odds. “We have one history and one lesson therefore I want each of us to come together as one,” Naga said. Describing Swu to be one of the tallest leaders from the region’s movement, Naga remarked that the Naga national movement will continue and will ‘not part from Naga history and fail the Naga.’
The convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) Rev. Dr. Wati Aier also said that Swu had extended his unwavering support and initiative to the forum. This is the time ‘Naga resurrection must take place and conquer all forms of alienation and separation,’ the church leader said. Poignantly, Dr.Wati said that ‘we are here together as one because of his ‘excellency’ Isak Chishi Swu and the greatest wish of his can be fulfilled only when we conquer all divisions.’
“General” Thenoselie M Keyho, the president of the NNC, said that Swu was a God-fearing man and he would rather “like us to thank God for his life than mourn over his death.” He compared the Naga political struggle to that of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt in search of the Promise Land, and the life of Swu to Moses’.
“Our own Naga people have been battling with each other shedding blood and forming numerous parties, which only gave birth to more violence. We have not fought with our real enemies yet but only within our own families and because of this no solution have come to our doorstep”. This was remarked by former GPRN/NSCN, Gen (Rtd) Kholi Konyak who had joined the NSCN/GRRN earlier this year.
Reiterating his intention of joining the NSCN/GPRN, Kholi maintained that he joined it to ‘strengthen the Naga peace process.’
Every individual, he said, wants to form their own faction but this will not bring any solution. He also asserted that the public was the ‘real strength and power’ of the movement. However, he said, this power is not exercised by the public ‘for constructive solution.’ He called upon the people to ‘exercise their power for constructive solution.’
Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang also gave tributes, remembering Isak as one of the ‘greatest Naga leaders’, and a great and inspiring leader ‘who believed in the power of truth and non-violence.’ He had proved himself to be a true soldier as well as a great and charismatic leader who led the Naga cause thus far and signed the historic framework agreement on August 3, 2015, Zeliang said.
“His passing away at this critical juncture of the Naga political movement, when the issue appears to be nearing its peaceful resolution, is indeed tragic and lamentable however the best tribute we the Nagas can pay him now is to unite and to strive together to realize and fulfill his dream; that is the peaceful and honorable settlement of the Naga political issue,” the chief minister said.
Eustar (Khulu) wife of Isak Chishi Swu, who was married to Swu for 40 years, recalled with emotion that his late husband was preparing to go for theological studies then. But coincidently, she said, it was a year when the Indian army had ‘come to Nagaland torturing Naga people.’ It was then that he decided to give his life for the cause of the Naga people instead, she said.
Organizations whose messages and tributes were conveyed during the event included the Naga Hoho, the ENPO, the NMA, the ENWO, the UNC, the NPMHR, the NSF, the ENSF and the Nagaland GBs Federation.
Tributes
Commemorations
Mokokchung shops to close on Saturday
The business community of Mokokchung town has announced a day of business closure for Saturday, July 2, as a token of respect for demised leader of the underground organization NSCN (IM), Isak Chishi Swu. Business will remain closed from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM only, the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) informed in a note issued through the media on Thursday. “The business community of Mokokchung town under the aegis of MCCI shall down our shutters as cited above as a mark of joining the rest of Naga inhabited areas in mourning the passing on of Naga national leader Ino Isak Chishi Swu, Yaruiwo, GPRN/NSCN(IM) who breathed his last June 28,” the note stated. “The timing of closure of shops and business establishments is in concurrence with his last funeral and committal service to be held at his native village of Chishilimi.” The organization has expressed regret for inconveniences caused, “if any.”
Kohima businesses to close for a day
The Angami Public Organization (APO) is to host a public reception for the demised leader on Friday at the Old MLA Hostel Junction in Kohima town. The reception will commence at 12:30 pm. In connection with the program, the Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has informed all the traders in the town to down shutters from 12 noon till the departure of the funeral convoy, as a mark of respect to the departed soul. All the traders have also been asked to attend the programme.
ENSF declares day of mourning
The Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF) has declared July 4 what it called “day of lament” as a “sign of paying a tribute” to Swu. “Hence, the federation hereby appeals to all the six federating units (KSU-Konyak, CCSU, PSC, YAA, USSC & KSU-Khiam) to strictly monitor in observing and in honouring it within its respective jurisdiction,” a note from the ENSF on Thursday stated. “All educational Institution within the eastern jurisdiction will remain closed hence, all the concern authority are requested to comply the appeals from the Federation in good faith.” The organization also hoped that the life of the late leader would “teach every Naga leaders with a true spirit of oneness and equality.”
Tributes from Ao Senden
Also, as a tribute to Swu, a condolence service was organized by the Ao Senden at 12:00 pm today. Leaders of the Ao Senden, Ao Kaketshir Mundang, Watsu Mungdang, Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem, Senior Citizens’ Forum and others from Mokokchung district attended the event. A six-member team led by the Ao Senden’s president Imolemba Jamir has reached Dimapur on Thursday to attend the funeral service of the demised NSCN leader.
