Mumbai, July 3 (MExN): Nagas living in Mumbai came together to pay their respects to the late Isak Chishi Swu, NSCN (IM) Chairman on July 2. The condolence service, attended by about 120 Nagas ranging from students and researchers to working professionals, was organised by the Naga Students' Union, Mumbai (NSUM) at the Air India Ideal School, Kalina, Santacruz East at 5:00 pm.
The service was the least they could come up with as a mark of paying homage to Isak Swu’s sacrifice and charting Naga aspirations, stated a press release issued by NSUM President, Roderick Wijunamai.
Elijah Chara, a research scholar from Tata Institute of Social Sciences gave a brief biography of Isak. He reminded about how Isak followed a trait uncommon amongst Naga leaders, and also how he publicly spoke of the moral and material degradation that had crept into the NSCN during the period of ceasefire, according to the release.
Keren Sumi, an Image Consultant, mourned that the Nagas stand fatherless like an orphan in her eulogy. She however maintained that the soul of their departed leader will always guide them, and continue to be a beacon for younger and upcoming generation of Nagas.
Dr Johnson Chithung, founder of Life Resource Ministry, Kalina exhorted the crowd to look at the life of Isak and be blessed. He narrated how Isak lived a Christ-centered life and preached the famous line “Nagaland for Christ” even if he was not in a full-time Christian ministry.
The programme began with hymns by the Life Resource Ministry Choir from Kalina, while Arep Tzudir, Pastor of Naga Christian Fellowship, Mumbai said the invocation prayer. Candles were lit by the attendees to pay tribute to Isak’s legacy and “as a gesture to signify that the memory still lives on and burns bright.” A one minute silence was also observed.
The President of NSUM, Roderick Wijunamai delivered the vote of thanks showing gratitude to all who turned up to the event in short notice. The event came to a close with a benediction by Pastor Wungmathing Zimik of Life Resource Ministry.
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