Citizens of Changtongya and Yachem express gratitude and pray for peace during the 2nd 'Peace Fellowship' held at the Phom Baptist Attoi Dimapur on March 23. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 23
Once they were belligerent neighbours, but as citizens of Changtongya and Yachem converged for the 2nd 'Peace Fellowship' on Saturday, the impression was that there had never been animosity between them and it was all about the fruits of peace and cementing bonds for the future.
On October 2, 1989, after a dispute running over two centuries, according to records maintained by the two villages, they pledged to uphold peace "until Jesus returns."
Almost 35 years on, the primary goal remains to enjoy and safeguard what both regard as a blessing from God.
This affirmation was echoed at the March 23 Fellowship held at the Phom Baptist Attoi Dimapur, at Burma Camp, as one speaker after another stressed the necessity of the peace treaty and its constant renewal and affirmation.
Speaking on the occasion, Chubala Chenth recalled the difficulties faced before the peace, with different kinds of rumours swirling from all sides as well as communication and logistical challenges. The wife of former Nagaland Speaker and Minister late Chenlom Phom accordingly urged the youth to be agents of peace and look ahead to the future.
The past conflict interspersed with rumour-mongering and fear psychosis was also shared by Limasünep Jamir, IGP Range, in his exhortation, while underscoring the importance of peace.
"A day like today is a constant reminder to preserve the peace treaty," he said, noting that peace does not come on its own but from people who "build and break it."
He also cautioned on how communication failure could lead to conflict.
Jamir also asserted that the Changtongya and Yachem peace treaty was neither a political nor economic package but enabled by God’s grace through the church and 'men of spirit.'
Accordingly, the 'covenant' pledged before God has remained unbroken for nearly 35 years with blessings and goodwill, he added.
Jamir called upon citizens of both villages to share the stories and their way of life at religious and social levels and make efforts for peace.
"Re-commit for peace, assist, and practice mutual respect toward each other, and let God be the handler," he exhorted.
Meanwhile, ex-minister S. Pangnyu Phom said that God used some missionaries when it was least expected to bring about peace.
He, however, focused on the blessing brought about by peace. "Some of the signatories' last words were that they have brought about peace between Changtongya and Yachem." This is the greatest gift of all, he added.
Pangnyu also noted that the 'real peace at the village' is being experienced in the villages with a sense of bonding and inferred blessings.
He also cited how, taking a leaf from the Changtongya-Yachem peace treaty, similar accords were signed, including between Yachem and Yongshei as well as Pongo and Longchang.
He cautioned, however, that peace without God would not last and urged both villages to let go of pride and carry forward the present covenant.
Initiate peace beyond and be agents of peace to other villages and Nagas, he added.
Senior Pastor C Hamba Nemdakly from PBAD passionately shared, incorporating personal anecdotes, the series of events that led to the signing of peace between the two conflicting parties.
He also dwelt how conflicts persisted before, even though citizens of both villages shared good friendships individually.
Nevertheless, Nemdakly stressed that the past challenges have been overcome, and now it's all about sharing the fruit of peace. "There is always gain in peace, never a loss," he maintained.
The Senior Pastor also asserted that the peace covenant between Changtongya and Yachem is organic and therefore would be everlasting and urged the citizens of both villages to meet as siblings wherever they meet and be torchbearers of peace.
Leading the fellowship, Pastor H Heni Wowmen, from East Dimapur Phom Baptist Attoi, guided the congregation in a mass prayer to God, expressing gratitude and emphasising the extension of the peace experienced by two villages to between individuals as well as other regions across the globe.
The fellowship ended with the gathering partaking in a community meal.
