The Honourable Solution for Nagalim for Christ

Dr. Nelson Vashum
Ukhrul, Manipur

Many years ago in 1973 on 30^th October, as I was going back to Mysore after attending the first Christian Medical Students Conference, India in Nagpur, I met in the train one saffron robed Mr. Jesudas who was working as a foot soldier of Jesus Christ amongst the tribals of Madhya Pradesh since 1971. According to his testament, he was working as a small time teacher and preacher in Nagaland from 1963 till the close of 1970. He was all for the cause of freedom for the Nagas. However, suddenly he was told in a dream/vision to go to the tribals of Madhya Pradesh. As he came to Madhya Pradesh, there was already a group of people working and looking for an experienced teacher-cum-preacher.  He fitted the bill so well. He learned the language in no time and merged with the people wearing saffron robe. As we travelled together, he shared with me the distant future of the Nagas revealed to him when he was there in Nagaland. The fightings and bloodsheds would continue for many years. Nagas would scale heights taking the issue to the capitals of many nations and Nagas would win the sympathies of many but the end would be, as shown to him: Three big boulders supporting a white marble capstone on top and a clear voice loudly declared, “Remove the white marble capstone and leave only the three boulders for the Nagas”. For a time would come when the Naga leaders would openly flout the principle of Christian life by taking the form of godliness but denying the glory of God (II Tim 3:5, Isa 42:8) and they would wantonly live –

I. Looting the people in broad daylight

II. Committing immorality with no shame

III. Justice would be suppressed and openly display violence

IV. Some would even play God – using power, money and influence.

Coming back home after my medical graduation in 1977, I met a lay pastor,  Mr. Cornelius Horam, who is alive and active at 94 years. He shared with me the final things of Naga struggle for freedom. He was shown a diagram of three blocks one above the other, and a voice declared, “Nagas would get the first two blocks at the base”. The uppermost would not be given because of the sins of Naga leaders, who committed the sins of greed, debauchery and immorality. A bible verse was given      

 (I Tim 6:8) which reads, “So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content” (NLT). To me this sounds very appropriate because what the Nagas crave the most as of today are money, bread and clothings – all material things. There were many revelations down the years. Many turned out to be wishy-washy but these two have stood the test of time and remain as the flag signs of Nagas’ struggle for independence.  

In 2012, a leader of the International Ministry of Justice came to Ukhrul after touring Nagaland for ten days. He spent three days at Ukhrul and met with many people who mattered. As we fellowshipped over a dinner, he confided his observations.

1. There is no love of Jesus Christ in Naga country
2. Prophetic voice of the church being smothered – with impunity
3. The lifestyle of Naga national workers prognosticates – the people whom they claim to liberate would live in the future in the bondage of the so-called liberators – in no way different from the bonded labourers of central India.

  Now as we hear the approaching hoof-beats of honourable solution of the Naga struggle for freedom which evaded for more than six decades, – I consider the time has come to share with my fellow Nagas the likely nature and content of the solution. Man may claim many things but what God determines – that stands (Ps 33:11). Let us accept whatever the content of the solution. It will be humble but honourable solution. However, solution is one thing but the translation of the letter of the solution would be very much another. Therefore, I pray and wish that the church leaders exercise their prophetic wisdom to help translate the letter of the solution – with justice and equity. I wish to chime in with Jude in urging the church leaders to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people (Jude 3b) NLT. Let nothing be done by the consideration of the size, power and influence of a tribe nor leave to the manipulative skills of a party or a person. Let the benefit of the solution be for all and the most valued virtue be the content of character. Remember – the most coveted crown is likely to be denied by divine counsel but what is ordained for our people, let us make the most out of it. Let us prepare to celebrate just like the Israelites of yore – after their return from exile (Neh 8:10). A feast for all. A life of joy for all. All equal in the sight of the law, so much so – the poor can say, “I am rich because he enjoys the full liberty for pursuit of life and happiness”. The weak can say, “I am strong”  all because he lives in the full security of justice and equity. Might is right, a thing of the past. Truth and goodness given the highest regard. Reverential fear of God dispelling all sense of fear. Grandiloquent and unearthly dream? Not at all! If the Nagas mean business by claiming “Nagalim for Christ”, it should be no less than a feast of life for all. Justice robustly inclusive for all. Privileges and opportunities equally for all!