Karaiba Chawang
Khonoma | February 28
The indispensability of God, need to forgive and forget and reconciliation amongst the warring groups of Naga national workers was the clear message send out today at the unveiling ceremony of the traditional monolith erected in commemoration of the first FGN Kedahge (president), Late Khrisanisa Seyie, which was attended by almost all tribal hohos, including Tangkhul hohos, UNC and students representatives from Manipur, NGOs, civil societies and students’ bodies. Each speaker outpoured their un-quenching thirst on the need to do soul-searching on the complex internal Naga crisis, which is threatening the very concept of Naga political struggle and the exigent need of coming together as they spoke without mincing words during the gathering.
Rev VK Nuh, who unveiled the monolith as chief guest appealed to the gathering to come together as a nation and work for national reconciliation to forgive and to forget for the sake of those who laid down their lives for the nation.
“I believe that all of us today are aware that, the whole history of struggle for independence is written with blood of Naga patriot. It is too dear to destroy our history, as we see today our situation has come to state of self destruction”, Rev Nuh said.
He also lauded the bravery and contributions of the Khonoma people towards the Naga political struggle. He said Khonoma has become the “school of political thought and nationalism”.
Former FGN President Scato Swu, who was the guest of honour today appealed to all the national workers to let peace and tranquility prevail, so that Naga people may feel a sigh of relief. He recounted the struggle he made together with Lt Khrisanisa, and the ordeal undergone by the Nagas.
“We are making historical setting by erecting the memorial stone of Lt. Khrisanisa Seyie, to enable the future to utilize this setting in greater details. In fact, it is the moral obligation for Nagaland to do the job. We are deeply indebted to Khonoma Ruffuno who took responsibility voluntarily on behalf of the Nagas”, Scato said, while referring to the monolith erection.
Matong Imti, a social worker and son of former NNC vice president, Late Imkongmeren said peace is within our reach, but we cannot achieve it because Nagas have forgotten the covenant with the ‘prince of peace’ (Jesus Christ). “Do we want to have peace with honour or peace with shame, peace with victory or peace with defeat?” Matong asked.
He also said that sense of justice is required for reconciliation and healing of wounds. Never had we imagine our struggle will end in precipice, Matong said, but called upon the Naga people to face disappointment with hope and failure with courage.
“We are politically, mentally and psychologically sick. Everybody is a leader, but no one has the authority. We are spiritually bankrupt”, said Matong, while adding that rampant corruption, lust for money, extortion, threat and intimidation and lack of work culture and deficiency of discipline has become the nature of the Nagas.
Niketu Iralu, a prominent social, said that earlier the Naga political struggle was like a “sacred holy tree”, when the sapling was healthy and all are nurturing it, but now the tree has began to produce poisonous fruit. He said that Nagas are now obsessed with the fight, that they have begun to neglect the tree, and as a result it has begun to die.
“We are interested in fruit then nurturing the tree and garden”, Niketu said, while emphasizing on the urgent need to re-examine the struggle.
“We are bringing the worst out of us and the consequence is shocking all of us. We all blame others for poor performance, but all of us have contributed to destruction of Nagas”, Niketu added.
He also charged the national workers of accumulating huge wealth and properties in the name of national movement. He called upon the younger generation to find a creative way of sitting down together.
“The need of the hour is to listen to one another. As we gather here today, it’s a wonderful coming together”, he further asserted Gen. Thenosilie M Keyho, former C-in-C, and Pastor P. Peseyie, first secretary of the FGN also spoke on the occasion.
Former NNC Presidents, Kilonsers, Naga army generals, women wing leader, High Court Chairman, Ato Kilonser, Angh, and body guard of Lt Khrisanisa were honoured during the function.
Naga singer, Methaneilie Jutakhrie spoke his patriotic mind as he belt out his popular composition, “Freedom or Faction”. Thus, goes the song: “Hey! Freedom rasta tinta-ta, char-ta, Amikhan ki rasta te jabo. Hey! Esur asol dekhai bina, Hosa Kobole kapi she, hili bole bhandi she. Hey! faction rasta tin-ta charta-ta, Amikhan ki rasta te jabo. Hey! Esur kobole kapi she, hili bole bhandi she (Hashi lebi mon kandi).
The four hour long programme started off with invocation prayer from Rev. Yankee Patton, First FGN Chaplain, while it was followed by presidential address, Peteroko Meyase, Chakhesang folk dance, speeches, special number, speeches on behalf of the family by Dietho-U Seyie, son of Khrisanisa, vote thanks by Rev Pastor Tsolie Chase and benediction by Rev. Dr Visor H Zeliang.
Dark cloud hovered over the Khonoma sky through out the day, as thousands seated solemnly to pay homage to the first FGN president, and wondering what the future holds for Naga political struggle. However, at the end of the day bright sun peeped at the gathering from distant horizon, sending ray of hope.
The programme was organized by Khonoma Ruffuno. Several former NNC and FGN leaders also joined the anniversary to pay homage to their departed comrade. As one watched them seated, time seemed to have wizened their brave face and soften their flesh, but their unbeaten smile still appeared to hold the future.
Lt Khrisanisa was elected as the first FGN Kedahge (president) on July 12, 1956 and held the chair till February 18, 1959. He was said to be a God fearing man and was known for his staunch integrity. His legacy and wisdom are still admired and cherished. He was always firm in his belief, committed to his ideals and honest not only to himself but to all whom he was acquainted, said a booklet written by his former comrade Biseto Keyho, Former Kilo Kilonser and Former Secretary to the FGN.
