Phizo’s legacy of sacrifice, integrity recalled on 36th death anniversary

Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 30

The 36th death anniversary of A Z Phizo (May 16, 1904–April 30, 1990) was observed today at Phizo Hill in Kohima, recalling his unwavering commitment to the Naga cause and his steadfast refusal to compromise principles for power, wealth or personal gain. Phizo, the then President of Naga National Council (NNC), passed away in London at the age of 86.

On the occasion, on behalf of the family and kinsmen of AZ Phizo, the NNC and the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Akho Meru, Alee Kilonser, FGN, expressed gratitude to all for coming forward to honour “our great leader and father of the Naga nation” and recall the life and sacrifice of Phizo.

In his lifetime, Phizo had completed and established the foundation of the sovereign Naga Nation, Meru said adding that Phizo had established relations with other nations “for our country to be reckoned with.”

Phizo led Naga National Plebiscite of 16 May 1951 and led the Nagas “in the most difficult of times for our nation,” he said. “There were many instances where he could have simply become the greatest stumbling block to the Nation and pursue personal fame, wealth and comfort as tempting offers were put before him. Phizo however, did not falter nor was he ever in a dilemma as to the question of choosing between his nation or a comfortable life by sacrificing his vision,” Meru added.

According to the Kilonser, India offered Phizo the positions of Governor and Chief Minister of Assam, as well as a Union Ministerial post in the Government of India. “When he refused all the above, he was again offered the position to become the President of India,” he maintained, adding that India also asked for him to be an ambassador to erstwhile Malaya.

When he again declined, he was offered an ambassadorship to any country of his choice. He was offered a blank cheque which he refused, he held.

Meru further said that Goa had also invited him to lead the state, and that he was offered the chairmanship of a company to facilitate trade between India and China; both of which he declined. If Phizo had fallen for the flowery offers or faltered while facing difficult hurdles “our Nation's history would have been different or rather misplaced,” he added. 

Having had a rich experience of life and of the struggle of the Nagas, he remarked, “Nagas will not surrender in the battlefield, but many Nagas will fall when money is shot through the barrel of the gun.” Meru added, “We will stand fast to our values and principles like Phizo and not fall for money or fame that has led many to degeneracy and bankruptcy of ethics and morals.” 

‘Our suffering and sacrifices should not go to waste’
Meanwhile, Meru stated that the Naga nation was founded on the principle and slogan “Urra Uvie” (Our Country is Ours), adding that many have been martyred and many more had made the supreme sacrifice, and that even women and children have not been spared.

“Our suffering and sacrifices should not go to waste nor should we forget lest we become visionless and lose our way into decay and degeneracy which may lead us to become a mere footnote in the annals of history,” he held. 

“We have come thus far, only because of our predecessors. To forget and not to live as we should, as a sovereign nation, would be a sin and sacrilege towards God. It would mean the demise of our God given values and National Identity as Nagas. Lest we become such a nation, let us remember, honour and live like those honourable men and women who have gone before us.”

Meru further noted that that if Phizo was still alive, he would be pleased to see “us living our lives for God, family and country with faith, honour, truth and loyalty as our pillars.” Further recalling the demise of Phizo 36 years ago, he said it was not easy to bring back his mortal remains for the final journey home to Nagaland. For this, Meru expressed appreciation to the late Kuldip Nayar, then Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, for facilitating the return of Phizo’s mortal remains in accordance with the wishes of the people.

He also lauded the Phizo Graveyard Management Committee for their untiring efforts in the upkeep and maintenance of the leader's resting place. For 36 years, he said, this Committee has unceasingly maintained the grave of our leader which is a testament to their dedication to our nation.  “May our journey as a nation be filled with the best of intentions for one another as we honour the life and work of the father of the Naga Nation,” Meru added.

Earlier, the programme was led by Dr Villo Naleo, Secretary, Social Concerns, Nagaland Baptist Church Council while Sanctuary Choir, Union Baptist Church, Kohima presented a special song. Rev Dr Rachiilie Vihienuo, Executive Director, Angami Baptist Church Council and Chuti Semy, Counsellor, Rengma Baptist Church Kohima prayed for the programme.