For the first time in many decades, Naga people today saw hope kindled anew as they witnessed an event never seen before in Nagaland: an impossible dream-match was played out today at Kohima local ground between Naga underground groups and Naga civil society leaders in an entertaining, delightful and endearing and spirited soccer match.
The endearing 35-35 minutes match was played between Team Hope, comprising of ‘Naga national groups’ leaders and functionaries representing their respective organizations and the other team, Team Faith, consisting of Naga civil society leaders. In the touching, not to mention rarely-witnessed one-of-its-kind match, Team Faith landed three goals while Team Hope managed one. Although the match was decided in favor of one team, it was undeniably clear that both the contending teams emerged undisputed winners. For, faith and hope took a new lift.
Terming the football match as ‘symbolic’, Naga Hoho president Keviletuo said peace and confidence-building activities such as the soccer match will help break down past obstinate ways alongside serious talks. The way players call out each other’s names and work with the other during the game, the same thing should be carried out in the serious talks, he said.
The ‘Reconciliation Soccer’ match, birthed by pacifist organization working for reconciliation, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, gave a new leash of life to the flickering hope that the long- warring Naga political groups would reconcile and unite.
The soccer match was the culmination of an inspiration that began at the formation of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation in March this year. There was no question that the people gathered were determined for Nagas to be reconciled.
Talking about a time when he dined with Muivah and Khaplang in the early days of the Naga movement, N. Chemo Kikon of the NNC said he had very excitedly decided to come and be a part of the match when he heard that something like this was being organized. Positive that something would come out of the initiative, Chemo rationalized why else had he dropped everything for this game if he was not hopeful of solution.
One associate pastor of a local church in Kohima admitted that some people were skeptical about the entire issue but he was sure that the game would have a positive influence on the players. He opined that members of different factions meeting each other and playing together would have a huge psychological impact and lead to spiritual unity. “If we don’t cut-off this process, it will surely bear fruit”, the pastor opined.
Deputy kilonser Ringthem Rongmei of the NSCN (IM) said all Nagas are playing a political game in ‘different teams’ and admitted that they had one nation, one issue and hence needed to be one team. This role was being played out through the football match, he maintained. Deputy Kilonsor of the NSCN (IM), Sangti Konyak of Muknyakshu has not been to his native village for 10 years now. Realizing for the first time that things could be different, Sangti assures that they will try to make the reconciliation process work.
Team captain of ‘Hope’ and kilonser of the “GPRN/NSCN”, Singson Kuki said people do not want to return to the old ways, rather want normal life. “Whatever is being done at the moment is in the right direction” he said adding ‘while playing we forgot all our differences’. He said having meetings and discussions only was not enough. Everybody has to render an effort, he said. The functionary maintained that the process should be strongly supported by the Naga people as a whole and that Nagas should not merely watch from the ‘outside’ but get seriously involved. And this, he said, might hopefully bring some changes.
Mention may be made here that a similar “battle” battle was fought in Chiang Mai, Thailand on August 20 between leaders of Naga civil society and the Naga underground groups. At the Chiang Mai Naga Peace Summit III in Thailand, a “Reconciliation Trophy” soccer match was played between “United National” and “Naga Parliament”. ‘United National’ comprised of a team otherwise normally known as warring Naga political factions’ emissaries.
In the keenly contested match, the ‘Naga Parliament’ team had routed ‘United National’ 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out. The match had earlier ended in a 2-2 draw when the final whistle went off. The two halves had lasted 20 minutes each. The match ended in a penalty shoot-out and the “Naga Parliament” edged the “United National” 4-2 goals.
The endearing 35-35 minutes match was played between Team Hope, comprising of ‘Naga national groups’ leaders and functionaries representing their respective organizations and the other team, Team Faith, consisting of Naga civil society leaders. In the touching, not to mention rarely-witnessed one-of-its-kind match, Team Faith landed three goals while Team Hope managed one. Although the match was decided in favor of one team, it was undeniably clear that both the contending teams emerged undisputed winners. For, faith and hope took a new lift.
