Dimapur, June 29 (MExN): More people today mourned the death of Isak Chishi Swu, NSCN (IM) Chairman on June 28 in New Delhi. In messages, they extended condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for peace of the departed soul.
ACAUT: ACAUT Nagaland stated that history will remember Chairman Isak Chishi Swu as a God fearing champion for freedom, peace, and reconciliation. “To many of us he will be remembered as a man of uncommon grace and compassion, for whom abandoning bitterness and embracing adversaries was not just a political strategy but a way of life,” it said. “He proved that there is freedom in forgiving, that a big heart is better than a closed mind, and that life's real victories must be shared.”
APO: The Angami Public Organisation (APO) reminisced that Isak Chishi Swu was a man of great character and contributed immensely to the society. “He was a man who gave his all for the Naga people and its cause. We the Nagas today have lost a true patriot and a true leader in whom we trusted…The innumerable sacrifices that you had made, your innumerable contributions to the Naga people, and your irreplaceable foundation laid for our cause will be remembered.”
ASTD: The Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) said the NSCN (IM) Chairman was a leader totally committed for the freedom of the Nagas and the rights of the Naga people till his last breath. He strictly lived by his steadfast faith in the Lord, it added.
BJYM: Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Nagaland State unit stated that Isak Chishi Swu sacrificed his whole life for the people and he will always be remembered by all for that.
CNTC: The Central Nagaland Tribes Council recollected Isak Chishi Swu as a humble, soft-spoken man and a God-fearing leader who gave his everything for the Nagas. Stating that Isak’s struggles and sacrifices for the Nagas could not be comprehended in mere words, CNTC said his saga and legacy will forever be remembered by not only the Nagas, but the whole world. The Council further informed that in view of the sad demise and also the state funeral slated on July 1, the joint consultative meeting of the Council on July 1 has been postponed to July 23.
CPDM: Campaign for Peace & Democracy Manipur (CPDM) also paid red salute to Isak Chishi Swu. It said that Isak was one of the leaders in Northeast India who had stood firmly for the cause of a political ideology and had dedicated fully to unite his people to achieve higher level of independence and progress. “He was a tall figure in the post 1947 Naga resistance movement, on whose footprints many Nagas would still continue to strive for brighter future,” the organization stated.
CSA: The Chakhroma Sports Association (CSA) remembered the NSCN (IM) Chairman as a man of truth, a man of honour who fought for the rights of the Naga people. The Association prayed that the vision and the dreams of “our beloved leader” for his people become a reality.
DCCI: Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry stated that late Isak was a person of deep faith and great courage who entirely devoted himself for the Naga movement. The memory of his patriotic leadership will remain a source of inspiration and encouragement to all his comrades, national workers and the Naga populace, DCCI said. “The immense suffering and hardship that he endured for the cause of Naga people’s rights will surely be recognized by humanity down through the ages.”
DFoN: The Dream Foundation of Nagaland (DFoN) described Isak as a leader of distinct qualities who led the Naga people as a true patriot and who made lifelong sacrifices for the rights of Naga people. His selfless sacrifice for the cause of the Nagas would be remembered and cherished in the days to come, the Foundation stated.
DNSU: The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union stated that the demise of the NSCN (IM) Chairman is a big loss to the Naga nation. “His advocacy in upright deeds for the cause of Nagas will be ever remembered and the whole Naga generations owe him a debt.”
DUCCF: Dimapur Urban Councils Chairmen Federation said Isak was “the tall figure of Naga self determination and was the symbol of love and forgiveness among the Nagas freedom fighters.” He will always be remembered as God fearing man who always endeavoured for peace and reconciliation, it added.
Er. Levi Rengma: Parliamentary Secretary Er. Levi Rengma stated that in Isak’s death, “we” have lost a leader who had dedicated his whole life for the cause of Nagas and for a better future for the Nagas. “Throughout his life, Isak Chishi Swu was a beacon of strength for the Naga cause and a wise leader who devoted his energies to the welfare of his people. He was also a firm believer in promoting peace and unity amongst the Naga brothers and sisters,” Er. Levi said. He expressed hope that Nagas will remember and fulfill the late leader’s dreams by making sure peace and unity are ushered in our land.
EDBA: East Dimapur Business Association (EDBA) said that the “iconic” Isak Chishi Swu not only fought selflessly for uniting the Naga nation for sovereignty, but also stood committed during the much troubled period of Naga nation. It stated that Isak set an example to the present and future Naga generations to remain united in the path of sovereignty against all odds. He showed that Naga nation is above any individual or tribe, it added.
GSU Nagaland Zone: Garo Students' Union Nagaland Zone also remembered the NSCN (IM) Chairman as a great Naga leader who worked tirelessly and selflessly for the Naga cause. The sacrifice he made for the nation will be remembered and cherished by the generations to come, it added.
JDU: Janata Dal United, Nagaland unit described Isak as honest, dedicated and true leader who always gave his best and worked tirelessly for the Nagas his entire life.
