Nagaland Peace Centre observes 53rd Peace Day in Kohima
Morung Express News
Kohima | September 6
The Nagaland Peace Centre held a thanksgiving service in commemoration with the Peace Day on September 6 under the theme ‘Peace’. The event was held at The Heritage, Kohima.
Remembering the 53rd Anniversary of Peace Day, N Theyo, Chairman of the Nagaland Peace Centre stated that it was the magnanimity of Indian leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Sashtri, Indira Gandhi, Deve Gowda, P.V Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the present Prime Minister Narendra Modi who initiated change from military measures against the Nagas and 'opt for political engagement to find out political and peaceful solution to the Naga political problem'.
Revisiting the ceasefire on September 6, 1964, N. Theyo reminded the young audience of the struggles and violence they went through during the dark period in Naga history. Although, 'the dark days are over', Theyo expressed that the talks have been futile and hostility and violence continues till today. Theyo also acknowledged the efforts of Naga leaders who initiated peace at home such as Rev. Longri Ao, Kenneth Kerhuo, V.K Nuh, Rev. Duporu Vasah, Rev. Shihoto, Rev. Ahomo Patton, Rev. Kijung Ao, Marjorie Syke, Rev. H.K Lungalung, Rev. K. Savino, Ayu Temjen, S. Litsase, Toniho Chishi, Rev. Shitoto Swheto.
“In recent years, we have seen considerable progress in the Peace efforts to remove the hard and ugly history of Nagaland and peaceful possible era is delivered towards realising the ideals of peace with the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on 1st August 1997 and won't the NSCN (K) on 2nd April 2001,” said Theyo. However, Theyo regretted that the NSCN (K) has withdrawn from the ceasefire and appealed to them to resume the ceasefire and develop understanding and dialogue with the Government of India.
On behalf of the Nagaland Peace Centre, Theyo extended support to the policy of peace efforts of the State government in dealing with the Naga groups engaged in political dialogue with the Government of India.
“We express our appreciation and support to FNR, Church leaders and NGOs who are continuously working with zeal to bring about reconciliation and peace to prevail in our land. The Peace Mission members of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council felt we must ensure that never again will there be such horrible sufferings and with this in view Nagaland Peace Centre was established to find out ways and means to avert violence and bloodshed,” concluded Theyo.
Present at the service was V.K Nuh who also delivered a speech on Naga history and the many efforts taken by Naga elders and other well wishers beyond the Naga community to bring peace to Naga society. Nuh also rued that young Nagas today are ungrateful of the sacrifices made by Naga elders and living comfortably because of these sacrifices. “I am grateful that I have seen peace in my time,” remarked Nuh while narrating the past violence and atrocities he and his peers experienced, who further expressed the hope the young Nagas will also realise and appreciate the past struggles.
The Nagaland Peace Centre was founded by Jayaprakash Narayan who was also part of the Peace mission in the 1960s. The centre is closely associated with the Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi. The aim of the Nagaland Peace Centre is to uphold the spirit of peace and understanding and discourage violence and bloodshed.