Terming the football match as ‘symbolic’, Naga Hoho president Keviletuo said peace and confidence-building activities such as the soccer match will help break down past obstinate ways alongside serious talks. The way players call out each other’s names and work with the other during the game, the same thing should be carried out in the serious talks, he said.
The ‘Reconciliation Soccer’ match, birthed by pacifist organization working for reconciliation, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, gave a new leash of life to the flickering hope that the long- warring Naga political groups would reconcile and unite.
The soccer match was the culmination of an inspiration that began at the formation of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation in March this year. There was no question that the people gathered were determined for Nagas to be reconciled.
Talking about a time when he dined with Muivah and Khaplang in the early days of the Naga movement, N. Chemo Kikon of the NNC said he had very excitedly decided to come and be a part of the match when he heard that something like this was being organized. Positive that something would come out of the initiative, Chemo rationalized why else had he dropped everything for this game if he was not hopeful of solution.
One associate pastor of a local church in Kohima admitted that some people were skeptical about the entire issue but he was sure that the game would have a positive influence on the players. He opined that members of different factions meeting each other and playing together would have a huge psychological impact and lead to spiritual unity. “If we don’t cut-off this process, it will surely bear fruit”, the pastor opined.
Deputy kilonser Ringthem Rongmei of the NSCN (IM) said all Nagas are playing a political game in ‘different teams’ and admitted that they had one nation, one issue and hence needed to be one team. This role was being played out through the football match, he maintained. Deputy Kilonsor of the NSCN (IM), Sangti Konyak of Muknyakshu has not been to his native village for 10 years now. Realizing for the first time that things could be different, Sangti assures that they will try to make the reconciliation process work.
Team captain of ‘Hope’ and kilonser of the “GPRN/NSCN”, Singson Kuki said people do not want to return to the old ways, rather want normal life. “Whatever is being done at the moment is in the right direction” he said adding ‘while playing we forgot all our differences’. He said having meetings and discussions only was not enough. Everybody has to render an effort, he said. The functionary maintained that the process should be strongly supported by the Naga people as a whole and that Nagas should not merely watch from the ‘outside’ but get seriously involved. And this, he said, might hopefully bring some changes.
Mention may be made here that a similar “battle” battle was fought in Chiang Mai, Thailand on August 20 between leaders of Naga civil society and the Naga underground groups. At the Chiang Mai Naga Peace Summit III in Thailand, a “Reconciliation Trophy” soccer match was played between “United National” and “Naga Parliament”. ‘United National’ comprised of a team otherwise normally known as warring Naga political factions’ emissaries.
In the keenly contested match, the ‘Naga Parliament’ team had routed ‘United National’ 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out. The match had earlier ended in a 2-2 draw when the final whistle went off. The two halves had lasted 20 minutes each. The match ended in a penalty shoot-out and the “Naga Parliament” edged the “United National” 4-2 goals.
“Historic” soccer match enables team spirit
Whoever said that the “national workers” had lost “support” of the “public” proved a tad off-line today when cheers for the underground workers’ football team, Hope, held sway the huge crowd of spectators. As Faith Team, comprising of Naga civil society, consolidated their superior soccer skill by beating Hope with a win of three goals over one, the crowd loyally kept on cheering for the undergrounds. Even students of Oriental Theological College, who appeared to cheer for their principle Rev. Dr. Wati Aier in Faith team, would unknowingly burst out with encouragements at crucial moment for the opposing team. This entire 70 minutes of ‘history’ being played out at Kohima local ground was completely entertaining with the spectators constantly bursting into laughter every few minutes.
