Attendees raise hands during adoption of 'The Kütsapo Proclamation' at the 'Nurturing Naga Peoplehood' gathering in Kütsapo village on February 18. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kütsapo | February 18
The gathering of the three-day “Nurturing Naga Peoplehood,” which concluded today in Kütsapo village, publicly affirmed and adopted “The Kütsapo Proclamation” by raising hands.
This Naga gathering was held under the theme “Liberating the Naga Spirit” and organised by Naga Shisha Hoho (NSH) and Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) at Naga Shisha Hoho Prayer Centre Kütsapo village in Phek district.
The three-day gathering from February 16 to 18, witnessed the congregation of people from across the land of the Nagas, 160 prayer centres, churches, various Naga cultural bodies, gaon boras, Naga political groups, civil society organisations, state and public leaders and citizens.
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“We acknowledge and confess that Nagas have disobeyed God, individually and collectively. Our story points to structural realities of hate and rage, of pride and exclusion, of justification and isolation, and of self-preservation and rejection. For this, we repent before God and submit to His will,” the Proclamation stated.
“At this determining moment, Kütsapo village known for its unyielding defense of Naga history, has become the occasion for renewal of faith in God. There will be no forward journey out of the darkness of faith for the Nagas without a people willing to live and work together out of this present condition. The passing into liberation begins with humans. This forward journey involves all people who make up the Naga nation-a journey all-encompassing where no one is left out,” it stated, for which, Kütsapo gathering made five point Proclamation.
FNR convenor Rev. Dr Wati Aier led the affirmation and adoption of “The Kütsapo Proclamation” after delivering message on the topic “Liberating the Naga Spirit.”
On mission of liberating the Naga spirit, the Proclamation stated that “the Kütsapo gathering acknowledges the wounded Naga nation is sick and stuck as it cries for liberation.”
“Recognising that liberation always begins from within, we commit to discerning and correcting ourselves from within in order to mend divisions and nurture a renewed, healthy, and intact Naga peoplehood,” the Proclamation stated.
In journey to Naga reconciliation, the gathering upholds the “Covenant of Reconciliation” signed on 13 June 2009, through which violence ceased among the Naga political groups.
“We will continue to uphold this in words and actions. With this common sense of belonging, the Naga public calls on the Naga political groups to sincerely find ways to enter into genuine relationships of cooperation,” the Proclamation stated.
“For peace and harmony to prevail, and in order to transform to being self-determining people of free will, we call upon the Government of India to revoke building fences that separates the people of same cultural groups,” the Proclamation stated.
The gathering through this Proclamation also urged the GoI to peacefully consummate the Naga political issue with dignity and respect “that is founded on Naga historical and political rights.”
Further, it appealed all the Churches across “Naga-land” to humbly pray for peaceful resolution, reconciliation and unity, and the rebuilding of the Naga homeland.
“Towards regenerating cultural values, our appeal is holistic in nature that values reconnecting with our deep cultural values, the land, and our way of life. We recognize how structural violence has institutionalized many conditions leading to corruption and impunity which are eroding our quality of life. We can become whole again by uniting to bring healing through a shared vision of Naga peoplehood,” the Proclamation stated.
Earlier, Naga Prayer warriors and church leaders prayed for Naga political groups for Naga reconciliation.
The Sunday gathering also witnessed solidarity messages from Rev Puni, Member to the Collective Leadership; Ikato Chishi Swu, Executive member Steering committee, NSCN (IM); Nikki Sumi, President NSCN /GPRN; Col. Retd Isak Sumi, Ato Kilonser, NSCN/ GPRN, Co-convenor 7 NNPG; Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor Industry & Commerce, Govt of Nagaland, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA; NPMHR Convenor Neingulo Krome; President of Eastern Naga Students Association (Myanmar Naga) and President United Naga Council.
Messages received from Michael Yepthomi, Ato Kilonser NSCN/GPRN and Yung Aung, President, NSCN/GPRN also conveyed in today’s session.
The programme was chaired by Rev Dr Ellen Konyak Jamir while Rev Alem, Pastor, Ao Baptist Church, Phek pronounced invocation prayer.
The Canticles and Kütsapo village choir presented special numbers. Thepfuneizo Yhor, Pastor, Angami Baptist Church, Phek pronounced Bible reading. The session concluded with mass prayer led by Rev. Puduhü Khüsoh.
Mentionably, NSH and FNR stated that the gathering of “Nurturing Naga Peoplehood” is an opportunity to reflect and strengthen the path to Naga reconciliation by nurturing Naga Peoplehood and liberating the Naga spirit.
