Over 200 well wishers from all walks of life paid rich tributes to the NSCN (I-M) Yaruiwo Isak Chishi Swu in Delhi, who passed away on June 28 after prolonged illness.
A condolence service was held on Wednesday at Nagaland House Delhi, where the coffin of Isak Chishi Swu was kept for the public to pay their last respects. Sources said that the body would be flown to Dimapur by 9 a.m. on Thursday by special flight and expected to arrive Dimapur by 12 p.m. The service began with traditional salute to the departed leader by Naga youths dressed in complete traditional attire while the coffin was carried by his sons and family members.
Senior NSCN (I-M) functionaries including its general secretary Th. Muivah, family members of the departed leader were present besides, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Interlocutor for Naga talks, R.N. Ravi; Nagaland Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio; legislators from Nagaland and other leaders.
Remembering his 52-year-old association with Isak, Muivah said, “We understood each other and having trust and confidence faced the challenges.”
Narrating about his two-year-long contact with Isak, Ravi termed him as a “deeply religious man and a remarkable statesman” who knew what was “best” for the Naga people. A leader of Isak’s Sumi tribe heralded him as “pride of the community” and “Mahatma” of Nagaland.
Isak’s eldest son Ikato addressed the gathering on behalf of the bereaved family.
Others who spoke on the occasion included– Neiphiu Rio (on behalf of Naga community NCR Delhi), Sumi community, NSCN (I-M), Nandita Kaksar (eminent Human rights activists & lawyer), Bharat Bushan (eminent journalist), and family members.
The programme was moderated by Mani Charenamei, former Manipur Lok Sabha MP. Invocation was delivered by Rev. Kamthui Panmei, condolence messages read out by NCF pastor, Rev. Ricky Medom and bible passage was read out by Rev. Fr. Francis Vialo Zingkhai. Special presentations were also made by various church groups.
Meanwhile, a historic mammoth funeral service is expected to be held under the initiative of Sumi Hoho at Chishilimi, the native village of late Isak Chishi Swu on July 2.
NSCN (I-M) declares 7-day mourning
NSCN (I-M) has declared seven-day mourning, as a mark of respect to the departed leader His Excellency Isak Chishi Swu, Yaruiwo of Nagalim.
In a press note, NSCN (I-M) cabinet secretary, DG Robert has informed that “during the mourning period (June 28-July 4) throughout Nagalim, the national flag shall fly half-mast in all government offices and the official residence of authorities and there will be no official entertainment.”