Mokokchung, 6th September 2026 (Nokinketer News): The 63rd Indo-Naga Ceasefire Day, observed as Nagaland Peace Day, was commemorated on Sunday at the Indo-Naga Peace Talk Camp, Khensa, in Mokokchung district, with church leaders, Naga political representatives, scholars and community members renewing their commitment to peace, reconciliation and political dialogue.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Church, History and the Indo-Naga 1964 Ceasefire: Taking the Vision Forward,” Dr. Villo Naleo, Secretary, Social Concern, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), stressed that the way forward for the Naga political issue must be rooted in political dialogue, truth, justice, reconciliation and peaceful engagement.
He said the 1964 ceasefire should ultimately lead to a just and lasting peace, adding that the Naga political question could not be resolved merely through administrative measures, military strength, economic packages or the passage of time.
Addressing the Government of India, Dr. Naleo said the issue requires political wisdom, political will, active listening, courage and statesmanship. He emphasized the need to acknowledge the deep historical and political dimensions of the Naga question.
Appealing to Naga national political leaders, he urged them to place the common future of the Naga people above existing differences.
“Our common future is greater than our differences,” he said, calling on leaders to come together, listen to one another, forgive one another and seek a shared path forward. He observed that internal divisions remain one of the greatest challenges confronting the Naga political movement.
Addressing church leaders, Dr. Naleo called upon the Church to continue its prophetic ministry with courage and integrity. He said reconciliation cannot be preached while nurturing hatred, forgiveness cannot be proclaimed while holding on to grievances, and peace cannot be advocated while becoming instruments of political hostility.
He also reminded the gathering that genuine peace begins within the human heart. While much attention is given to peace between India and the Nagas, among Naga political groups, and among communities and tribes, he said individuals must also cultivate inner peace. Referring to the biblical vision of peace in Isaiah, he urged Christians to embody reconciliation and justice in their personal lives.
A major highlight of the programme was the inauguration and dedication of the Indo-Naga Peace Talk Camp Covenant Stone by Rev. Dr. Akok Amer, Pastor, Impur Baptist Church, Mission Centre.
The inscription on the covenant stone records that Mapukaba, Merenmayang, Temsunungba and Pangertoshi, descendants of the Leubaza clan, gifted their ancestral land at Yimyu Tenem, Khensa, to the Naga nation. The land was originally offered on September 6, 1964, at the request of the Federal Government of Nagaland, represented by Noksangtemba (Chungliyimsen), Provincial Ahng, and A. Ayimneken Imchen (Longkhum), Pangtong, to continue the vision of the historic 1964 bilateral Indo-Naga Ceasefire Declaration facilitated by the Peace Mission and the Nagaland Baptist Church Council.
During the programme, Takuyaba Longkumer, Naga National Council CEC Member, presented the “Indo-Naga position”. Rev. P. Longri Longchar delivered a presentation on “Remembering the 1965 Indo-Naga Peace Talks at Khensa,” while Kezha Angami, Kedahge, Federal Government of Nagaland, spoke on “The Naga Vision.”
The programme was chaired by Dr. Tsuknungrenla, Assoc. Prof. Clark Theological College, Aolijen. The Bible reading and opening prayer were led by Ex-Pastor Merentoba Longkumer, while Pangertoshi Leubaza, representing the descendants of the Leubaza clan, presented the statement on the historic land gift.
Greetings were delivered by I. Alemmeren Longchar, Chairman, Khensa Village Council. The Eastern Naga Churches Mokokchung, and the Yimyu Ward Executive Committee presented special songs. Ex-Pastor Rev. I. Wathy Imchen offered a prayer of intercession for healing and peace, while the concluding prayer was led by Rev. Puryapang, President, Mokokchung Town Ao Baptist Churches Mission.
The observance reaffirmed the enduring significance of the 1964 Indo-Naga Ceasefire and renewed calls for unity, reconciliation and a peaceful political resolution to the longstanding Naga issue.
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