
Kohima | September 6 : The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) appealed to everyone to work for strengthening political forces for peace and pray for final political settlement of Naga political issue.
“Peace is understood not just in military terms but a phenomenon encompassing economic development, social- political justice, democratization and respect for human rights,” NPC chairman N. Theyo said in his address at the thanksgiving service in commemoration with the Peace Day held today at NPC office.
He said that these pillars of peace are interrelated and mutually reinforce, he said adding that peace cannot be imposed upon the will of the people nor can peace exist without the removal of eco-political oppression.
Referring to the observance of 47th Peace Day, he said: “We deeply appreciate that it was political magnanimity and the intension of the Indian leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Deve Gowda, P.V. Narasimha Rao, AB Vajpayee and the present prime minister Manmohan Sigh and his government to effect an change from military measures against the Nagas and opt for political engagement in their attempt to find out political and peaceful solution to the Naga problem.”
He said the Indians in due process of peace talk recognizes the uniqueness of Naga history which in itself exhibit the desire for peaceful settlement and to prove it, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India declared that they are prepared to go extra mile to ensure political solution.
At home, Theyo said, it is noteworthy to mention here that Nagas should remember the leaders of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council like Rev.Longri Ao and late Kenneth Kerhuo and many others who initiated peace efforts in Nagaland Baptist Convention which was held at Wokha from January 31 to February 2, 1964. After 10 years of violence and bloodshed, loss of precious lives and destruction of property, ceasefire came into being on September 6, 1964.
“In the recent years we have seen a considerable progress towards realizing the ideals of peace with the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on Ist August 1997 and with the NSCN (K) on 2nd April 2001,” he said.
Theyo said that people have seen and suffered the army of India’s cruelty against Nagas in operation against the Federal Army of Nagaland who were compelled to undertake political and military journey to Pakistan and China who are the rival countries of India. They fought for the cause of Nagaland and the people who love for freedom. They want independent Nagaland and they are determined to achieve their goal even with the support of the foreign countries.
“This thinking and militaristic activities was spearheaded by the Naga militant nationalists like Gen. Mowu Angami, C-in-C of Naga Federal Army of Nagaland General Thinoselie Keyho, Th. Muivajh. General Secretary of NNC and Issac Chishi Swu, foreign secretary & vice president NCC Thepushu, Brig. Vedai Moire. They expected to get both political and military assistance from China to work for Naga independence to raise high standard of living for the masses and their prosperity. But ill luck would have it. They were badly betrayed at home by signing the infamous Shillong Accord by the Federal Government of Nagaland following the split into factions. They make selfless sacrifice for Naga cause by realizing what peace can achieve can never be achieved by war & violence and we remember them,” Theyo said.
Theyo said the Nagaland Peace Centre, firmly believed Naga reconciliation initiated by dedicated Naga leaders working to unite Naga political groups to find out political solution of Naga problem.
“We the Nagaland Peace Centre warmly congratulated the Forum of Naga Reconciliation led by Dr. Rev. Wati Aier. We appreciate FNR’s role as peace making body which was also encouraged and supported by 120 nations body of the Baptist World Alliance at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia July 4—9, 2011,” Theyo said.
“Peace is understood not just in military terms but a phenomenon encompassing economic development, social- political justice, democratization and respect for human rights,” NPC chairman N. Theyo said in his address at the thanksgiving service in commemoration with the Peace Day held today at NPC office.
He said that these pillars of peace are interrelated and mutually reinforce, he said adding that peace cannot be imposed upon the will of the people nor can peace exist without the removal of eco-political oppression.
Referring to the observance of 47th Peace Day, he said: “We deeply appreciate that it was political magnanimity and the intension of the Indian leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Deve Gowda, P.V. Narasimha Rao, AB Vajpayee and the present prime minister Manmohan Sigh and his government to effect an change from military measures against the Nagas and opt for political engagement in their attempt to find out political and peaceful solution to the Naga problem.”
He said the Indians in due process of peace talk recognizes the uniqueness of Naga history which in itself exhibit the desire for peaceful settlement and to prove it, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the prime minister of India declared that they are prepared to go extra mile to ensure political solution.
At home, Theyo said, it is noteworthy to mention here that Nagas should remember the leaders of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council like Rev.Longri Ao and late Kenneth Kerhuo and many others who initiated peace efforts in Nagaland Baptist Convention which was held at Wokha from January 31 to February 2, 1964. After 10 years of violence and bloodshed, loss of precious lives and destruction of property, ceasefire came into being on September 6, 1964.
“In the recent years we have seen a considerable progress towards realizing the ideals of peace with the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on Ist August 1997 and with the NSCN (K) on 2nd April 2001,” he said.
Theyo said that people have seen and suffered the army of India’s cruelty against Nagas in operation against the Federal Army of Nagaland who were compelled to undertake political and military journey to Pakistan and China who are the rival countries of India. They fought for the cause of Nagaland and the people who love for freedom. They want independent Nagaland and they are determined to achieve their goal even with the support of the foreign countries.
“This thinking and militaristic activities was spearheaded by the Naga militant nationalists like Gen. Mowu Angami, C-in-C of Naga Federal Army of Nagaland General Thinoselie Keyho, Th. Muivajh. General Secretary of NNC and Issac Chishi Swu, foreign secretary & vice president NCC Thepushu, Brig. Vedai Moire. They expected to get both political and military assistance from China to work for Naga independence to raise high standard of living for the masses and their prosperity. But ill luck would have it. They were badly betrayed at home by signing the infamous Shillong Accord by the Federal Government of Nagaland following the split into factions. They make selfless sacrifice for Naga cause by realizing what peace can achieve can never be achieved by war & violence and we remember them,” Theyo said.
Theyo said the Nagaland Peace Centre, firmly believed Naga reconciliation initiated by dedicated Naga leaders working to unite Naga political groups to find out political solution of Naga problem.
“We the Nagaland Peace Centre warmly congratulated the Forum of Naga Reconciliation led by Dr. Rev. Wati Aier. We appreciate FNR’s role as peace making body which was also encouraged and supported by 120 nations body of the Baptist World Alliance at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia July 4—9, 2011,” Theyo said.