Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 22
Naga Vigil Human Rights Group has been disbanded and its International Co-ordinator David P. Ward has resigned. Making his statement public, Ward in a press communiqué received here stated that henceforth he would discontinue his activities in the territory of Nagaland.
“These are for purely personal and not political reasoning and should not be misconstrued as disaffection to the Naga national cause for which I have sacrificed the best part of 18 years service”, Ward stated in a one page statement emailed from his home in Edinburgh Scotland (United Kingdom).
While informing that he had served for 3 years and 3 months in the home front in an underground capacity and 2 years 2 months as a prisoner of war, Ward in his parting note wished the national workers well in their endeavours to secure liberty for the people and bring all Nagas closer together to face the challenges ahead.
“I will always retain an undying admiration for the Naga people and the endearing qualities that I am fully aware of. Not least of which is their unbridled hospitality, sincerity and courage, it has been my pleasure and privilege to witness at first hand and close quarters”, Ward stated adding that he had “lived, fought and faced many seemingly insurmountable odds together as one family”. Ward also tendered his “apologies” for the sentiments of anyone who may have been hurt through his actions.
Citing personal reasons for his decision, Ward pointed out that some “may see it as an act of surrender at least in principle”. “It is not and in this regard should a single Naga demand it I will return my warrior’s necklace and dao without question”, he maintained.
Ward also informed that “the Naga national archives may be collected with the prior approval of Federal Government of Nagaland’s Kedahge, Brigadier S. Singnya Khiamniungan and NNC Regional President, Mr. Zhopra Vero Chakhesang as soon as practically convenient”. “For security reasons these are not housed under the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom and sufficient time ought to be allowed to secure them”, he stated.
Ward affirmed that he will continue to provide humanitarian relief in the form of medicines to Eastern Nagaland from his own earnings within his individual capacity. In his parting shot, Ward wished all Nagas well in achieving their cherished goal. “When we are at the base of Mount Saramati we may approach to climb it from different directions and the distance from each other seems great. However, as we near the actual summit we become closer and finally at the peak we are one people of one nation with the same objective”.
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