Condolence Message for late Isak Chishi Swu

June 30, 2016 :

It was in the early nineties when the then Netherlands Centre for Indigenous People, NCIP, met Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingalang Muivah for the very first time and were astounded by what they told us about the Naga Peoples. Off hand with their stories they described atrocities beyond belief. In 1992 the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation was founded and The Nagas were introduced there to become members. Although the NCIP had many other Indigenous Peoples to attend to four members could not refrain from supporting the plight of the Nagas. When we left NCIP in 1993, the year of the Indigenous Peoples, we worked together to found the Naga International Support center.

Meanwhile we intensified the relations between the Nagas, headed by Isak Swu, which culminated in the launching of NISC in the year 2001. From then on we focused on internationalizing the Nagas as a people of culture who, though practically unknown in Europe, have every right to be part of the international community. Isak Swu and TH. Muivah together were the driving force behind force behind this goal, certainly after the ceasefire of 1997 and the subsequent peace talks which were also held in Amsterdam and The Hague.

We tried to come to Nagaland to shoot documentaries to be screened on the European broadcasting networks but failed which in earnest convinced us that we should found NISC. With full participation and blessings of isak Swu and our limited means we tried raise awareness and attention to the plight of the Nagas. Though we realized this was difficult the encouragement of Isak Swu encouraged us to sustain; We produced books we spread photography, we thought along with Muivah and Swu what could be done to curb the what is almost state terrorism meted out against the Nagas of India and of Myanmar. We criticized the Indian Government regularly through press releases and created an atmosphere for Nagas that they did not stand alone and that the pen can be mightier than the sword.

NISC is shocked to learn that Isak Chishi Swu, President of National Socialist Council of Nagalim, has passed away on the 28th of June 2016 at Fortis Hospital, Delhi.

In the struggle against the occupying forces Isak Swu has been known for his unwavering commitment and sacrifice. NISC feels a deep sense of grief for the Naga Nation. In the midst of hardships and difficulties, along with many freedom movements, Nagas in their quest to live free from occupation and oppression lost a great and an inspiring leader.

Since the start of his career in Naga national struggle for the cause of Naga People he has shouldered different levels. NISC knows Isak Swu has made a great contribution to the internationalization of Naga cause. It is also important to note that NSCN under his leadership has made historic achievements – recognition of the uniqueness of political situation and culture of the Naga people on which later the Framework Agreement was based and signed on the 3rd of August 2015.

NISC hopes that this agreement made under his leadership will bring about the solution that meets the longing political aspiration of the Naga people. Without his effort and hard work the path to freedom for Naga People would not appear the same today. As a great visionary leader of the Naga people NISC together with the Naga People will miss him dearly.

Naga International Support Center
www.nagalim.nl
[email protected]