Mass prayer for peace during the 57th anniversary of Indo-Naga Ceasefire at Chedema Peace Camp on September 6. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Chedema | September 6
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Naga National Council (NNC) and Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) today jointly observed the 57th anniversary of the Indo-Naga Ceasefire at Chedema Peace Camp under Kohima district.
The occasion witnessed a mass prayer for peace and social well-being in Nagaland.
Speaking during the occasion, Rev Dr N Paphino, Vice President, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum stressed on the need to follow the principle of ‘forgive and forget’ for ushering in peaceful co-existence. He made an appeal to all the national workers to emulate Jesus that “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall call the sons of God.” “Peace without Jesus is not real peace,” he added.
Asserting that there should not be any space to sell the rights of the Nagas, Rev Dr Paphino also felt the need to remain firm on the original ideology and foundation, which he said is the most important.
Lhouvitsu, Speaker, Tatar Hoho, FGN also delivered a short speech. The programme also witnessed special praise from Chedema Baptist Church (youth); scripture reading and prayer by Bideno Kikon, Christian Education Secretary, NBCC and; commissioning and blessing by Rev Neivilieo Zuyie, Pastor, Chedema Baptist Church.
The NBCC during its 3rd Nagaland Baptists Convention at Wokha from January 31 to February 2, 1964, discussed the urgent need for peaceful talks between leaders of Nagaland and India. The NBCC convention at Wokha unanimously decided to explore ways and means for restoration of peace in Nagaland.
Consequently, Church leaders obtained the GoI’s consent to open avenues and also in availing the services of Jayaprakash Narayan, Shankar Dev, Bimala Prasad Chaliha and Rev Michael Scott with the objective of exploring means for speedy restoration of peace and normalcy in Nagaland.
On September 6, 1964 a ceasefire agreement was signed.
