Nagaland: RH Reising, a member of the collective leadership and special emissary of the NSCN (I-M), said that his 50 years of service to the nation were sustained by his faith in God and unwavering commitment to the cause of the Naga nation.
Speaking at a thanksgiving celebration to mark five decades of his participation in the Naga movement, RH Reising thanked God for guiding him through dangers, imprisonment, and the hardships of the battlefield, saying that surviving such hardships strengthened his faith and resolve.
He recalled joining the movement after the Shillong Accord of December 30, 1975, which he described as a time of deep confusion and distress for the Naga people. He said that the accord was perceived as an obstacle rather than a solution to the Naga issue.
Rising also recalled the long march he led from the Wung Tangkhul Regional Headquarters to the then General Headquarters in the East in December 1976, where he met revolutionary leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah. He said that only a few of those who participated in the march are alive today.
Describing the revolutionary life as constantly filled with danger, he said that repeated military attacks and eight years in prison strengthened his faith and belief, adding that imprisonment is part of a revolutionary’s journey.
He stressed that as long as the Naga national movement is based on faith and truth, it cannot be stopped, and said that the resistance will continue until the end.
RH Rising said that he had represented the Naga cause at several international platforms, including the United Nations Earth Charter Meeting in The Hague in 2000, where he highlighted the human rights situation in Nagalim even during the peace process.
Emphasizing his role in the peace talks, he said he had been a member of the Naga negotiating team since 2000 and attributed the Framework Agreement with the Indian government to the sacrifices of the Naga people, NSCN members, and the continued engagement of successive Indian Prime Ministers. He reiterated his commitment to the Naga cause after joining the Collective Leadership as Special Emissary and thanked leaders, civil society members, church leaders, and well-wishers for attending the thanksgiving program.
Rising said he was honored by the presence of NSCN (I-M) Chairman/Yaruiwo Q. Tukku; Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah and his wife Ikhris Muivah; Deputy Ato Kilonser ‘Lieutenant General’ (Retd.) V.S. Atem and his wife Pamyoola Vashum; as well as members of the Collective Leadership and Steering Committee, led by Convener Hutovi Chishi. He also acknowledged the presence of Kilonsor K.P. Hurey, Second Kilonsor, Longvibu Naga Army ‘Lieutenant General’ Honreishang Shadang, senior army officers, public leaders, civil society leaders, church leaders, village officials, residents of Wungram and Mount View Colony and others who attended the thanksgiving programme to mark his 50 years of national service.
Nagaland: Highlighting 50 years of the Raging Naga Movement
