Dimapur, February 23 (MExN): The Naga Peace convention which is underway in DDSC Stadium has failed to inspire the imaginations of the people as the second day of the convention went off with only a handful of people and lots and lots of empty chairs at the stadium. An official of the convention lamented that because of the election process people cannot come. “People are willing to come but because of election disturbing, no,” he said.
Rev Pughuto Aye confessed that the turn out of the people was lesser than expected “since this election wave is going on.” However, he expressed hope that the people would be more in the evening programme and on Sunday. (Saturday’s evening programme witnessed the same handful of people). Rev Aye, however, said that peace and unity is the cry of many people big and small, but the Nagas are not coming out to work for it. Nonetheless Rev Aye said that surely peace and reconciliation will come in the Naga society, “We are praying for it and we are working it.”
Rev Dr Wati Aier, who is one of the speakers at the convention, said that he was not discouraged by the small turnout of people and expressed hope that something concrete will come out of the convention in the form of a resolution, though he did not elaborate what kind of a resolution it would be.
The Naga Peace Convention, as per pamphlets, was expected to be attended by all the frontal organizations, political parties, intending candidates and even the Naga underground workers. It has been organised in accordance to ‘divine revelation of bloodshed and turmoil’ in Nagaland to Naga Shisha Hoho Prayer Centre’. However, the 2008 state assembly elections have played spoilsport to it.
“Instead of registering in the convention for 10 rupees, I would rather go to some political parties camps and stay there for some time and return home with Rs 500 free,” said a youth who attended the first programme, “It has been organised in a bad timing.” However, it is learnt that the Naga Shisha Hoho Prayer Centre, has been in the divine revelation to organize the convention at the earliest or face the wrath of God.
