Pughoboto, July 2: Tens of thousands of people today turned up at Chishilimi to pay their last respects to NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chishi Swu, who passed away on June 28 in New Delhi.
The funeral service, organised by the Sumi Hoho in Swu's native village under Pughoboto subdivision in Zunheboto district, was attended by the outfit's general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, who is also the ato kilonser (prime minister) of the Government of the People's Republic of Nagalim, GPRN vice-president Khole Konyak, other NSCN and GPRN leaders and people from all walks of life. Leaders from various Naga organisations also attended the service.
Muivah and Konyak praised Swu for his dedication and steadfastness to "Naga nationalism" for several decades. They said Swu's contribution would not go in vain and they would ensure that his work becomes a source of inspiration for the younger generation.
Scores of other militant leaders paid their tributes to Swu as he was given a burial in his native village.
The entire Zunheboto district remained shut for the second day while shops were closed at Mokokchung, Wokha and parts of Kohima today.
The Sumi Hoho thanked everyone for the respect and honour shown to Swu. It said it will construct a memorial for the departed leader in Kohima.
According to his associates, Swu's last song before he was re-admitted to Fortis Hospital was, "I am going home by the ship of Zion. Beyond the sea I can see bright lights. Till I reach there, angels will be with me. Jesus will take me till home."
On June 28, when Swu breathed his last, a bright rainbow had appeared over Chishilimi, prompting locals to suggest it signified a "great man" had died.
While Muivah was considered "firebrand", Swu was more of a clergyman who believed in achieving a solution through divine intervention. He always carried the Bible.
The coming together of leaders of various outfits to mourn Swu's death speaks volumes about his contribution towards "Naga nationalism".
Swu would have been a missionary had the Centre not deputed him as a peace envoy to convince militants to come to the negotiation table in 1958. He then became the foreign secretary of Naga National Council and later the vice-president until he formed the NSCN along with Muivah and S.S. Khaplang in 1980.
After his graduation from St Anthony's College in Shillong, he wanted to study theology in the US but he was entrusted with the job of peace-broker.
His father Khushe Chishi was one of the first converts among the Sumi community and a Baptist evangelist.
He also participated in the Indo-Naga political talks in 1964. He also delivered a speech at the UN in July 1993. On August 3 last year, he signed the "framework agreement" with the Centre from his hospital bed.
