Thousands pay homage to late Isak Swu in Dimapur

On hand was among the biggest ever gathering in Dimapur airport from various tribes and communities, who waited for hours, to welcome the body with the honour deserving of a much respected Naga nationalist leader. 

Among those who arrived by another flight from Delhi, included NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah, member of the collective leadership V.S. Atem and other senior functionaries.

The coffin was taken in a van decked with the late leader’s image and escorted by scores of vehicles to Agri-Expo where a memorial service was being organised by Naga Hoho and ENPO.

By 1 p.m. there was a huge traffic jam along the NH 29 from 3rd Mile to the Agri-site. 

At the venue, all 15,000 seats (according to sources close to the organisers) arranged for the event, were fully occupied. There were also a few thousand people standing while some were perched at elevated places. The number of people also perhaps could be the biggest gathering in a memorial service in the venue.

Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang and most of the ministers and legislators also attended the service. 

Stating he was speaking on behalf of all Naga legislators both past and present, Nagaland chief minister, T. R. Zeliang, paid tribute and respect to late Isak. “His passing away at this critical juncture of the Naga political movement, when the issue appears to be nearing its peaceful resolution, is indeed tragic and lamentable,” Zeliang stated.

He maintained that the best tribute Nagas could pay to the late chairman would be to unite and strive together to realize and fulfil his dreams. 

NSCN (I-M) ato kilonser, Th. Muivah, in his speech, laced with emotion, recalled his 52 years of togetherness with his long time colleague and the travails they faced during the decades but said both understood it as God’s purpose for the Nagas.

Muivah attributed to Isak’s leadership, recognition of   the Naga struggle   as a political issue and not military ;   uniqueness of Naga history and of sovereignty being with Naga people, which became the foundation for talks with the government of India. This then led to signing of the Framework Agreement, he said.

Wife of late Isak Chishi Swu, Eustar (Khulu) gave a moving testimony of her late husband and recounted the struggles and hardships they faced together in the last 40 years.

She said late Isak planned to study theology in America after graduation but his plan was altered on seeing atrocities committed by Indian army on Nagas. She said this led Isak to dedicate his life for the Nagas. Recalling the contributions and sacrifices of her late husband, she testified, “I’ve not heard of any president of a nation preaching and leading the army to defence.”

Further, late Isak’s daughter  rendered the hymn “Stand Up For Jesus” which the mother explained was to remind about Isak’s wish that Nagas stand for Christ so that  God will also stand for them.   

United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) chairman, Arabinda Rajkhowa, also paid glowing tribute to his old comrade. He said late Isak was not only a Naga leader but a revolutionary of South Esat Asia who, along with Th. Muivah, brought the revolution from a jungle movement to a political process.

NSCN (I-M) vice-president, Kholi Konyak, stated it was futile to fight among “ourselves” and instead of fighting the real enemy. He further called for unification of all Naga political groups.

GPRN/NSCN ato kilonser, N. Kitovi Zhimomi, reminisced about his association with late Isak whom he described as a religious man and a true Naga leader despite their differences. He further lamented that Nagas displayed unity only in times of mourning. Kitovi wished that Nagas should come together as one for other purposes as well. He said: “The living should unite and be together”.

President, Naga National Council/NNC, ‘gen’ (retd) Thinoselie M. Keyho, in his condolence message likened the demise of late Isak to the Exodus journey of the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage through wilderness before finally entering the Promised Land.

 “Even Moses, the great man of God, and many other leaders were denied entry into Canaan,” he reminded.

NSCN (R) president, Wangtin Konyak also paid his tribute to the departed leader.

Naga Hoho president, Chuba Ozukum in his condolence message said late Isak “will go down in history as a man who gave everything to the cause of a sovereign Naga Nation and will be remembered as a true Naga son who remained consistent in his unwavering commitment to the Naga cause.”

 He said Naga Hoho will erect a monument in Kohima in memory of the departed leader. 

 ENPO representative remarked that late Isak left no stone unturned, no corner unexplored for the cause of the Naga nation.

President, Naga Students’ Federation, Subenthung Kithan, said that the whole generation of Nagas shall fondly remember his humane services for the Nagas.

In a condolence message, convenor, Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said the life of late Isak was a “grand epic- tale woven by God himself.” 

Calling for reconciliation among the various groups, he said, “in his death let us conquer and abolish all forms of alienation.”  Naga Mothers’ Association president, Abei stated that late Isak was a man of principle who was totally committed to the Naga cause.

Eastern Naga Women Organisation stated that Late Isak was a dedicated leader and a man of peace.

Also conveying its condolence to Late Isak, United Naga Council said late Isak was the greatest political pioneer whose contribution was unparalleled in Naga History.

Eastern Naga Students’ Union stated late Isak didn’t die in vain but showed the highest form of sacrifice for the cause of Nagas and his contribution to the Eastern Nagas.

Representatives of Zeliang people living in Assam, from Tirap, Changlang, and Longding of Arunachal Pradesh, and from Burma (Myanmar) also conveyed their condolences and paid tribute to the departed leader.

Earlier, the program was chaired by secretary general, NPMHR, Neingulo Krome. Invocation was pronounced by general secy NBCC, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho. Favourite song of late Isak, ‘It’s not an easy road’, was also sung in the memorial service. Alobo Naga presented ‘a tribute’ through a song.

After the laying of wreaths, Naga Choir i/c James Swu also presented a tribute and the service concluded with benediction by vicar general, Rev. Fr. Carlos Neisalhou.