Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 25
Against the backdrop of an impending solution to the Indo-Naga political issue following the 2015 Framework Agreement, hundreds of ordained ministers and clergies from Naga inhabited areas and cutting across various Christian denominations attended the ‘Prayer Summit’ organized by Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) of the NSCN (IM) held here at Agri Expo site on Thursday.
‘Submission to the will of God’
The summit under the theme “Submission to the will of God” witnessed a series of prayer sessions including prayer for “Forgiveness of our personal sins, Naga people’s and National sins (collectively),” “God’s intervention in the Indo-Naga political dialogue, so that a peaceful honorable solution to the Indo-Naga issue is arrived at”, “For Indian leadership: President, Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, Opposition leaders and the Interlocutor”, “The Collective Leadership, its members, and Home authorities”, “Naga unity and integration.”
The gathering also prayed for “All Naga national workers that God may keep them safe, strong and lead in the right path”, “For peaceful co-existence with the neighboring nations and communities”, “The present Naga Church leaders, political leaders, professionals, officers of all categories”, “The present Naga civil societies(all Hohos and organizations)”, “For the well wishers of Naga movement”, “The wellbeing of Naga people especially for the women and younger generation” and, for “The Naga political victims, the prisoners and those who lost their spouse and parents.”
‘Nagas not spiritually prepared for a solution’
President CNC, Eustar Chishi Swu, the wife of former NSCN (IM) Chairman, Late Isak Chishi Swu, in her welcome address said that though the Naga negotiating team led by NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah had done their part with utmost sincerity and commitment, yet a solution to the issue has till date not reached a logical conclusion.
While some say the delay is because of some symbolic issues, the CNC president said she is convinced that it is because Nagas are not spiritually prepared for a solution.
“Today, I am reminded of the prophetic words that my late husband Isak Chishi used to say and I quote, ‘Naga issue cannot be solved through political philosophy or ideology but Naga issue is in the hands of God, it can be solved only when the Naga people surrender themselves fully to the will of God, the He will show His power and free the Nagas”, Eustar said.
“I believe this prophecy is being fulfilled here in our midst. Therefore, as we have put in the theme of this prayer summit, we have to fully surrender to God’s will, so that we can pave the way for the spirit of God to display His power and give us victory”, she said.
Naga issue a case of aggression of ‘Nagalim’
Convenor, steering committee NSCN (IM), Rh. Raising, in his message reminded that the Naga issue is a case of aggression of ‘Nagalim’ by India and Myanmar and therefore the Naga struggle is a national resistance movement against the aggressor states and not a case of secession. Raising said the Nagas confronted the aggressors with four-pronged strategies including military, political, diplomacy and prayer.
On the purpose of the prayer summit, the NSCN (IM) leader said “We need revolutionary church leaders who look at Jesus, not the storm. The Naga people under the leadership of the revolutionary NSCN have brought the movement from the stage of the guerilla warfare to the mass warfare; from the stage of armed confrontation to the peace process where every one of us is involved.”
“NSCN alone should not be viewed as actors. Every one of us should be an actor, not a fan. The Church is no exception. We need churches to go along with the people and their issues…..we know anointed pastors are Nazirites of the Lord. They should also be the Nazirites of the people’s cause”, he added.
NSCN (IM) army chief, Lt. Gen Anthony Shimray, in his message said “If we do not make Christ as the centre point of our unity, then we’ll never have true unity or genuine reconciliation.”
A host of ordained ministers including Rev Dr Hokheto Sumi, Rev Nchabuing Riame, Rev Moses Murry, Rev Dr Pongsing Konyak, Rev Nokthom Wangsu. Rev Dr P Dozo,Dr. Kecha Sayie, Rev Tsimu Thong, Rev Seksim Kasar, Rev Fr GL Khing and Rev Dr Visor H Zeliang spoke and officiated the prayer points and affirmation.
