Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 6
THE Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today jointly observed the 50th Indo-Naga Ceasefire Day at Chedema Peace Camp.
FGN medical Kilonser I. Toshi said “peace within the Naga individual will bring peace in the land and God will surely help us to live as sovereign people in His own time”.Recalling the beginning of Indo-Naga conflict, he said India and Nagaland were different people – they were strangers to one another and shared no common history - politically, racially, traditionally and even belief.
He said when British merchants landed in India, hundreds of small kingdoms spread over the Indo-Gangetic plains in the north to the Hill tracts of the ocean lines in the south were all conquered and subjugated one by the British. But relations between the British and parts of Nagaland were based on mutual understanding ‘not as British subjects’. This is recorded by the British and there was no treaty made with any of the Naga tribes, he said.
Nonetheless, he regretted that when Great Britain granted independence to India and began to withdraw its occupation from South East Asia, leaders of the new India craved to annex Nagaland and began an armed invasion in 1954. They massacred all adults of Yempang village in Tuensang area.
India’s aim was to intimidate the Naga villagers, he said. It was only in 1956, that Naga villagers took up arms to defend their homeland from the intruders. This was the start of an undeclared full-scale war against Nagaland. The war continued till the two nations agreed on a cease-fire, which became effective from Sept 6, 1964.
A breathing space for Naga people was opened after almost ten years of war. Cease-fire does not mean the end of everything, but the beginning of a peaceful resolution of conflicts, he said. The conflict between India and Nagaland is the unlawful occupation of India in Nagaland, he maintained.
He said it is the aspiration of Naga people that the conflicts be resolved in a peaceful manner and all through the 50 years the FGN tenaciously upholds the ceasefire even through much notoriety of double standard games unceasing from the other side.
Rev. Beilieü Shüya extended ceasefire greetings on the occasion which was also attended by FGN kedahge Gen. (retd) Viyalie Metha, FGN tatar hoho speaker Lhovitsu, kilo kilonser Shevoyi, officers of Naga army, representatives from NBCC and general public.
Chaired by Pastor Sangtam Baptist Church Kohima, Rev. Imti Sangtam the observation commenced with Bible reading prayer by Senior Pastor of Upper Naga Bazaar Baptist Church, Rev. Ruokuowhelie Pienyü. Special numbers were presented by Yimchunger BC and Sumi BC. Associate Pastor Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo Rev. I Yapang said the benediction.
