The 36th death anniversary of AZ Phizo was observed at Phizo Hill on Thursday, with family members, leaders and national workers gathering to pay tribute to the late Naga leader.
Speaking at the programme, Alee Kilonser of the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), Akho Meru, stated that God, in His sovereignty, neither falters nor errs, and appoints individuals at the right time and place for just purposes. He remarked that a nation, which he likened to God’s vineyard, would not be entrusted to those who shed innocent blood, but cautioned that when a nation falls into greed and decay, it risks falling into the hands of its enemies.
Meru, on behalf of the family and kinsmen of Phizo, the Naga National Council (NNC) and the FGN, expressed gratitude to those present for gathering to honour the life and sacrifices of the leader, widely regarded as the father of the Naga nation.
He recounted that Phizo hailed from Khonoma village, belonging to the Mehrüma moiety and the Dolie clan of Gwizan ancestry, and was the son of Krusietso Dolie. Born in 1904, he traced Phizo’s lineage to Pukahie Dolie and further to Pelhou Dolie, under whose leadership peace was concluded with the British on March 27, 1879 at Mezoma following the Battle of Khonoma.
Phizo passed away in London on April 30, 1990 at the age of 86.
According to Meru, following his demise, a Funeral Organising Committee was formed to facilitate the repatriation of his mortal remains and oversee funeral arrangements. He said discussions were held regarding a suitable resting place, and added that the present site at Phizo Hill was made available through the will and support of the people.
Meru maintained that during his lifetime, Phizo laid the foundation for a sovereign Naga nation and established relations with other countries that enabled the Naga issue to gain wider recognition. He further stated that Phizo’s death and return brought Nagas together, reinforcing the significance of the Naga National Plebiscite of May 16, 1951.
Drawing a biblical parallel, Meru said that God works through individuals of honour and integrity despite their weaknesses, and stated that Phizo was similarly chosen to lead the Nagas during a critical phase of their history.
Highlighting his personal life, Meru said Phizo and his wife had nine children, of whom three had passed away, while Eli Adinno Phizo and five other siblings were still alive. He described Phizo as a leader who remained steadfast despite opportunities to pursue personal comfort.
Meru listed several positions allegedly offered to Phizo, including Governor and Chief Minister of Assam, Union Minister, and even President of India, all of which he reportedly declined. He also stated that Phizo turned down diplomatic assignments, including ambassadorial roles to Malaya and other countries, as well as financial inducements such as a blank cheque.
He further mentioned that Phizo declined requests to lead Goa and to chair a trade company between India and China, among other offers.
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He added that Phizo endured hardships, including instances where he was cheated, blamed and sued, yet held no malice. Meru also cited an instance where Phizo declined to seek land from colonial authorities in Dimapur, asserting that the land already belonged to his people. He further claimed that during the Indo-China war, Phizo refused an offer to lead the peoples of the Northeast.
Meru asserted that had Phizo accepted such offers, the course of Naga history might have been altered. He quoted Phizo as warning that while Nagas would not surrender in battle, many might fall to the lure of money.
He urged the people to uphold the founding principle “Urra Uvie” (Our Country is Ours) and to remember the sacrifices made by those who had laid down their lives, including women and children. He cautioned that forgetting such sacrifices could lead to moral decline, loss of vision and erosion of national identity.
Meru also acknowledged the role of Kuldip Nayar, then Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, for facilitating the return of Phizo’s mortal remains despite opposition. He further expressed appreciation to the Phizo Graveyard Management Committee for maintaining the gravesite over the past 36 years.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Secretary, Social Concerns, Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Dr Villo Naleo. Executive Director, Angami Baptist Church Council, Rev Dr Rachülie Vihienuo, read the scripture and offered prayers.
A special number was presented by Sanctuary Choir, Union Baptist Church, Kohima, while the benediction was pronounced by counsellor, Rengma Baptist Church, Kohima, Chuti Semy.
