NSCN (K) chairman and president, S.S Khaplang and all ranks and files have conveyed “condolence salute to the departed NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu and share the grief and pain with the mourning family along with the rest of the Naga people”.
In a condolence message issued through its MIP, NSCN (K) said “Isak Swu was a true Shepherd amid the wolves, a Gospel among the revolutionaries and a revolutionary among the Gospels”.
Despite the contemporary Naga world, torn with deception, suspicion and disunity, MIP said “Isak Swu’s conviction on the deliverance of the Naga people through God’s intervention stands out as the only ray of hope”.
MIP said that Swu’s unflinching preaching of forgiveness and acceptance amongst conflicting Naga groups made him a distinct God fearing, righteous and a visionary leader. Describing Swu as a spiritual guide and a moral backbone of the Naga struggle, MIP said Khaplang recalled Swu as a “humble, religious and an honest leader who rather chose to educate and Christianize the Eastern Nagas during the years they worked together”.
MIP said that Swu was also credited to have brought the first gospel in Eastern Nagaland. “His life is displayed in his work and his personal integrity, sincere commitment and self-less dedication to the Naga cause shall remain a proud legacy which none may attain”, MIP added.
MIP said with his demise, Nagas have lost a righteous and a saintly leader. “Blessed are the Godly for they are timely recalled to eternal rest and in death the crown and glory awaits. Go in peace, until then”, MIP stated.
GPRN/NSCN: GPRN/NSCN chairman “Gen” (retd) M.B Neokpao Konyak, on behalf of all rank and file of GPRN/NSCN, has expressed heartfelt condolences to Mrs.Eustar Chishi Swu, the bereaved wife of late Mr Isak Chishi Swu, the children, relatives and all member of his organisation. In his condolence message, “Gen” (retd) M.B Neokpao Konyak said “today we mourn with you because we were part of him and he was part of us. He was the son of Nagaland and so are we. Despite out differences, we shared the same path. He was a soft spoke giant among suppressed nations, a spirited Leader of man. He believed that Naga reconciliation and unity was the ultimate key towards final settlement Indo-Naga political issue. His vision for Nagaland was reconciled, united prosperous Christian nation with distinct political identity, free of suppression and domination. This is the core value of Naga political groups.”
With the passing away of Isak Chishi Swu, GPRN/NSCN chairman said Nagas have lost brilliant spiritual light which illuminated Naga nation ravaged by political misfortunes.
“His unceasing prayer for his nation and people endeared him to people of all faiths irrespective of political inclinations. His very name soothed and gave hope to his followers. We must understand that his best companion was not a military general or fellow leader but the Holy Bible. The hymns ever flowed gently from his mouth. The spiritual aura and insight he possessed was more powerful than the political position he held. Till his last breath, he remained a strong uniting force for Nagas. He was and he shall remain an inspirational figure to all struggling peoples and nations,” said “Gen” (retd) M.B Neokpao Konyak.
GPRN/NSCN chairman has appealed to living Naga leaders “whether we are prepared to build on a legacy of peace and reconciliation strongly advocated by our leader Isak Chishi Swu or whether we will again to be tempted by to pursue a tempestuous route of self destruction in the name of freedom.”
Further, “Gen” (retd) Neokpao Konyak said “as we prepare to take his legacy forward, I hope and pray that his absence from our midst shall result in a rebirth of Naga consciousness, a sprouting of fresh thinking, a shower of unmeasured unity within the family.
Meanwhile, the GPRN/NSCN chairman prayed that the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob welcome Late Isak Chishi Swu into his heavenly abode. He also prayed that the Naga leaders find strength and wisdom to understand the will of God for the Naga people.
RS Pandey: Former chief secretary of Nagaland and Interlocutor for Naga talks, RS Pandy has expressed deep sorrow on the passing away of NSCN (I-M) chairman, Isak Chishi Swu. Pandey said he fondly remembered his association with Swu during the peace talks. He said Swu, a devoutly religious person, would always begin and conclude the peace talks sitting with prayers.
He said Swu’s sincerity of purpose and strength of character would help defuse tension and calm down nerves during the talks.
Pandey however said that significant progress which had been achieved towards the final outcome of the peace process “owes great deal to his wisdom, insight and untiring efforts.”
Pandey said Swu, who had contributed immensely, hoped to see a new era of permanent peace and progress for the Nagas during his lifetime.
Pandey further conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members and Swu’s followers in Nagaland and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
RS MP: In a condolence message to Khulu Isak Swu, Rajya Sabha MP, KG Kenye expressed “deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and the followers of uncle Isak Chishi Swu”.
During his recent visits to Swu’s residence in Delhi, Kenye recalled that though Swu was found to be physically weak, he was however but mentally and spiritually very strong, alert and fresh.
“His faith in the Almighty was unwavering, and the prayers we have had together invoking the blessings of the Lord on the Naga people and on ourselves were, as usual, very refreshing and comforting”, he added.
He said Swu’s zeal and determination to the cause of the Naga people, especially for an early and honourable settlement to the Naga political problem, was more pronounced than ever in the last few years. Kenye opined that Swu had dearly wanted to see Naga solution during his lifetime.
The vacuum created by his demise would not be possible to be filled; the tragedy of his death is immense; and the loss irreplaceable, Kenye stated.
Describing Swu as one of the brightest stars in the Naga National political firmament, Kenye said the beacon of light that guided Nagas for their political destiny in turbulent weather conditions, has gone out.
Though he is no longer with us, Kenye said “we must come together and steer the destiny of the Naga people to the destination our late leader had in mind: An early and amicable solution to the protracted Naga problem which is honourable and acceptable to all sections of the people”.
“Let us take up that as a tribute to, and in memory of, our late and beloved leader”, he added.