Swu and Muivah at Camp Hebron. Picture by Eastern Projections

Camp Hebron (Munglamukh, Dimapur), Dec. 24: As the sun sank into the hills in the horizon, the light from the red fireball was replaced by the warm glow of the huge Star of David that towered over Camp Hebron.

Inside the general and council headquarters of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) were battle-hardened guerrillas wielding Kalashnikov rifles, but none of them was talking of anything remotely militant.

Miniature NSCN (I-M) flags fluttered gently alongside colourful balloons and Christmas lights as the smartly attired inmates, both male and female, sang inspiring hymns. Add to that the strong aroma of traditional dishes being cooked in at least a dozen huts and you have the picture of the perfect Christmas celebration.

Indeed, this Christmas symbolises only one thing ? peace ? for the thousands of NSCN (I-M) members at Camp Hebron.

NSCN (I-M) spokesperson K. Chawang summed up the mood at the camp. ?It is definitely a very special night because our chairman Isak Chishi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah are here.?

A young cadre echoed Chawang. ?It is for the first time that we are celebrating Christmas with so much hope for return of peace. It is also for the first time that our leaders are in our midst with a message of peace,? he said, surely not noticing the incongruity between his words and the rifle slung on his shoulder.

The Naga youth said all his comrades-in-arms were ?excited beyond words? at getting the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with Swu and Muivah.

One of the highlights of the celebrations will be a visit by Miss Nagaland 2004 Regina Rongmei tomorrow.

The beauty pageant winner will present an ?X?Mas cake of peace? to the NSCN (I-M) leadership and interact with the cadre.

Several choir groups from the outfit?s ?religious affairs ministry? will perform at the camp during the day.