The celebration of 50 years of Naga National service of Member collective leadership,NSCN GPRN Rev.A.Puni Mao was held on November 20 at Okhro Ikhro Ground, Mao Gate under the theme “Rededicating towards Nation Building with thanksgiving”.
Chief Guest Gen (Retd) V.S Atem, Deputy Ato Kilonser NSCN /GPRN commended the remarkable work done by Rev Puni, who approached his role with continued enthusiasm. “Despite being jailed multiple times, Puni never lost hope and continue to work hard for his people. Naga’s today in the NSCN are dedicated to resisting the forced occupation of our land by Indians. While we may not match India in terms of strength, wealth, knowledge, territory, or military power, our struggle is not about competing with their resources. What we cherish is our own unique history, identity, culture, and land, all of which are gifts from God,” said Atem.
The Chief Guest viewed that the Naga’s narrative is distinct from India’s. “We did not willingly consent to join them. Our shared experience is one of forced occupation, initiated by British colonialism. The white devils brought political slavery and fragmentation to the Nagas, yet we mistakenly viewed them as the bearers of modern civilization,” asserted Atem.
Stating that the rules and laws that Nagas follow today are a legacy of British colonialism which India inherited by default, Atem stated, “Yet, Nagas are kept suppressed, repressed, exploited, and oppressed under brutal laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The situation is no less than walks of angel in the street but devils in the kitchen.”
Maj(Retd) Hutovi Chishi Swu, Convenor Steering Committee NSCN /GRPN praised Rev. Puni Mao as a courageous man, who played a significant role in the the Naga independence struggle. Recalling the harsh realities of the past, Swu stressed the importance of having faith in God for our independence. “Thousands of Nagas sacrificed their lives for freedom, yet we are now entrusting our fate to Indian leaders,” rued Swu who urged that it is time to place trust in the Lord and await His guidance.
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Rev.A.Puni Mao in his celebrant speech stated that the Naga’s recognition of the national cause deeply resonates with him, reflecting strength and unity. “Visionaries like AZ Phizo and Imkongmeren, with their unwavering belief in a liberated Naga future, paved the way for us. Their vision and commitment have guided us towards a progressive Naga history, allowing us to gain recognition for our unique heritage and for the Government of India’s acknowledgment of our sovereignty,” said Mao.
He shared his journey to China In 1974, recounting the struggles and challenges they faced, and working as a Reverend to joining the freedom struggle, motivated by the heartrending plight of women who were mercilessly raped, men who were killed, and homes that were burned, leading to the destruction of entire villages.
Short speeches were delivered by Ng Lorho, President United Naga council, Vilanuo Angela Yhome, President Naga Mothers Association,Naga Students’ Federation, Kraibo Chawang, Members collective leadership NSCN GPRN and Rev Wati Aier, Convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation. The program was earlier blessed with invocation by Rev.A Pfokrelo and benediction by Adani Joseph. This program was held under the aegis of Mao council and hosted by Chakre Chovow.
About Rev. Puni Mao
Rev. Puni Mao is a Christian missionary born in 1944, and a Naga revolutionary belonging to the Mao tribe. The fourth child of Pfukreni Athew and Henia, Puni grew up in a home steeped in traditional values and the teaching of Christianity – a new religion in the region. Puni’s father was the first local and the longest serving pastor of Mao Baptist Church, Song Song.
Puni’s first expedition to China was sometime in August of 1974. It was mentioned that he was in a team of more than 200 cadres. During the journey, he was assigned the position of Chaplain. He returned to Nagalim after nine months of military and political training. Puni was ordained as a Reverend in 1976. He went to China for the second time in fall of 1976 with more than 500 cadres and returned with consequential materials after seven months of intensive training. He retired from the army in the rank of Captain.
In his fifty years of service, Rev. Puni held various positions of great importance. He started out as a Chaplain-in-Charge and then as the Head Chaplain of the Naga Army. With experience under his belt and a proven track record of leadership, he then served in various capacities in the civil division of the NSCN/GPRN: two-time Regional Chairman of Shepoumaramth, three-time Kilo Kilonser, Convener of the Steering Committee, National Caretaker during emergency, Vice President of the Council of Nagalim Churches, Convener of the National Security Council, Convener of the Award Committee, Kilonser and cabinet status portfolios in various ministries and other committees and sub-committees.
During his long service as a missionary to the Naga people, his team baptised around 50,000 individuals in Myanmar-occupied-Nagalim and established over 200 churches. Rev. Puni also travelled to many Asian and European countries for political mobilisation and political talks, where he was inducted as a Member of the Collective Leadership in June 2013.