The Reconciliation match was not just entertaining; it also proved to be a great success in cementing the relationship between the Naga groups. Hardly five minutes into the game and the slightly uncomfortable and polite team members of Hope group, consisting of NSCN (IM), NSCN/GPRN, FGN and PSG leaders, were drastically transformed. After some time, they were either holding their stomachs and laughing their hearts out or shouting instructions to each other to “run faster”, “go ahead”, or “pass the ball”. Even the substitutes were busy shouting instructions to their teammates inside the field, regardless of “factions” and when unable to recall the names, they called out the jersey numbers. The most touching moment however, was when, one N. Chemo Kikon of the NNC, the oldest player at the age of 67, was constantly falling down from exhaustion, his team mates in the substitute, led by Akato Chophy of the “GPRN/NSCN” and Tsanglo Lotha, Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN (IM) called him back to rest after finding a replacement. “You played well. You will be a really good player when you grow up” Akato Chophy consoled the 67 year old Chemo.
While civil society won the match, fair and square, with a lot of determination but very little grace, the “national workers” kept playing mischievous tricks to gain some advantage. On several occasions, the ‘hopelessly weak’, Hope team played with more than 11 players inside the field when deputy kilonser of NSCN (IM), Tsanglo made “illegal” entries into the play ground. Finally, the referee caught on to the trick and with a nervous laugh, awarded him the yellow card. One member of the “NSCN/GPRN” defended his team mate by saying that the yellow card had first been awarded to a man of God, Rev. Pughoto Aye from the opponent team.
The laughter and excitement through out the event broke through every reservation that had initially inflicted the players of the different groups. According to one of the cadres, there had been immense suppressed tension, especially on the night before the soccer match when they had to report to the Indira Gandhi stadium without any arms. They had even made light but significant doubts about being ambushed as they entered the field. “And suddenly, we were made to eat and sleep with the very people we had been so carefully avoiding. We didn’t know what to do except look at each other and grin nervously” described the cadres with laughter prior to the match. But when the match ended, as the team mates from different groups prepared to leave, there were hand shakes and bearhugs outside the field. Everyone and every car stopped to bid goodbye to the members from the other group and the honest regret at the peculiar situation was visible. “Next time do bhal pura lok pabo” (Next time we shall meet nicely) said one cadre to his team mates from the other group. I crossed my fingers to those words.
Team A billed as “Hope” comprising of the national workers (NSCN/GPRN, NSCN-IM, PSG & FGN) while team B coined as “Faith” comprised of the civil society and the church (NPMHR, NSF, FNR, ENPO, ENSF, NCF & Naga Hoho).
In an exciting match that was played for 70 minutes, Faith team won the match 3-1. Rev. Dr. Wati Aier opened the account for Faith team. The team yielded another goal through Rev. C. Lima. The Faith team took the lead 2-0 till the first half. In the second half, Shangti Konyak, Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM) fetched the goal for Hope team. The Faith’s team netted another goal through Toshi Wungtung and the team emerged as the winner 3-1.
The players of Hope team included; R.T. Tsanglao- Deputy Kilonser, NSCN (IM), Ringthim Rongmei- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN- IM), Maj. Shelly- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Shangti Konyak- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Major R.M. Lotha- Kilonser NSCN/ GPRN, C. Singson- Kilonser (NSCN/GPRN), Vihoto Chopi- Col. (NSCN/GPRN), Zukiye Awomi, Lt.Col.(NSCN/GPRN)/, Ashuru- Spokesperson (PSG), Dapuni- Major (PSG), K. Chakhesang- Deputy Kilonser- (NNC- Non Accordist), Meren Nokpu- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN/GPRN), Akato Chopi – Deputy Kilonser (NSCN/GPRN), Alezo- Kilonser- (NSCN/GRPN), Hojei- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN)/GPRN, K.K. Angami- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Zevitho Kajiri- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Lenthuru- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Moses- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Moses- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), James Pfokriho- PSG, Solomon- PSG, Zaleo- Kilo Kilonser (NNC- Non Accordist), Nchemo Lotha- Brig. NNC- Non Accordist, Swudune- Deputy Kilonser (NNC- Non Accordist).
