DIMAPUR, Dec 31: Rh. Raising, Member of the Collective Leadership of the NSCN/GPRN and Special Emissary, on Tuesday delivered a commemorative speech during a thanksgiving celebration marking 50 years of his national service.

Addressing the gathering, Rh. Raising expressed gratitude for the presence of senior leadership, including Yaruiwo Eno Q. Tuccu, Ato Kilonser Eno Th. Muivah and his wife Enoli Ikhris Muivah, Deputy Ato Kilonser Lt Gen (Retd) Vs Atem and his wife Enoli Pamyola Vashum, members of the Collective Leadership, Convener of the Steering Committee Eno Hutovi Chishi, members of the Steering Committee, Kilo Kilonser Eno K.P. Huray and other Kilonsers, Longvibu Naga Army Lt Gen Honreishang Shadang and senior army officers, along with public leaders, civil society leaders, pastors, village authorities and residents of Wungram and Mount View Colony.

Recalling his journey, Rh. Raising said he gave thanks to God for guiding him through dangers, including enemy pursuit, fatal diseases, hunger, perilous river crossings and battlefields. He stated that he believed every Naga is born with a divine mission and that his own life was dedicated to serving the cause of Nagalim.

He said that although his mother had advised him to remain content as a village teacher after graduation, he aspired from a young age to serve a higher cause. Describing his early life as ordinary, he said dedicating himself to the cause of Nagalim strengthened him spiritually and gave him courage to confront adversaries, adding that he believed it was the Spirit that guided his actions, words and understanding.

Referring to the period following the Shillong Accord, Rh. Raising described it as a time of confusion and distress for the Nagas, forcing a choice between freedom and subjugation, honour and humiliation, and Nagalim or India. He said many Nagas viewed the accord as a roadblock rather than a solution, and under those circumstances he joined the movement on December 30, 1975.

He characterised the struggle as one between free Nagas and invaders, patriots and traitors, and between faith in God and reliance on worldly power. Recalling events of December 1976, he said that about a hundred members undertook a long march from the Wung Tangkhul Region headquarters to the General Headquarters located in the east, where they joined revolutionary leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah. He noted that only a few from that group remain alive today.

Acknowledging the hardships of revolutionary life, Rh. Raising said members were constantly pursued by enemies but survived military offensives through faith. He said these experiences strengthened his spiritual resolve and belief that no battle is too difficult with God’s guidance.

He also spoke about his arrest and nearly eight years of imprisonment, describing incarceration as part of revolutionary life that ultimately sharpened his wisdom and faith. Quoting the saying “No cross, no crown,” he said each ordeal made him stronger.

Rh. Raising stated that he had no personal battle or message, asserting that the struggle belonged to the Lord. He expressed confidence that the Naga National Independence Movement could not be stopped as long as it was guided by faith and truth, and said resistance would continue on that basis.

He further recalled representing the Naga issue before international dignitaries on several occasions and said he was honoured to speak at the United Nations Earth Charter meeting held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, in 2000, where he highlighted the human rights situation in Nagalim even during the peace process. He said international support for the Naga issue had been encouraging.

Reflecting on his five decades of service, Rh. Raising said he had served the nation in various capacities and had been a member of the talk team since 2000. He credited the steadfast support of the Naga people, friends of the Nagas, the sacrifices of NSCN members, and the commitment of six Indian Prime Ministers for the achievement of the Framework Agreement with the Government of India, describing it as a historic outcome earned through sacrifice.

Now inducted into the highest echelon of the Collective Leadership as Special Emissary, Rh. Raising said he would remain faithful to the Naga cause and, God willing, continue to serve alongside his family.

He concluded by thanking all those who attended the thanksgiving ceremony despite prior engagements during the Christmas season and expressed appreciation for the trust and support extended to him.