FGN observes 62nd ‘Indo-Naga’ ceasefire day

The 62nd “Indo-Naga” Cease Fire Day was observed at programme by the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) at Chedema Peace Camp, here Saturday with Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) general secretary Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener as the main speaker.
According to a press statement, delivering a brief narration of the historic event, FGN Tatar Hoho speaker Lhouvitsü Kesiezie, recalled that the ceasefire agreement of 1964 between the Government of India and the FGN was a landmark step towards peace.
He also highlighted the subsequent Peace Accord signed in Shillong in 1975 between the Governor of Assam and representatives of the underground.
Kesiezie stated that in both instances, the NBCC played a pivotal role in initiating and facilitating dialogue.
He recounted how NBCC, through the Peace Mission, worked tirelessly to bring peace in 1964 with the involvement of Jayaprakash Narayan, Sarvodaya leader; Bimala Prasad Chaliha, then chief minister of Assam; and Rev. Michael Scott, peace activist from Great Britain.
Again in 1975, he said peace efforts were made possible through the Nagaland Peace Council (NPC), under the initiative of NBCC.
Stating that the events were well documented by past leaders, Kesiezie maintained that it was ultimately God’s providence that guided believers to work for the welfare of the Nagas.
Drawing a biblical parallel with the Israelites’ journey under Moses, he reminded the gathering that every Naga had a responsibility towards peace and appealed all to seek God’s guidance to overcome temptations and evil.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NBCC secretary of social concern, Dr. Villo Naleo; Zeme Baptist Church, Kohima Pastor Rev. Iringtie Kauring, read from the Scripture and led the opening prayer. SABCK senior pastor Rev. Kiyeto Sema, offered the Prayer for the Day.
Special songs were presented by the youth of Chedema Baptist Church and members of New Capital Baptist Church, Phezoucha.
The programme concluded with a closing prayer by Sangtam Baptist Lithro, Kohima Pastor Rev. Thsadongse Sangtam.