Isak Chishi Swu, one of the grand patriarchs of the Naga National Movement, is no more. His departure has broken many a heart and drained many a tear from the eyes of the people he had enamored with his fatherly figure. His departure has also resurrected many buried memories of yesteryears. The footprint he has left behind on the pages of Naga history will remind us that a great soul had once walked on the rough terrain of Naga struggle for self determination. The people of Pochury will cherish the memory of Mr. Swu in particular for his leadership in the conception and consolidation of our identity as a distinct tribe during the nascent period.
At an individual level I had experienced no association of particular interest with Mr. Swu. The one and only occasion I happened to meet him was in the year 2002, during one of the Peace Consultations held in the Hotel Alexander, Bangkok, where I went as a part of the Naga delegation, representing my tribe. One day during the brief recess of our marathon consultation, I was introduced to the collective leadership as a lone delegate from Pochury community. On hearing the name Pochury he walked over to me and said, “Brother Rümatho, you must take care of our Pochury people.” He shared some other concerns as well but these words have stuck to my mind to this day.
While others eulogize Mr. Swu for what he means to them, it befits the occasion to mention here that the first Primer and Hymnal entitled Küchiepha Apowa in Pochury Naga and Zhüle Kümhie Zapha in Pochury Naga were published on January 1, 1961 and printed in Rangoon at the Burma Union Press, Regd: Rgn.008. No. 26, 35th Street, Rangoon. The publication was made possible through the sustained help and support of Isak Chishi Swu, who was then the Alie/Foreign Affair Secretary and Kughato Sukai, Ato Kilonser of the Federal Government of Nagaland. Two years after its publication it was brought home from Layshee by Thuchu (Thungchamo) in March 1963. The subsequent editions of Hymn Book in Pochury have not deviated substantially both in style and in content.
As a people and as a tribe, we owe him so much and so we wish to thank him so much. Isak Chishi Swu is a name that will continue to live in our hearts for generations to come. May God shower His blessings upon his good work and may his soul rest in peace with our Lord, Jesus Christ. To Mrs. Swu and her children, as you walk through the dark valley of the shadow of death, we convey our deepest sympathy and condolences. May the God who is able to protect you from all harms keep you and watch over you.
Rümatho Nyusou
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