KSH: The Kohima Sumi Hoho said Isak was a man of ‘Vision’ who worked relentlessly towards that vision with unwavering commitment, dedication and devotion. The Naga leader consistently stood for peace and reconciliation with sincere desire for forgiveness, the Hoho added. “He not only stood for peace but spoke about it to all who met him. His relationship with God was sensed and felt by people who stayed with him and talked with him. He was fearlessly a crusader of justice.”
KSON: The Kuki Students' Organisation Nagaland (KSON) called Isak a true and dynamic leader who sacrificed the luxuries of life dedicating himself for the cause of Naga nation till his very last breath. “Isak's demise is a great loss to every soul who beseech freedom,” it stated.
LLRPO: The Lotha Lower Range Public Organization (LLRPO) recalled Isak Chishi Swu as a leader who gave all for the cause of Nagas and that he will be remembered down the generations for the instrumental role he played in signing the historic August 3, 2015 Framework agreement with GOI.
MLA Azo: MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu said Isak was a patriotic Naga freedom fighter till his last breath. “He died defending for what is rightfully ours, the memory of his brilliant leadership will, however, remain a source of inspiration and encouragement to us all.”
MLA Imkong: MLA Imkong L Imchen expressed regret that Isak Chishi Swu’s softly spoken words laden with wisdom shall no more be availed by the Nagas. Imkong recollected that Isak was one of the few early educated Nagas who dedicated their lives for the cause of the Naga nation during the 1950s. His true patriotism blended with faith in God steered well many difficult situations and given the biggest hope to the Naga political solution as Chairman of the NSCN (IM), the MLA said, adding the recent signing of Framework Agreement was by no means a small achievement.
Mao Council: Mao Council stated that the late NSCN (IM) Chairman was a long standing Naga nationalist who made tremendous positive and crucial contributions to the founding and development of the Naga freedom struggle. “His death is a great loss for his family, and for the Naga people and for all freedom loving people at large. He was an exceptional person who was driven with passion and determination for freedom and human dignity of the Naga people.” It added, “As a legend of Naga heroes, he will be the dynamic force of our history and the source of inspiration for our freedom struggle.”
MHD: Mao Hoho Dimapur said Isak was one of the tallest Naga leaders who fought till his last breath for the cause of Naga nation. The Hoho stated that his contribution to the Naga nation will be fondly remembered and cherished by its people down the ages to come.
MHN: Mao Hoho Nagaland expressed that Isak, a true and patriotic Naga leader, lived up to his life for the cause of the Naga nation. “Swu has sacrificed for the aspiration of the Nagas. He was a God fearing leader and a father figure to the Nagas,” it added.
Loli Kape: Former Village Council Chairman of Maklhel village in Senapati, M. Loli Kape remembered Isak Chishi Swu as a man of principle and a visionary leader in Naga politics who had sacrificed and worked tirelessly for peace, unity amongst the Nagas and fought in defense of Naga cause. Loli saluted Isak for sacrificing his whole life for the cause of Nagas.
NBCC: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council stressed that in Isak’s death, Nagas have lost a patriot and a pioneer in the search for the aspiration of his people. “To this end he stood tall in demonstrating outstanding courage and commitment till the last of his breath. His political wisdom and leadership prowess will be sorely missed in the days ahead,” NBCC stated.
NCP: The Nagaland State Unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) expressed that Isak died at a crucial time when his service was most needed towards bringing political settlement to the Indo-Naga political problem.
NFIA: Nagaland Flood and Irrigation Association stated that the example of Isak’s leadership and accomplishments for the Naga national movement will remain a lasting legacy for all. “It will be almost impossible for any other Naga leader to evolve in the stature of late Isak who devoted his entire life for the cause of Naga people and went through numerous hardships fighting for the cause,” it added.
NGBF: Nagaland GBs Federation stated that Isak Chishi Swu was a faithful warrior who had devoted his life for Naga political cause, and lived an exemplary life. “His contributions toward the Nagas’ political struggle will be always remembered by the generations to come.”
NGTC: Nagaland Garo Tribal Council described Isak as a God fearing man, who had contributed and dedicated his whole life for the cause of the Naga nation. “A man who always remembered the contribution of the Garo tribe of Nagaland during Naga freedom struggle and also had a soft corner for the minority tribes of the state,” the Council said of Isak.
NMDA: Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association said that Isak was a God fearing great leader who lived and worked for the best interest of the Naga public.
NWHD: The Naga Women Hobo Dimapur mentioned that Isak was a “dynamic and potential leader and his sacrifices will always be a torch on our path to sovereignty.”
PHN: Poumai Hoho Nagaland (PHN) said that for many decades, Isak served and sacrificed for the nation and his death is a great loss for the Naga nation.
