Text Size: A- A+

Looking back on Vamuzo Phesao’s fully-lived life, one thinks of the issues of politics, history and economics that engrossed his mind and heart. They concerned him so much that he relentlessly fought for them.

As the ecstatic triumphalism of the vast majority of Indians shocks the minorities following the Supreme Court’s judgment, I am recalling a highly creative idea Vamuzo took to Delhi on his first visit to the capital as the new chief minister of Nagaland while attending the meeting of chief ministers that V.P. Singh, the new Prime Minister, had called to deliberate on the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid crisis.

The first thing Vamuzo did on reaching Delhi was to call on Shahi Imam Bukhari of the Jama Masjid, the leading Muslim voice in the crisis. The members of the powerful committee for the protection of Babri Masjid were also present with the Imam. After paying tribute to the magnificent, multi-faceted heritage buildings, so evident all over Delhi and which Islam had bequeathed to modern India, Vamuzo said:

“Our voice and our numerical strength are insignificant in the present dispute between the two contending giants, the Hindus and the Muslims. But on behalf of my people, the Nagas, I would like to say that to the countless millions of devout Hindus, Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, must be what Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is to us Christians. So, we can understand what they feel. I venture therefore to humbly but urgently appeal to you to please make an inspired gesture that will touch and satisfy the hearts of the Hindus without harming the dignity and message of Islam. Indeed, in doing what is right for Hindus on this issue will be a strong affirmation of the true greatness of Islam. Such a generous gesture would lead to the followers of all the religions of India offering to help our Hindu brothers and sisters to build a temple for understanding, healing and true worship. In view of the rising communal tension in the country, allow me to make this fervent appeal to your Eminence for high statesmanship”.

The Shahi Imam listened quietly and nodded gently in response. One could feel the burden of history weighing on his shoulders. The editor of an Urdu paper – who had acted as an interpreter – while escorting Nagaland’s chief minister to his car said, “I was so moved by the challenge of the appeal from the Naga people that you expressed (sic). I found it difficult to speak. Thank you for thinking of us and trying to help us.”

It was an initiative Nagas could be proud of. It gave a glimpse of the creative, healing roles we can play despite our many limitations if our purpose and meaning of life are relevant in a world looking for resolutions. (Vamuzo’s appeal to the Muslim leadership, through the Shahi Imam, at the height of the crisis is recorded in Zapra Chakhesang’s A Brief Biography of Vamuzo).

Also read: ‘If SC says Babri Masjid will be built elsewhere, it won’t be a victory but we will accept’

This article was first published in Nagaland Today.

The author is the brother-in-law of former Nagaland CM Vamuzo Phesao. He is a trustee of Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research, New Delhi and Guwahati. Views are personal.

Subscribe to our channels on YouTube & Telegram

Why news media is in crisis & How you can fix it You are reading this because you value good, intelligent and objective journalism. We thank you for your time and your trust. You also know that the news media is facing an unprecedented crisis. It is likely that you are also hearing of the brutal layoffs and pay-cuts hitting the industry. There are many reasons why the media’s economics is broken. But a big one is that good people are not yet paying enough for good journalism. We have a newsroom filled with talented young reporters. We also have the country’s most robust editing and fact-checking team, finest news photographers and video professionals. We are building India’s most ambitious and energetic news platform. And have just turned three. At ThePrint, we invest in quality journalists. We pay them fairly. As you may have noticed, we do not flinch from spending whatever it takes to make sure our reporters reach where the story is. This comes with a sizable cost. For us to continue bringing quality journalism, we need readers like you to pay for it. If you think we deserve your support, do join us in this endeavour to strengthen fair, free, courageous and questioning journalism. Please click on the link below. Your support will define ThePrint’s future. Support Our Journalism

Show Full Article