Faith players include; Worthing Horam- NSF, Rev. C. Lima- Church, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier- FNR, Dr. N. Venuh- NPMHR, Rev. Kuzierang Thou- Church, Atoho Kiho- NPMHR, Imchatoba- NSF, Toshi Wungtung- ENPO, Stephen Ankhang- UNC, C. Daipao- Naga Hoho, Kenny- Naga Hoho, Kenneth- NPMHR, Ahito Achumi- NSF, John Wanth- NSF, Phughoto Aye- FNR, Aküm Longchari- FNR, Phushika Awomi- FNR, Heno Khiamniungam- ENPO, Rev. Fr. N. Carlos- Church, Rev. Zhabu Terhuja- Church, Hurui- Naga Hoho, Rev. Dr. T. Nyekha- Church.
Earlier, the players were received by the Church leaders with flowers. A one minute silence was observed in honor and memory of those who died for the Naga cause.
President NCF Zhabu Terhuja gave the introduction of the game. It was followed by a special presentation by the children with a message – “Give us our future”, followed by a mass prayer and releasing of white balloons by Naga Mothers Association (NMA) president. Rev. Fr Neisalhou Carlos Kuotsu gave a scripture reading. At the interval, the OTS, Peace Channel and Agatha and friends entertained the spectators with messages of peace and reconciliation. The programme, which was held under the aegis of the Nagaland Christian Forum (NCF), concluded with a mass prayer which was then closed by Rev. Chen Rengma. Xavier Rutsa and Asano Zashumo were comperes for the match.
Nagas Hopeful of Reconciliation Goal
The Reconciliation match was not just entertaining; it also proved to be a great success in cementing the relationship between the Naga groups. Hardly five minutes into the game and the slightly uncomfortable and polite team members of Hope group, consisting of NSCN (IM), NSCN/GPRN, FGN and PSG leaders, were drastically transformed. After some time, they were either holding their stomachs and laughing their hearts out or shouting instructions to each other to “run faster”, “go ahead”, or “pass the ball”. Even the substitutes were busy shouting instructions to their teammates inside the field, regardless of “factions” and when unable to recall the names, they called out the jersey numbers. The most touching moment however, was when, one N. Chemo Kikon of the NNC, the oldest player at the age of 67, was constantly falling down from exhaustion, his team mates in the substitute, led by Akato Chophy of the “GPRN/NSCN” and Tsanglo Lotha, Deputy Kilonser of the NSCN (IM) called him back to rest after finding a replacement. “You played well. You will be a really good player when you grow up” Akato Chophy consoled the 67 year old Chemo.
While civil society won the match, fair and square, with a lot of determination but very little grace, the “national workers” kept playing mischievous tricks to gain some advantage. On several occasions, the ‘hopelessly weak’, Hope team played with more than 11 players inside the field when deputy kilonser of NSCN (IM), Tsanglo made “illegal” entries into the play ground. Finally, the referee caught on to the trick and with a nervous laugh, awarded him the yellow card. One member of the “NSCN/GPRN” defended his team mate by saying that the yellow card had first been awarded to a man of God, Rev. Pughoto Aye from the opponent team.
The laughter and excitement through out the event broke through every reservation that had initially inflicted the players of the different groups. According to one of the cadres, there had been immense suppressed tension, especially on the night before the soccer match when they had to report to the Indira Gandhi stadium without any arms. They had even made light but significant doubts about being ambushed as they entered the field. “And suddenly, we were made to eat and sleep with the very people we had been so carefully avoiding. We didn’t know what to do except look at each other and grin nervously” described the cadres with laughter prior to the match. But when the match ended, as the team mates from different groups prepared to leave, there were hand shakes and bearhugs outside the field. Everyone and every car stopped to bid goodbye to the members from the other group and the honest regret at the peculiar situation was visible. “Next time do bhal pura lok pabo” (Next time we shall meet nicely) said one cadre to his team mates from the other group. I crossed my fingers to those words.
