Dimapur, May 16 (MExN): There are two kinds of peace in Nagaland today. One is the peace ‘brought about’ by God while the other is the peace ‘offered’ by the enemy according to W Shapwon, “joint secretary” of the NNC.
“The Nagas therefore now have two kinds of peace, which was brought by God and the other one was offered by the enemy” W Shapwon stated in his message on the occasion of the 57th Naga “voluntary” Plebiscite Day. He explained that “the peace of enemy is to keep us silent under their bondage” which became crystal clear “by their talks with the renegade leaders on the agenda of political solution within the framework of Indian Constitution.” The Naga general public therefore must be cautious, “so that we should not be illusioned (sic) by the peacemakers of the enemy.”
He said the day’s gathering was not only to observe the “national day” but also to retrospect on the history of the people and land. “…and to rededicate ourselves to serve our nation steadfast on the national principle enunciated on this national Plebiscite Day by our people 56 years ago; and we are proud of our sagacious leaders who led to conduct national plebiscite while the other princely states of Indian sub-continent have no imagination of such” he stated. The “joint secretary” asserted that by conducting the plebiscite, the NNC leaders laid a firm foundation of nationhood and the Naga people made their solemn pledge for the future of Nagaland. This is “immutable and remains till date as legitimate ground for all Nagas to stand on this platform and strive together for the final achievement of our national goal” he asserted.
He also explained that from the beginning, the NNC leaders “laid down” a policy of non-violence. “Thus our great leader AZ Phizo expressed in his speech on starting of national plebiscite on May 16, 1951 that ‘most of the histories of human freedom were recorded in human blood. Most of the foundations of free nations were built on human bones and crushed skulls. But we want our national independence to remain holy and pure. We do hope we shall not be compelled to live on a structure founded on human skulls and bones.’”
He also conveyed his support and appreciation to all Church leaders and public leaders for having much concern for peace and unity among the Naga brothers. “And I have a great expectation that when the Nagas speak in one voice for the purpose of God and follow together in one accord on the path God is leading us, then we will surely have peace among us and will achieve our cherish goal through the power and guidance of God” he hoped.
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