The ‘61st Indo-Naga Ceasefire Day’ was observed at a programme organized by the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) at Chedema Peace Hall, Chedema on Friday. In his address, Thepfulhouvi Solo emphasised the significance of the Indo-Naga Ceasefire of September 6, 1964 between the Central government and FGN.
He lamented that the ceasefire, which once brought peace and security to Nagaland, was unilaterally abrogated by the governor of Nagaland in 1972 without prior notice. This decision, he argued, left the future of Nagaland hanging in uncertainty.
He highlighted the Naga people’s long struggle for freedom, marked by intense violence and suffering. He claimed that from 1832 to the 1964 ceasefire, Naga villages endured relentless attacks, with some being burned as many as 13 times.
He said villagers were often left defenseless, relying only on the jungle for refuge, while many risked their lives to gather food from their home under the cover of night, only to become targets of military forces.
Solo recalled one poignant story of Chedema village, which faced severe punishment for not surrendering Biseto Medom, a member of the FGN. Despite the pressures, Medom never surrendered, nor did he accept rehabilitation gifts from the government.
Reflecting on the formation of Assam in 1950 and the deployment of Assam Police battalions in 1952, he described the early years as a time of terror for the Naga Hills.
He recounted stories of brutal treatment by notorious officers, which led to the eventual withdrawal of the battalions in 1956 and their replacement by the Indian Army. He said te Hhhe Indian Army’s efforts to suppress the Naga guerrilla forces were met with fierce resistance, with the Nagas using their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage.
Despite the army’s promise to crush the Naga movement, he pointed out that the conflict persisted for years. Eventually, it became clear that a military solution was not viable, leading to the search for a political resolution.
This resulted in the involvement of Naga elders, church leaders, and the Nagaland Baptist Church Council in the peace process. A Peace Mission, comprising Rev Michael Scot from England, Bimala Prasad Chaliha, and Jayaprakash Narayan, helped facilitate the ceasefire in 1964.
However, Solo noted the contrasts between the original ceasefire and the multiple ceasefires in place today with various factions, including the NSCN-IM. He expressed concern that these agreements had only created more uncertainty and challenges for the Naga society.
He emphasised the importance of the Naga National Council (NNC) and its role in preserving Naga democracy, which he described as rooted in the institutions of the family, clan, and village. He also highlighted the value the Nagas placed on freedom, equality, and justice, and their long-standing traditions that predated modern governance systems.
He expressed hope that divine guidance would see Nagaland through its ongoing struggles.
The programme was chaired by CBCK senior pastor Rev Dr Kevekhalo Lasuh, while Bible reading and prayer were done by Liangmai Baptist Church pastor Bayavü Pingmakbou.
Special songs were presented on the occasion by CBCK deaconess and TPC campers Kohima, while closing prayer was pronounced by pastor of Kohima Zeme Baptist Church, Nagabazar, D Solomon.