In a solemn celebration, hundreds of people from different corners of Nagalim attended the thanksgiving program of Eno. Rh. Raising, Special Emissary of the Collective Leadership, NSCN in commemoration of 50 years of service to the Nation.
The thanksgiving programme was organised on Friday by the Peh Village Council and Peh National Workers’ Forum at Peh Village, Ukhrul District.
In his speech, Eno. Rh. Raising expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his Village authorities, Peh National Workers’ Forum for graciously organising and hosting the thanksgiving ceremony in commemoration of his 50 years of national service.
Rh. Raising stated, “I am also profoundly grateful to all the respected Headmen, Chairmen and village authorities of the various villages who, during critical periods, sheltered us and extended their support in numerous ways, my dear revolutionary comrades, respected leaders of civil societies, Church leaders, fellow villagers, ladies and gentlemen present here. On behalf of my family and on my own behalf, I extend a warm and respectful welcome to one and all.
“To begin with, I would like to say, Why Abraham was told, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you?” Abraham was born and brought up in Ur, (Iraq) which was a sophisticated, wealthy and developed city, but Ur was a Pagan country, where the people worshipped idols, practised pagan culture. The name of the Lord was not in Ur. God had a plan to give a kingdom to the children of Abraham who would worship Him.
“Why Moses was called to lead His people Israel from Egypt to the promised land? Egypt was a prosperous and civilised country, but the name of the Lord was not in there. God said, “Let my people go.” God does not want his people to be in slavery. Slavery is not the destiny.
“Why did the Nagas refuse to join the Union of India? God has a plan for the Nagas too. He has given the Nagas a kingdom of ‘Nagalim for Christ. Just as India is given to the Indians and Myanmar to the Myanmarese. We must possess the land God has given to us. The name of the Lord abides with the Nagas. It abides with NSCN/GPRN and every member of NSCN/GPRN. The Lord says, “Fear not, for My presence shall go with you, march forward, the banner of victory has been given to you.”
“Where does our strength come from? Our strength comes from the name of the Lord. We are strong because the name of the Lord is with us. We are invincible because the mighty name of the lord is with us. We have survived the onslaught of enemies of every kind because the name of the Lord has continually been with us. Indeed, every Naga and everything that exists in Nagalim are tagged with the name of the Lord. The name of the Lord is our strength and shield.
“Though the enemies have killed thousands of our people, they could not murder the issue of “Nagalim for Christ. Though they have destroyed our villages and burnt our houses and towns, they could not extinguish the spirit of our nationalism. Though they have fragmented our land in an attempt to subdue us, they could not divide our spirit of one Naga nation, one history, one politics, one culture, one identity, and one faith.
“The enemies, in collusion with traitors, opportunists, social parasites, surrogate organisations and mercenary forces attempted many a time to annihilate the revolutionary Naga people and grab our land, yet they failed. Many faithless fellow workers run away from the field to join forces with the enemies, but committed and loyal workers who trust the Lord stayed the course. The enemies too have come to know that stooges and mercenaries are no force at all. They are no match for the revolutionary people. We stand firmly opposed to the policy of Indian imperialism Political, territorial, economic, military and cultural imperialism in Nagalim.
“I was saved by the Lord from the onslaught of enemies on many occasions. I have come this far solely by the grace of God. I thank God who granted me a second chance for his mission just as he did for Jonah of old.
‘We bear no ill will toward any one. We are not invading on India, Myanmar or on the land of our neighbouring peoples and nations. We are the aggrieved, not the aggressor. The aggressors fight with colonial design, but we Nagas fight back in defence of our land, our sovereign right, our history and our future.
“India is described as a nuclear state. It possesses vast armies equipped with sophisticated weapons; it has financial resources that they trust in the might of the sword, the strength of armies, the power of money, and the cunning colonial policies of the rulers. In contrast, the Naga people have the invincible spirit of nationalism. The battle between the Nagas and the Indians is not a contest of strength, it is a question of right and wrong. We emphasise more on the truth force and faith force than military might, financial power and the evil plan of man. Our hidden strength lies in the mighty name of the Lord.
“India is Hindu-oriented; Bangladesh is Muslim-oriented; Myanmar is Buddhist-oriented. We do not oppose them. But we Nagas are Christ-oriented. ‘Nagalim for Christ’ is the word of God.
“Believe it or not, human history begins from the word of God. Nagalim for Christ is the word of God. It is our national foundation. From this foundation comes our history, our politics, our identity, our faith and our country. Our nationhood is firmly rooted in this foundation.
‘Nevertheless, the day we drop the name of the Lord, the spirit of the Lord, the word of the Lord, we shall surely perish, and all that defines us will also perish. Therefore, we must cling to our foundation, and defend and protect it at all costs.”
AS. Mawonshang, Headman of Peh Village unveiled the monument. Eno. Rh. Raising at the age of 26 joined the Naga National movement for independence on 30 December 1975.
Kapangsing R. Shimray, Chairman of Peh Village stated, “I on behalf of the people of Peh Village extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone present here today in this auspicious occasion to commemorate the 50 years of National service rendered by Eno. Rh. Raising, Special Emissary of the Collective Leadership, NSCN.
“God has chosen Eno. Rh. Raising and has bestowed and anointed him to lead the Nagas. The purpose of Eno. Rh Raising coming to this world is God’s plan. And through His grace and guidance, Eno. Rh. Raising has come this far. All glory and praise be to God.”
The blessing prayer was led by Revd. Kuivangam Shimrah, Pastor Peh Baptist Church, Revd. Sayao Kapai, Pastor Peh Dharsin Baptist Church, Qr. Welo Marza, Pastor Peh Ngahurum Baptist Church and Qr. Wungpam Zingyo, Cathecist St. Mary’s Church and pastors from neighbouring villages.
Short speeches were given by Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Ramkathing Varah (VC), Maj. Gen. (Retd.) RS. Chinaoyo (MC), Col. (Retd.) Nganingkhui Longleng, Chief Justice, National Court, Masoyang, Deputy Kilonser, Convenor, Raphei National Workers’ Welfare and Ringmi Raising.
