Principal Correspondent
Kohima, September 6
Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Chaplain Rev. Khrütsoi Lurüo while expressing that Nagas have lost the political vision and goal because of division and disunity today said that “there is no way for our political solution unless we come together united”.
Addressing the 50th Anniversary of Indo-Naga Cease Fire Day at Chedema Peace Camp here today, Rev. K. Purüo recalling back to the events that led to the cease fire of 1964 said, the Nagas were together, united with the sense of one nationality whether in Myanmar, Assam, Arunachal or Manipur.“They stood together to fight for the cause of national unity. In due course of time, they took up arms to defend the God-given land,” he said adding that “they decided to drive away the Indian army from our soil which brought physical confrontation since 1950s leading to killing of innocent civilians, torture of public, burning of all villages, raping and murder of children and women”.
He said that in such intolerable situations the Church leaders came forward to rescue the common people by forming Peace Committee to bring peace in our land through negotiation table.
“Thus ceasefire is the outcome of the prayers of individuals and the local churches through reconciliation in time of political turmoil and tribulation which paved the way for political talk through non-violence,” he maintained.
As Nagas observe the 50th anniversary of the cease fire agreement, he said, one should ask what have we done with the peace that came to us? “Since last 50 years we have seen violence, divisions, killings, extortions, threats of all kinds,” he said adding that “we bow our head in shame and humility before the world for troubles and tragedies we have brought upon ourselves”.
Rev. Lurüo said as people of God, Nagas have miserably failed to uphold the holiness of God. “We have completely lost the impact of oneness, solidarity and missed the best opportunity for which we have to blame ourselves,” he added.
He further stated, “Our land is in need of healing, which can only come when we bring our problems to God through confessions of our since to one another to plea for forgiveness of individual sincs, and national sins from God”.
“There is no way for unity unless we as individual confess our sins before God,” he said while maintaining that there will be no victory unless we are on the Lord’s side.
Delivering a short speech, FGN Tatar Hoho Speaker Lhouvitsu maintained that after the Ceasefire Agreement the two governments (FGN and GoI) officially met several times to settle the conflict so as to live in peace as neighbours. He however lamented that in the end the Indian government side tried to maneuver in their own country, although the conflict drags on till today.
Expressing gratitude to the Peace Commission members and the then leaders of NBCC, who helped in calming the situation, he further asked all to pray that God saves Naga nation from foreign domination.
Chaired by Associate Pastor of Ao Baptist Church Kohima, Rev. I. Yabang the invocation was pronounced by Pastor of Baptist Mission Church Kohima Rev. Moa Longchar.
Special numbers were presented by Christian revival Church Chedema, Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers Hill, Pouma Baptist Church Kohima and Mercy Konyak and friends.
