Rev Dr V.K. Nuh, an eminent Naga Christian leader, has proposed ‘apologies’ from underground movement leaders as well as the church itself for what he believes is a general acknowledgement of past mistakes and repentance. The occasion was the Naga National Prayer Day on Sunday, October 16, which was organized by the Council of Nagalim Churches and was also addressed “in absentia” by NSCN-IM chairman Q Tucco.
Rev. Nuh asserted that the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), which was founded on January 31, 1980, as well as its general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and two other late rebel leaders, Isak Chishi Swu and S.S. Khaplang (Hemi Naga from Myanmar), must apologize for defying the “institution of the Naga National Council (NNC).” Apologies are also due from the Church bodies for “losing the divine voice, as per Biblical mandate, to challenge the bloodshed and violence in the land.”
The prayer meeting took place at a time when various steps were being taken to ensure a meeting between the NSCN (IM) and the umbrella organisation NNPG – the two main stakeholders in the peace talks. The two warring factions, the NNPG and the NSCN-IM, are now expected to meet ‘outside Nagaland’ soon to iron out differences.
The organization’s chairman Tuccu (whose speech was read out in absentia) stated, “…there was no other way forward to sustain our movement when we were placed under the critical juncture in order to bring yielding temperament on the part of the Government of India to respect and honour the historical and political rights.”
“My dear countrymen, let us invite God’s gracious presence on this occasion that He will show us the way and guide our journey towards ultimate victory. Nothing is impossible with God if we approach Him with open hearts, admitting our shortcomings and confessing our sins. What we need today is justice and unity of a people who are one in His creation and purpose,” the NSCN-IM chairman said.