Rajya Sabha MP: Rajya Sabha MP, KG Kenye reminisced that Isak Chishi Swu’s zeal and determination to the cause of the Naga people, especially for an early and honourable settlement to the Naga political problem, was more pronounced than ever in the last few years. “One of the brightest stars in the Naga National political firmament which served as a beacon of light giving the Naga people direction to guide our political destiny in turbulent weather conditions, has gone out,” the MP said referring to Isak’s death. “But even though he is no longer with us, and before the direction he had pointed out to us fades from our memory and we are cast adrift in stormy waters, we must come together and steer the destiny of the Naga people to the destination our late leader had in mind: An early and amicable solution to the protracted Naga problem which is honourable and acceptable to all sections of the people.”
RCUN: Railway Contractors Union Nagaland (RCUN) described Isak Chishi Swu as a man of principle, soft spoken and God fearing. The Union added that his sacrifice for the cause of Naga people’s right will always remain embedded in the hearts of Naga people in the days to come.
RNC Assam: Rongmei Naga Council, Assam stated, “We will miss his compassion and his lifelong sacrificed journey for the Nagas. We had the wonderful privilege of his leadership and it will be missedfor.”
SCD: The Sumi Council, Dimapur recollected that Isak was a patriot to the core and he gave his entire life for the Naga cause despite the fact that he could have opted for a comfortable and easy life taking up a white color job with his educational qualification during the early days. “He was a leader in the truest sense acceptable to all sections of the Naga society as he was above all isms which has fragmented our society over the years.”
Sevashram Sangha: Members of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Dimapur Branch mourned the demise of Isak and shared the grief of his bereaved family members.
SKN: The Swu Kuposhukulu Nagaland described Isak Chishi Swu as “our beloved national leader” and mourned his demise.
SOUN: The Sumi Officers’ Union Nagaland stated that Isak devoted his entire life for the cause of the Naga political rights and led the Naga national movement at different levels and forums. “He endured untold hardships and sufferings in his effort to assert the political rights of the Nagas and his contributions to this cause would forever be etched in the minds and hearts of the Naga people.”
SPFDD: The Sangtam Peoples' Forum Dimapur District (SPFDD) grieved with the Naga people at the loss of the “great leader” who spent his entire life for the cause of Naga nation. Isak will be remembered as a selfless, God fearing and a leader with conviction, SPFDD stated.
Sawmi Woleng: Sawmi Woleng from Imphal expressed sadness over the death of her old college mate, Isak Chishi Swu. “I remember him as a prayerful and a very kind-hearted person, and that is how I will always remember him in life,” she said.
TSUD: The Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) extolled the lifetime struggle of Isak Chishi Swu for brighter future of the younger Nagas in particular, “which will ever be imprinted and revered forever in the history of Naga.” TSUD honored and saluted his sacrifices and hoped that the Naga people can emulate his examples and good qualities.
TUD: The Tenyimi Union, Dimapur (TUD) stated that for more than half a century, Isak Chishi Swu spent his life struggling for Naga freedom. “In his death, the Nagas have lost a towering leader, who has never compromised his political ideology.”
TPO: The Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation (TPO) termed the demise of the Naga national leader at this juncture “heart wrenching”. It is a time when Naga people need him the most, it said. The organization further wished that Isak’s legacy remains as that of a life spent fully committed to the cause of the people, steadfast and undaunted in the struggles.
VK Nuh: Chairman of Naga Archives and Research Center, Rev. Dr. VK Nuh stated, “This is a sad day in the history of our national struggle for freedom, on the other hand, Mr. Swu's deep commitment, sacrifices, and contributions for the last half a century for the Naga cause are reasons for celebration.” Rev. Dr. Nuh further said that the national leader’s legacy will find prominent space in the annals of “our” nation's history. He also recognized that the deceased was a committed Christian and prayerful man who stood as a hero and a leader.
WYH: Western Yimchungru Hoho thanked Chairman Isak for bringing the cause of Naga struggle thus far. “His effort for peace and unity will not be in vain but the younger generation will follow his footstep for reconciliation and maintain strong bond among the Nagas brothers,” it stated.
ZCNEI: Zeme Council Northeast India affirmed that late Isak Chishi Swu was a remarkable leader who served and sacrificed his whole life for the Naga nation. “His death is a great loss for the Nagas but his legacy of being a great leader will live on forever among the Nagas.”
ZRO: The Zomi Re-unification Organisation acknowledged that Isak Chishi Swu steered the Naga movement for self-determination over three decades, and remained faithful for the cause till his last breath. His undaunted commitment for the emancipation of the Nagas and deep concern for the political survival of other indigenous people in Northeast India, particularly the tribals of Manipur (hill areas), is unparallel in the history of revolutionary movements in the region, stated the organisation. “His death is undoubtedly a great loss for the Nagas and other revolutionary organisations in Northeast region, yet he has displayed a personality and statesmanship worthy to emulate for others.”
ZPO (N): The Zeliang People Organisation (N) paid rich tribute and grand salute to the departed leader, Isak Chishi Swu.