Condolences
MP Kenye: Rajya Sabha member K.G. Kenye has condoled the death of NSCN (IM) Chairman Isak Chisi Swu, calling him “one of the brightest stars” of the Naga national political movement.
In a message, Kenye said even though Swu has died, there was a need for the Naga people to come together and steer the destiny of the Naga people to the destination which Swu had in his mind.
“His (Swu) zeal and determination to the cause of the Naga people, especially for an early and honourable settlement to the Naga political problem, was more pronounced than ever in the last few years. I am of the personal opinion that he dearly wanted to see to it that during his lifetime, the Naga political problem was brought to a logical and final conclusion,” said Kenye.
RS Pandey: Former State chief secretary and former Interlocutor, Government of India’s representative for Naga peace talk, RS Pandey, has condoled the passing away of Isak Chishi Swu, Chairman of NSCN (IM). While fondly remembering his association with late Isak Chishi Swu on several occasions during the peace talks, Pandey described him as a devoutly religious person, who would invariably begin and conclude the peace talks sitting with prayers. He said Isak Chishi longed to see a new era of permanent peace and progress for the Naga people during his lifetime and contributed enormously for the same. Eulogising Isak CHishi, Pandy said the significant progress which has been achieved towards the final outcome of the peace process owed a great deal to his wisdom, insight and untiring efforts. He has further conveyed condolence to the members of the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul.
NPF: NPF Press Bureau in message said, the sudden and shocking news of the passing away of late Izak Chishi Swu, Chairman, NSCN/GPRN today, at New Delhi has deeply saddened the Naga people in general and members of the NPF Central Hq. Kohima Nagaland in particular.
“All ranks and files of the NPF Central, join the bereaved family members in extending sincere condolences to the beloved wife of the deceased Mrs Swu and their children, and pray that God give them strength and solace to overcome the grievous loss. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace.”
GPRN/NSCN: Chairman of GPRN/NSCN, ‘gen. (retd)’ MB Neokpao Konyak, has mourned the demise of Isak Chishi Swu and described him as a soft spoken giant among suppressed nations, a spirited leader of man who believed that Naga reconciliation and unity was the ultimate key towards final settlement of Indo-Naga political issued. He said Isak’s vision for Nagaland was a reconciled, united, prosperous Christian nation with distinct political identity, free from suppression and domination, which is the core value of all Naga political groups. He lamented that in his death Nagas have lost brilliant spiritual light which illuminated Naga nation ravaged by political misfortunes, adding his unceasing prayer for his nation and people endeared him to people of all faith irrespective of political inclination. On the occasion, he appealed to the living Naga leaders whether we are prepared to build on a legacy of peace and reconciliation strongly advocated by our leader Isak Chishi Swu or whether we will again be tempted to pursue a tempestuous route of self destruction in the name of freedom. As Nagas prepare to take his legacy forward, he hoped that his absence would result in a rebirth of Naga consciousness, a sprouting of fresh thinking, a shower of unmeasured unity within the family. While conveying condolence to the bereaved family, he hoped the Naga leaders find strength and wisdom to understand the will of God for the Naga people.
NSCN (R): NSCN (Reformation) expressed pain over the death of Isak Swu describing him a big star among the stars as well as unmatchable Naga leader who led the Naga struggle his whole life accepting and challenging the daily ups and downs. It also described him as one who never parted from Naga history but stood as a great warrior and led the Naga struggle during the toughest political crisis between 1960’s and 1990’s till peace dawn in Naga country.
It was during his lifetime, NSCN (IM) attained the membership of UNPO on behalf of Nagas and the recent “Framework Agreement” with GoI. Stating that Naga people have been blessed with a leader like Isak Swu, it lamented that his death was a loss for the Nagas.
NSCN/GPRN (R) shared grief with the family members and Naga people and prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul.
NNC: The NNC has also paid tributes to the late NSCN leader. “We all know Isak Chishi Swu was a God fearing man and I truly believe that he will want us to thank God for his life rather than to mourn over his death. I have known Eno. Isak for a long time and for all our differences, personal or ideological; I cannot help but to admire his commitment to the cause of the Naga people and his unflinching faith in God,” a message from “gen. (retd)” Thinoselie M Keyho, president of the group stated. The NNC stated that the late leader sincerely “gave his all for us” and “that matters more than anything else.” “It is humbling to recall how even a sacrificial and visionary leader like him will have to say goodbye, when the appointed time comes by, to his dream and his beloved people without a glimpse of the nation that he has fought for all through his life,” the message stated. “I on behalf of NNC, extend heartfelt condolence to his wife Ennoli. Eustar (Khulu) and all his loved ones. May the good Lord grant you peace and hope in this moment of pain and sadness.”
