Officials and others during the unveiling of the Naga Hoho Silver Jubilee Monolith, which was dedicated by Rev Dr Wati Aier on December 30. (Morung Photo)
Naga Hoho Celebrates 25 Years
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 30
“History is alive and it is made out of common dreams, determination, turning points, and challenges; it is a landscape of,” stated Rev Dr Wati Aier, Convenor, Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) even while recalling that the birth of Naga Hoho was not to give rise to a cloud of elite, exclusive people.
Delivering the Jubilee Message on the occasion of the Naga Hoho Silver Jubilee, he related that when the Hoho started, he was 25 years younger and was enthused and very excited that the Naga construction was beginning to take place. “It was to plunge into the future of the inclusive Naga belonging,” he stated and in this context, congratulated the leaders of the Naga Hoho from 1998 to the present.
However, pointing out that at the moment, the signs of the time are paradoxically both existential and future oriented, he underscored the need for “imagination” that enables the Nagas to underscore the larger historical in terms of its meaning, inner life and the external carrier of a variety. Reiterating that we require a clear imagination, he said that, “if we don't have an imagination, a realistic one, we are going to end nowhere.”
He further observed that Nagas are too idealistic and are not imaginative enough. In this regard, he advocated the need for Nagas to nurture “our collective consciousness and move beyond the colonised mindset in order to reclaim our authentic and fundamental historical and political rights.”
Impressing upon that cooperation is the source of our strength, he elucidated that, “cooperation is to be dependent on one another and this ‘one anotherness’ has always been the Naga way and a key factor in Naga cultural sociology.” “This has always been the source of unity of the Naga people, and this, we must not forget,” he added.
Rev Dr Wati Aier further emphasized that “Nagas need to be creative in how we adapt to our political reality” while pointing out that “our challenge is to figure out how to move from idealistic nationalism to constructive nationalism without weakening the historical and the political rights of the Naga people.” “Our model of constructive nationalism must avoid idealism and out-dated assumption of what sovereignty and freedom is all about,” he said.
Today, he also urged that, “Naga leaders need to build up not only the practical skills and knowledge but also their ethical capacities” while asserting that “Nagas are greatly in need of leaders that are empathetic, inclusive and visionary.”
Besides academic and intellectual mastery coupled with communication management skills, he said that, “leaders must possess moral fortitude, dependability, and sincerity.” Citing these holistic traits as crucial and would have an impact in contemporary Naga society, he further expressed that, “it is my fervent hope that all of us will embody such leadership qualities and I pray for God's blessings as you lead Naga people through another 25 years.” He also exuded hope that “the Naga Hoho will remain ever vital, vibrant, and creatively imaginative in tune with contemporary realities.”
‘Nagas are all equal whether they live in Assam, Manipur, Arunachal, Nagaland or Myanmar’
Implying that if Nagas can overcome the challenges of disunity among themselves, they can do great things, former President of Naga Hoho, Keviletuo Kiewhuo, who graced the occasion as special guest, stated his observation on how decision making becomes wrong when people become powerful and arrogant with reference to the Naga society.
He asserted that Nagas are all equal whether they live in the state of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, in Nagaland or Myanmar. However, in this context, he also emphasized that, “when we talk about unity, we have to be very careful” while underlining that, “we have to advocate unity in the right perspective.”
Stating that we cannot have a homogeneous uniformed unity, he expounded that, “it should be with a purpose” while advocating, in the process, to remember that, “you are a Naga, I am a Naga and we are one.” “We cannot expect all Nagas to unite in everything, but in certain issues, we must work together, unify together to achieve our goals,” he affirmed.
In his welcome note, President of Naga Hoho, HK Zhimomi paid tribute and homage to all the pioneering leaders of Naga Hoho.
Recalling how it was formed when the Naga Political Movement started, he however also expressed regret that, “because of different interests and objectives, people started departing from Naga Hoho” and added that, “it is very unfortunate that we have to inherit this legacy at this point of time.”
He said the present incumbent executives are very wearied how to go about. In this context, terming Nagas as one family, he appealed the gathering to see that, “the legacy of oneness should be rebuilt and strengthened.” Unless we strengthen our house, he said, “whatever dreams, whatever objectives, whatever common goals we have, it cannot be achieved.”
Further pointing out that the main reason behind the failure of resolving the Naga Political issue is “disunity among the Naga people”, he expressed that, “I personally feel that the ball is in our court and to resolve and fulfill the dream, unity is very important at this point of time.”
Reiterating the need to strengthen and rebuild Naga Hoho, he urged for the need to see that the legacy of the Naga Hoho is continued so that the common dream of the Nagas could be fulfilled. “The coming days should be the days of unity of the Naga community,” he asserted.
Highlights of the event included solidarity messages by Inavi Swu, President of Sumi Aphuyemi (Pughoboto) Hoho, Lg. Lorho, President of Naga United Council, L Wanglat, Convenor of TCL (Arunachal Pradesh), Pauheu Newme, President of Zeliangrong - Rengma Joint Council Assam, Mteisuding, Vice President of Naga Students’ Federation, Vilanuo Angela Yhome, President of Naga Mothers Association, and Neingulo Krome, Secretary General of NPMHR.
Artistes who performed on the occasion were Adane Ozhuo and Chinia Kayina and Chovoa Kayina while Samson Rimei, Vice President, Naga Hoho proposed the vote of thanks and K Elu Ndang, General Secretary, Naga Hoho chaired the programme.
