A combined Naga Army choir at the Advent worship programme organised by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation at the Chümoukedima Ao Baptist Church, on December 7. (Morung Photo)
Rival NPGs gather for Advent worship under one roof
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 7
The Naga political space may present a fractured face but the desire for unity purportedly prevails, albeit, in the spiritual realm. On December 7, the various Naga Political Groups (NPGs) gathered for a special Advent Christmas worship service, at the Chümoukedima Ao Baptist Church, organised by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).
Dr Villo Naleo, Secretary, Social Concern, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) was the main speaker.
The get-together also had the Nagaland Tribe Hohos Coordination Committee and church leaders, including Dr Akito Zhimo, Pastor, Council Head Quarter Church (Unification), and Rev Seksim Kasar, General Secretary, Council of Nagalim Churches.
From the NSCN divide were the Working Convenors of the Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs), P Tikhak Naga and Col (retired) Isak Sumi; and from the NSCN (IM) was Rev Puni Mao, Collective Leadership Member.
Common themes
Humility, forgiveness, dialogue, reconciliation, atonement, and healing played out as common themes throughout the proceedings juxtaposed by the current state of “factionalism” as an existential threat to the Naga identity. The emphasis was on acknowledging forgiveness as the only path forward in a “broken” Naga political landscape with deep internecine wounds.
According to Thejao Vihienuo, Convenor, Nagaland Tribe Hohos Coordination Committee, the Naga political issue can only be solved if the leaders “humble themselves,” and that healing is contingent upon the people turning from “wicked ways.”
Speakers, including Rev Puni Mao, and FNR Member Dr Visier Sanyü (FNR), said that sustainable peace requires a “transformed heart” rather than just written agreements. This sentiment was echoed by Neli Mao, Pastor of Mao Baptist Church, Chümoukedima, who identified humility as a prerequisite for overcoming factional bitterness. “Factionalism resolves nothing, but divides,” he said, while reminding that the people are getting frustrated.
Rev Seksim Kasar used the metaphor of the “star” witnessed by the Biblical ‘three wise men’ to urge Nagas to become a “unique star” for peace.
Col (retired) Isak Sumi and Dr Akito Zhimo framed unity not merely as a political goal but as an existential necessity to prevent cultural assimilation and societal breakdown.
P Tikhak termed the gathering historic, noting that it brought the various NPGs under one roof to celebrate Advent Christmas.
Beyond guns
Dr Naleo anchored his message on the “humility of Christ” as the essential virtue for Naga reconciliation. He said that the ancient Greco-Roman value system, which prized honour over humility, is no longer relevant. According to him, true strength lies not in the ancient pursuit of honour or status, but in humility.
Citing US Army General (retired) Stanley A McChrystal, he noted that modern “unwinnable wars” are resolved only when leaders forego superior status to understand others.
Applying this to the Naga context, Dr Naleo said that it is time the Nagas “surrender” narratives of dominance, victimhood and selfishness; and instead, take on truthful and peaceful negotiations. Terming the era of relying on guns as ‘yesterday’s warfare,’ he said that the Naga Political Groups today need the protection of the public mandate. “But in today's ‘warfare,’ you will need us, the public, to protect you. It has changed,” he said.
It was the 17th gathering of the NPGs under one roof for the year. FNR Convenor, Rev Dr Wati Aier said that the reconciliatory effort will continue with renewed spirit in 2026 as well.
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