Public memorial honours Isak Swu

Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 30  

Thousands of people from all walks of life turned up to pay their last respect to Isak Chishi Swu, who was brought home today wrapped in the ‘Star and Rainbow’, the Naga flag.  

Fifty eight years after struggling in the quest of the Naga ‘Promised Land’, the NSCN (IM) Chairman, Isak Chishi Swu, who passed away on June 28 in New Delhi, will finally be laid to rest in his native village Chishilimi in Zunheboto district on July 2.  

Traffic on the NH-2 stretch leading to Dimapur Airport almost came to a standstill late Thursday morning as thousands of mourners and well wishers made their way to the Dimapur airport to receive the mortal remains of the departed leader. At the airport, many clutched on to the Naga flag as they waited patiently for around three hours waiting for the coffin in the humid weather.  

The public memorial service, co-organized by Naga Hoho and Eastern Nagaland Public Organization (ENPO), held at Agri Expo site, started with the solemn hymn “It’s not an easy road’ and invocation by General Secretary, NBCC, Rev. Dr. Z Keyho offered benediction.  

Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, led the scores of representatives from Naga tribal bodies and civil society in laying wreaths and offering condolences.  

On behalf of the Government of Nagaland and all elected members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, the CM expressed pain and grief.  

“He is one of the greatest Naga leaders of our times; a great and Inspiring Naga freedom fighter who believed in the power of truth and non violence, a true gentleman, a man of principle; and above all, a great believer and a faithful servant of God,” the CM described Swu.  

Zeliang stated that Swu had chosen to take a difficult road, that many educated people of his time considered unpractical, fraught with much risks and full of uncertainties. “However, Mr. Swu was convinced that the Naga struggle at that time needed educated Nagas like him to spearhead the movement, and he volunteered himself for the Naga cause,” he added.  

Terming Swu’s passing away at this juncture of the Naga peace talks tragic and lamentable, Zeliang stated that “the best tribute we, the Nagas can pay him now is to unite and to strive together to realize and fulfill his dream; that is the peaceful and honourable settlement of the Naga political issue.”  

Chairman of the memorial service, Neingulo Krome, also read out the condolence message of Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya and Rajya Sabha MP, KG Kenye.  

The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) said Swu was “one of the sturdiest and firmest of Naga spirits.” “His life was a grand epic, a tale woven by God Himself”, said the FNR convenor, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, in his condolence speech. He also said the Swu, who was passionate on reconciliation among Nagas, should serve as an inspiration for Nagas to conquer all forms of “alienation and separation amongst us.”  

Presidents and representatives from apex Naga tribe bodies and civil society including Naga Hoho, ENPO, Naga Mothers’ Association, Eastern Naga Women Association, United Naga Council, NPMHR, NSF, ENSF, Nagaland GBs Federation, Nagas from Arunachal, NC Hills, and from Eastern Naga (Myanmar) also read out their respective condolences.  

The Naga Hoho informed that the Naga organizations have resolved to erect a monument in memory of Swu at Kohima in the near future.  

During the laying of wreaths, many could not hold their emotions as the Naga Choir led by James Swu sang one of Isak Swu’s favourite hymn “Abide with me.”  

Eustar (Khulu), the wife of the departed leader, gave a heart wrenching testimony of her 40 years association with Swu. She spoke of how Swu had planned to pursue missionary studies, but decided against it and rather joined the Naga movement to fight for his people.  

Vicar general, Rev. Fr. Carlos Neisalhou pronounced the benediction.