‘The Silver Jubilee of the ‘Nagalim for Christ UN Seti Prayer Centre’ was commemorated with solemnity and reverence on Friday at Chishiqa, Lazami, under the theme “Restore Us, Oh Lord” (Psalms 80:4-7). The celebration marked 25 years of prayerful journey and spiritual dedication, drawing leaders from both religious and national platforms.
Theme speaker for the programme, Rev Dr. N. Paphino, president of the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, emphasized spiritual restoration and called for a return to prayer and repentance. He reminded the gathering that “restoration begins with each of us,” and urged the people to reflect, forgive, and seek a renewed faith.
NSCN (I-M) president Q. Tuccu and deputy ato kilonser ‘lt. gen.’ (Retd.) VS Atem also addressed the gathering. A message from Tuccu was read out, wherein he paid tribute to pioneers like Isak Chishi Swu, calling him a “humble and visionary leader.” He described the Jubilee as a spiritual turning point and called for renewed dedication to unity and national identity rooted in Christian faith.
VS Atem, unveiling the Silver Jubilee souvenir, recalled the prayer gathering of September 1974, where over 2,000 believers prayed under duress, stating, “God’s presence was deeply felt.” He described the day as a celebration of divine truth and urged Naga leaders to embrace the spiritual vision of UN Seti as a site of unity and restoration.
A central moment of the event was the dedication of the 66 Naga tribes menhir, officiated by Rev Fr. Paul Inashe, and unveiled by Q. Tuccu.
Col. Pitovi L. Kive, Head Chaplain, GHQ, Naga Army, dedicated the land donor monolith, unveiled by Council of Nagalim Churches president Arshing Sangkhil. The Silver Jubilee monolith was dedicated by Rev Seksim Kasar, general secretary of CNC, and unveiled by Naga Hoho president Sulanthung Lotha. The UN Seti anthem was presented by Lazakito Lhothemi of Lazami.
Invocation prayer was offered by Xutoshe Phuchi, founder of MANEI Ministry, Assam, while the welcome address was delivered by Khakhu James, chairman, Lazami Village Council. A brief history of UN Seti was presented by Ngukato K. Tsuipu, former president of ASKK.
He explained that “UN SETI” represents the last unified camp of the NNC before its fragmentation following the Shillong Accord of 1975. U = Unity/Undivided N = Naga Se = Seyieliethomia (National Workers – Angami) Ti = Thechü Thelau (Last camp/gathering place – Angami). UN Seti hosted the final “Tatar Hoho” or Naga national assembly before the split.
It was also the departure point for key Naga leaders, including Th. Muivah, Isak Swu, and others, who set out for China in 1974 for ideological training and support.
The Nagalim for Christ UN Seti Prayer Centre was first founded at Lhokusa Ghuchi in 1974, but due to threats and hostility from local residents, it was later relocated to Chishiqa, Lazami in 2000.
The site has since become a spiritual stronghold and symbol of national prayer, where divine wisdom is believed to have shaped the strategies of the Naga movement. Organizers emphasized that UN Seti is not just a place of worship, but a beacon of hope and unity for the Naga people.