‘Faith’ Overcomes ‘Hope’ in historic Reconciliation match
A Reconciliation Football Match between the players of leaders of the Naga national workers and civil society and the churches took place here today in Kohima Local Ground amidst thunderous cheers from the spectators.Team A billed as “Hope” comprising of the national workers (NSCN/GPRN, NSCN-IM, PSG & FGN) while team B coined as “Faith” comprised of the civil society and the church (NPMHR, NSF, FNR, ENPO, ENSF, NCF & Naga Hoho).
In an exciting match that was played for 70 minutes, Faith team won the match 3-1. Rev. Dr. Wati Aier opened the account for Faith team. The team yielded another goal through Rev. C. Lima. The Faith team took the lead 2-0 till the first half. In the second half, Shangti Konyak, Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM) fetched the goal for Hope team. The Faith’s team netted another goal through Toshi Wungtung and the team emerged as the winner 3-1.
The players of Hope team included; R.T. Tsanglao- Deputy Kilonser, NSCN (IM), Ringthim Rongmei- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN- IM), Maj. Shelly- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Shangti Konyak- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Major R.M. Lotha- Kilonser NSCN/ GPRN, C. Singson- Kilonser (NSCN/GPRN), Vihoto Chopi- Col. (NSCN/GPRN), Zukiye Awomi, Lt.Col.(NSCN/GPRN)/, Ashuru- Spokesperson (PSG), Dapuni- Major (PSG), K. Chakhesang- Deputy Kilonser- (NNC- Non Accordist), Meren Nokpu- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN/GPRN), Akato Chopi – Deputy Kilonser (NSCN/GPRN), Alezo- Kilonser- (NSCN/GRPN), Hojei- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN)/GPRN, K.K. Angami- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Zevitho Kajiri- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Lenthuru- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Moses- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), Moses- Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM), James Pfokriho- PSG, Solomon- PSG, Zaleo- Kilo Kilonser (NNC- Non Accordist), Nchemo Lotha- Brig. NNC- Non Accordist, Swudune- Deputy Kilonser (NNC- Non Accordist).
Faith players include; Worthing Horam- NSF, Rev. C. Lima- Church, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier- FNR, Dr. N. Venuh- NPMHR, Rev. Kuzierang Thou- Church, Atoho Kiho- NPMHR, Imchatoba- NSF, Toshi Wungtung- ENPO, Stephen Ankhang- UNC, C. Daipao- Naga Hoho, Kenny- Naga Hoho, Kenneth- NPMHR, Ahito Achumi- NSF, John Wanth- NSF, Phughoto Aye- FNR, Aküm Longchari- FNR, Phushika Awomi- FNR, Heno Khiamniungam- ENPO, Rev. Fr. N. Carlos- Church, Rev. Zhabu Terhuja- Church, Hurui- Naga Hoho, Rev. Dr. T. Nyekha- Church.
Earlier, the players were received by the Church leaders with flowers. A one minute silence was observed in honor and memory of those who died for the Naga cause.
President NCF Zhabu Terhuja gave the introduction of the game. It was followed by a special presentation by the children with a message – “Give us our future”, followed by a mass prayer and releasing of white balloons by Naga Mothers Association (NMA) president. Rev. Fr Neisalhou Carlos Kuotsu gave a scripture reading. At the interval, the OTS, Peace Channel and Agatha and friends entertained the spectators with messages of peace and reconciliation. The programme, which was held under the aegis of the Nagaland Christian Forum (NCF), concluded with a mass prayer which was then closed by Rev. Chen Rengma. Xavier Rutsa and Asano Zashumo were comperes for the match.
Nagas Hopeful of Reconciliation Goal
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