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Naga Club meeting reflects on legacy, urges unity and integrity

Correspondent

Social activist and adviser to Naga Club Niketu Iralu underscored the enduring significance of the club in his speech during the club’s general body meeting.

Iralu emphasised the importance of preserving historical accuracy and celebrating the legacy of the club in shaping Naga identity.

He reflected on the rich and ancient heritage of the Naga people, noting that the Nagas had a long history like other civilisations such as the Egyptians, Persians, and Chinese.

However, he highlighted the unique challenges faced by the Nagas in preserving their past, as much of their history had been passed down orally. While oral traditions were invaluable, he pointed out their limitations in documenting events comprehensively.

He traced the isolation of the Naga people to their remote homeland in the mountainous regions of Asia, which kept them largely disconnected from the outside world until the early 19th century.

This isolation ended with the arrival of the British in the 1830s and, later, American Baptist missionaries. These encounters, Iralu noted, brought significant cultural and historical changes, marking the beginning of written records about the Nagas.

He highlighted the defining moment in Naga history — submission of memorandum to the British Parliamentary Simon Commission in 1929. Drafted by Rüzhükhrie Sekhose, the memorandum articulated the aspirations and identity of the Nagas with clarity and foresight.

He observed that the Nagas demonstrated remarkable understanding of their situation and a firm resolve to define their future. According to him, the memorandum, free of malice or hostility, symbolised the authenticity and honour of the Naga people, and laid the foundation for modern Naga political history.

“Kohima’s role as the venue where the Simon Commission met with the Nagas marked the beginning of a shared identity, enabling the diverse Naga tribes to start becoming a People and a Nation,” he remarked.

Iralu also reflected on the historical significance of Kohima, which later became the capital of modern Nagaland. He highlighted the pivotal role Kohima played during World War II as the site of the famous Battle of Kohima, which halted the Japanese advance into India. This battle, he noted, was regarded as one of the greatest military engagements in British history.

“Kohima’s strategic location played a crucial role in shaping history, from the submission of the memorandum in 1929 to its significance in World War II. These events remind us of God’s purposes and blessings for this land,” he pointed out.

Noting the Naga Club’s responsibility to safeguard historical truths, Iralu cautioned that any distortion of history could undermine the collective identity and future aspirations of the Nagas.

He stressed that the club must remain steadfast in its commitment to preserving the integrity of history. As history was the foundation for the present and a guide for the future, he mentioned that the legacy of ancestors would be honoured and future generations would be inspired by ensuring its accuracy.

He urged members of the club to continue their work with pride and dedication, adding that Kohima’s unique role in Naga history was a cause for celebration and reflection, from its contribution to the political awakening of the Nagas to its strategic importance in global history.

He extended his prayers and gratitude to those entrusted with carrying forward the Naga Club’s responsibilities, ensuring that its legacy endured as a beacon of Naga identity and pride.

Delivering the welcome address, Naga Club president Kuolachalie Seyie paid tribute to the vision and legacy of the club’s founders, while calling for unity and commitment to the principles upheld by their forefathers.

“I sincerely thank the founders of the Naga Club who, under the visionary leadership of Rheichalie Pienyü, established this organisation on January 7, 1918. Their efforts culminated in the submission of the historic memorandum to the Simon Commission on January 10, 1929, which we now commemorate as Naga Magna Carta Day,” he elaborated.

He recounted the early initiatives of Naga Club such as establishing a double-storey guesthouse in Kohima, which served as a free lodging facility for Naga travelers from all tribes. According to him, this initiative fostered unity and harmony among the Nagas, and marked a shift away from the headhunting practices of the past.

Claiming that the Naga Club laid the foundation for a united people and a sovereign nation, Seyie said it was the platform that later led to the formation of the Naga National Council (NNC), which carried forward the political and historical rights of the Nagas as a sovereign people and nation.

He praised the foresight and determination of the club’s founders who, despite facing economic, social, and political turbulence, remained committed to the ideals of integrity, unity, and sovereignty. He remarked, “Our forefathers were true to themselves, true to their people, and true to all concerned. They never compromised on the Naga National Mind, National Faith, and National Spirit.”

He urged the current generation to embody the values and virtues of their forebears, emphasising that these principles must continue to guide the Naga people through modern challenges.

Acknowledging the divisive forces of factionalism, Seyie called for a collective commitment to Naga integrity and sovereignty. “We must ensure that no dispute or difference weakens the legacy of our forefathers. As brothers and sisters, we must rise above narrow interests, as our ancestors did, to achieve what is right and best for all,” he exhorted.

He gave a clarion call for the Nagas to draw inspiration from the wisdom of their forefathers, and overcome present challenges with unity and resilience. The programme was chaired by Naga Club vice-president John Lohe, while invocation was pronounced by club’s associate chaplain Lujeka Asumi.

Special number was presented by Dr Viketoulie Pienyü and Kekhrieyie Belho.
Exhortations were made by former Rajya Sabha member and Naga Club adviser Khyomo Lotha, Supongsangba Longchar and Medoselhou Keretsü.

Club’s general secretary KN Mhonthung Lotha presented the secretarial report, while report of Nomination Committee was presented by Dr Viketoulie Pienyü.
The new office-bearers for the tenure 2024-27 were dedicated by Club’s chaplain Rev HP Zhimomi.

The new office-bearers would be headed by Kuolachalie Seyie as president, with K John Lohe, V Vandanshan Lotha, Visa Meru, Talitoba Ao and Dr Hotokhu Chishi as vice-presidents, KN Mhonthung Lotha as general secretary, K Gwanilo Himb, Raithu Newmai and Thosiepa Katiry as secretaries, Hoshito Asumi as treasurer and Seyiekuolie Kesiezie as finance secretary.

Ariyi Nienu, Pheluopfhelie Kesiezie, Khyomo Lotha, Niketu Iralu, Dr Vinito L Chishi and Kewezu Mero would be the advisers, Rev Hotokhu P Zhimomi Sumi would be the chaplain, I Lujeka Asumi associate chaplain and Vizovotuo Nagi would be the property secretary.