DIMAPUR, JUNE 30 (MExN): NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Th Muivah, and leaders from different Naga political groups and NE revolutionary groups paid their final respect and tribute to late Isak Chishi Swu, one of the “tallest and most respected revolutionary figures in South East Asia.”
Muivah, one of Swu’s closest companions and comrade-in-arms, in his impassioned speech said for the past 52 years he and Swu had walked together both in treacherous and good times (at home and abroad) and that they never missed the opportunity to understand each other.
“We understood together the purpose of God for the Nagas. We were happy because that was the conviction we had and we did not betray each other but walked together along this line. I cannot think of the loss when I talk…. It pains me beyond words. How can you afford to part with a man like Isak?” said Muivah, who broke down twice during his speech.
In all humility, the NSCN (IM) General Secretary said it was under the stewardship of late Isak Swu that Naga negotiations and peace process leading to the latest ‘Peace Agreement’ have come thus far.
He said under Isak Swu as Chairman, the Indian leaders have at last come to understand and respect the “uniqueness of Naga history and position” and that they have become more rational unlike the past when many Indian leaders threatened to annihilate the Nagas from the face of the earth.
“The way to the Naga future is already paved. Now GoI can never betray us. But are we Nagas ourselves prepared for the change?” Muivah asked and cautioned Nagas on the danger of “self-destruction.”
Muivah also recalled Isak Swu’s last speech on the need to forgive one another and Naga unity. Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN, N Kitovi Zhimoni, in his speech recalled how he first met ‘Asü Isak Swu’ in 1987 when he joined the NSCN. “Then Asü Isak told me that without God, all will be in vain. He also gave me a Bible verse to remember about seeking first the kingdom of God. It was Mathew 6:33”, Kitovi said. He lamented how after 23 years of separation he met Asü Isak again in 2010, as part of the Naga Reconciliation process. Acknowledging late Swu as a “true Naga leader”, Kitovi added that Swu’s death should teach Nagas how to live together.
President of NNC and old comrade of Swu in the NNC days, General Thenuoselie Keyho, in his speech said “I cannot help but admire his (Swu’s) commitment to the Naga people and his unflinching faith in God. It saddens me that before we could see the light at the end of the tunnel, before we could shake hands again, he has to meet his creator”, Keyho said.
“Isak for a long time and for all our differences, personal or ideological; I cannot help but to admire his commitment to the cause of the Naga people and his unflinching faith in God,” he stated.
ULFA (pro-talks) Chairman, Aurobindo Rajkhowa, who attended the memorial service, said he had come to pay “revolutionary tribute to the tallest and most respected revolutionary leader of SE Asia” and that all freedom loving people of Assam joins him in mourning. Rajkhowa said Swu had shown a new path in resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
NSCN (IM) Vice Chairman Kholi Konyak, said though the occasion was one of mourning, yet he was happy to see all revolutionaries and leaders coming together despite differences. Recounting Swu’s unwavering faith in God and his commitment to the Naga people, Kholi appealed for all Nagas to unite.
NSCN (Reformation) President, Wangtin Naga, said Nagas are blessed to have a leader like Swu and confessed that “Baba Isak Swu’s” sacrifices had inspired many young Naga patriots including himself to join the Naga movement. A condolence message from former Mizo National Front Chief, Zoramthanga was also read out during the event.
