Reconciliation Football match

In an attempt to create a climate for unity among the divided Naga National groups, the reconciliation football match, organized by Nagaland Christian Forum (NCF) took place on Friday at Khuocheizie Local ground, Kohima.
The teams, which took part in the match, were Hope and Faith was witnessed many thousands of people. Hope team was comprised of Naga National workers (NSCN/ GPRN, NSCN (IM), PSG and FGN) while Faith team comprised of Civil societies and the church (NPMHR , NSF, FNR, ENPO, ENSF, NCF and Naga Hoho).
The match was played for seventy minutes; Faith team scored three goals, while Hope team could manage only one.
Faith team scored through Rev. Dr. Wati Aier (FNR) in the 18th minute (1st goal), Rev. C. Lima (Church) in the 22 minute (2nd goal) and Toshi Wungthung (ENPO) in the 57th minute (3rd goal). Shangti Konyak, Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM) scored the lone goal for Hope in the 41st minute.
Earlier before the match , the players consisting the leaders of the Naga National Workers, the Civil Societies and Churches were brought into the local ground, Kohima from IG Stadium and were received by Church Leaders with “White flowers”, followed by a one minute silence in honour and memory of those died for the cause of the Nagas, while the introduction to the game was given by Rev. Zhabu Terhiija, President NCF.
In his address, Rev. Zhabu Terhiija, said: “It is a sign of Hope, Reconciliation and Hope and is the culmination of the efforts and prayers of many people which included civil societies, Churches and National Workers (Undergrounds). “Though we may not all play the game well as a professionals, but as it is a game shared by all and we all enjoy it and if this game can be used for bringing about peace and understanding among our infighting national workers( Undergrounds) it serves its purpose” Rev Terhuja added.
He explained that this football match was a follow up of the Third Chiang Mai ( Thailand) Summit which was also supported by various International Church organizations where they played the first match.
Viketouca Belho, an eleventh year old Class V student read out a message –“Give us our future”, a passage from the scriptures was read by Rev. Fr. Neisalhou Carlous and a Mass prayer was conducted by Rev Dr. T. Nyekha and white balloons were released by Kheshili President Naga Mothers Association (NMA), signifying “peace”.
During the interval OTS, Peace Channel and Agatha and friends presented special numbers with a message of Peace and Reconciliation. As soon as the match got over all players hold theirs hands and formed a “Circle” in the centre of the ground with a “Cross” in the middle which was carried by church leaders Rev Kari , Suosahie, Khonbemo, Medohii and Captain Dawmlianga, followed by a mass prayer and benediction was pronounced by Rev. Chen Rengma.
The entire function was compeered by Xavier Rutsa and Asano Zashumo.
The football match was officiated by Shiirho-o Solo, Kutu Sekhose, Neingusalie Medom, Vizopal Chaya and Lhouliebeio Khezhie, all senior referees from the state.