Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 6
The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) today organized a ‘Thanksgiving Service’ in commemoration of 52nd anniversary of 1964 ceasefire day here at its office premises.
Speaking on the occasion, NPC chairman N. Theyo said that Naga undergrounds no doubt fight for a just cause to maintain the identity of Nagas as a people and as a Nation. But they are badly divided and the purpose of unity is weakened.
“It is now high time to understand the value of opportunity and strive for unity and reconciliation,” he said. He also urged the peace loving members to use “our influence by meeting and telling our national workers who are engaged in ceasefire agreement for Naga peace talks for political solution to respect each other as Naga brothers and Naga sisters and value human dignity so that they can prevent much further brothers killing brothers; because the fratricide killing is against the spirit of nationalism. It is self annihilation. It is just because of our stupidity only.”
Theyo also said the Bible has a clear warning to all Nagas which is found in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 11 verse 17; because many precious lives were lost during the fast factional conflicts.
“This is abhorrent idea and must be stopped immediately,” he said. Referring to Peace Day, Theyo said “This morning we gathered here to remember this historic moment which has brought peace in our land in 1964. We remember this day to honour Peace Day.”
On this occasion, he said, we are here to offer thanksgiving to God for His goodness and mercy shown upon Nagas and Indians.
Theyo also deeply appreciated that it was the political magnanimity and the intention of the leaders like late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other great leaders of India to effect change from military measures against Nagas and opt for political engagement in their attempt to find out political and peaceful solution to the Naga problem.
“In the process of peace talks, it recognized the uniqueness of Naga history which itself exhibit the desire for peaceful settlement and Naga identity which was found and maintained and protected in 16 point agreement of 371 (A) of the Constitution of India,” Theyo said.
At home, he said Naga people should remember with gratitude the leaders of Nagaland Baptist church like Rev. Longri, late Kenneth Kerhuo and many others who initiated peace efforts in Nagaland Baptist Convention which was held in Wokha from 31st January to 2nd February 1964.
Stating that the idea of peace of Jayaprakash Narayan, the founder of Nagaland Peace Centre is through dialogue and non-violence, Theyo said “The Nagaland Peace Centre follow the path and vision of late Jayaprakash Narayan in Nagaland and in India as part of Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi; also part of World Peace Conference under the leadership of one Indian named Romesh Chandra whose vision is “Peace and Life” and “War for death.”
Earlier, responsive reading was led by G. Gangmei. The service was led by Pedi Miachie-o, executive director NPC. Chikhwiingo Puro, pastor CBC, Kitsubozou Kohima pronounced thanksgiving prayer. The thanksgiving service concluded with a mass prayer.
