Affirming that the last wish of Isak was for all Nagas to unite, Muivah urged all Nagas to forgive each other
Morung Express News
Chishilimi | July 2
Columns of the national flag of Naga land, with the rainbow and the Star of David, majestically adorned the road to Chishilimi as villagers, in a poignant moment of time, solemnly received the mortal remains of Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu to his final resting place.
One of the tallest leaders of the Naga national movement, Isak Chishi Swu, was laid to rest on July 2 at his ancestral village Chishilimi in Zunheboto district. Lovingly called Asü, meaning Grandfather in Sümi language, the last funeral service and rites were performed at the village local ground. The service, which began from 9.45 am, lasted till 4 pm as family, friends, supporters, relatives, and comrades paid their final tribute by laying wreaths, songs, requiems and messages.
“My dad was a man of integrity. He always stood for what was right,” said an emotional Evali Chishi Swu, daughter of Isak Chishi Swu. While performing a requiem for her late father, “Heaven was needing a hero like you” by Jo Dee Messina, she fought back tears.
Kekhengulo Lea, President, Chakhesang Public Organisation stated that the dedication and commitment of the great leader touched many lives. “The sense of loss is much deeper and more painful when such an extraordinary leader dies,” said Lea, who, however, noted that it is also a time to celebrate the life and leadership given to Nagas by Swu. “Today we can take pride in what we are as a people. In his death and in a multitude like this, we have proved ourselves that we can come together as one nation,” said Lea.
Himato Zhimomi, President, Sümi Officers Union of Nagaland, in his tribute to Swu noted that in his death, what the Yaruiwo has sown will sprout out to become a big tree. “It will grow stronger somewhere in the Naga lands wherever all the Nagas are,” Zhimomi stated. Citing a significant analogy from the Bible, Himato asserted that Swu’s life was the message of the olive tree whose branches all Nagas will cling to. He also hoped that all Nagas will take the branch of the olive tree, which is signified all over the world as a symbol of peace, and offer it to all societies so that peace prevails.
Th. Muivah, General Secretary, NSCN (IM) and long-term comrade of Swu, eulogized that Nagas will never again get a leader who has sacrificed like Swu. “The longest friend of mine here on earth was Isak Swu. Whatever challenge came, we stood together. We took decisions together. He never betrayed me and I never betrayed him,” said Muivah. Affirming that the last wish of Isak was for all Nagas to unite, Muivah urged all Nagas to forgive each other. Further recalling the times, he spent with his dear friend and, the efforts and sacrifices Swu made for Nagas, Muivah hoped that in his death, the Nagas would take heed and prove themselves, and continue the legacy that Isak left behind.
Ikato Swu, son of the Yaruiwo said his father was a family man. Although the family stayed together under one roof for only four years, Ikato affirmed that within the span of these four years, his father taught them all the principles of life: to stay humble, respect people, to treat all equally with equal favour, “and the most important and basic principle being the obedience to the will of God.” Eustar Chishi Swu, wife of Isak Chishi Swu, also spoke at the service.
Gen. (retd) Kholi Konyak, Vice-President of NSCN (IM), in his message, also spoke of the contributions made by Isak Swu to the Naga movement. “He left this world with so much suffering, but now we have to continue and push forward to live up to the legacy he has left behind,” maintained Gen. (retd) Kholi. “There is no gain if we do not unite.”
The final burial ceremony program at Chishilimi was organised by the Sümi Hoho. Glowing tributes were paid by several organizations hailing from various tribes. Many Sümi organisations also paid tributes to the departed leader in Sümi—among others, messages were delivered by the Sümi Hoho, Sümi Kukami Hoho, Western Sümi Hoho, Sümi Aphuyemi Hoho, Sümi Aphuyemi Kukami Hoho, Vikheho Swu, HS Rotokha, Dr. H Hotokhu Chishi.
Gugs Chishi presented the song ‘Born Free’, while other songs were also presented on the occasion. Sheli and Azalea, granddaughters of Isak Swu also paid tribute to their late grandfather by performing a song.
Rev. Hotokhu P. Zhimomi, Executive Secretary, SABAK performed the last ritual of the funeral. A 21-gun salute was given in his honour. The Yaruiwo was buried two kilometers away from the village. Isak Chishi Swu passed away in Delhi on June 28.
