Senapati, November 20: Rev. A. Puni Mao, Member of the Collective Leadership of NSCN/GPRN, celebrated 50 years of Naga National service at Okhro Ikhro Ground, Mao Gate, under the theme “Rededicating Towards Nation Building with Thanksgiving.” The event was organized by the Mao Council and hosted by Chakre Chovow. Gen. (Retd) V.S. Atem, Deputy Ato Kilonser of NSCN/GPRN, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Reflecting on Rev. A. Puni Mao’s life, he was born in 1944 into the Mao tribe. After completing his matriculation at Mao-Maram Higher Secondary School, he studied theology at Berean Baptist Theological College and worked with Operation Mobilization (OM), an international Christian organization focused on youth mobilization. In 1971, he returned to Nagalim and, in 1972, became a pastor at Mao Baptist Church, Kohima. There, his increasing awareness of the Naga political situation led him to join the Naga Revolutionary Movement despite numerous challenges. He was ordained as a Reverend in 1976.
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Over his 50 years of service, Rev. Puni held various roles, including Chaplain-in-Charge and later Head Chaplain of the Naga Army, Regional Chairman of Shepoumaramth (twice), Kilo Kilonser (three times), Convenor of the Steering Committee (twice), National Caretaker during emergencies, Vice President of the Council of Nagalim Churches, and Convenor of both the National Security Council and the Award Committee. Since June 2013, he has been a Member of the Collective Leadership.
Rev. Puni and his team baptized around 50,000 individuals in Myanmar-occupied Nagalim and established over 200 churches. He also traveled extensively across Asia and Europe for political mobilization and negotiations. In recognition of his selfless contributions, he received the highest Naga national honor, the President’s Award, in 1994.
Rev. Puni married HL Vangamla on December 31, 1989, in the jungle of Thiwa Village. HL Vangamla joined national service in 1986 and is a pioneer of the National Socialist Women’s Organization of Nagalim, Shepoumaramth Region. She currently serves as a Kilonser in the GPRN. The couple has four daughters and one son, along with seven grandchildren.
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In his welcome address, Dr. S. Lorho Pfoze, ex-MP of Outer Manipur, described Rev. Puni as a torchbearer during challenging times in the Naga movement. Dr. Pfoze highlighted the hardships Rev. Puni endured in the jungles and commended his unwavering commitment. He also pointed out that the Indian government’s recognition of the Nagas’ unique history and subsequent ceasefire agreements were milestones in the struggle.
Gen. (Retd) V.S. Atem praised Rev. Puni as a man of faith and vision. He recounted Mao’s resilience despite arrests and torture, emphasizing that no force could break his spirit. Atem also underlined the distinct identity, culture, and land of the Nagas, lamenting the legacy of colonialism and current oppressive policies like AFSPA.
Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, called the event a historic milestone for the Naga people. He urged unity and mutual respect among the Nagas, emphasizing that the fight is not against India but for the upliftment of Naga society.
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In his address, Rev. A. Puni Mao expressed gratitude to God for guiding his journey. Quoting Proverbs 29:28, “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” he emphasized the importance of visionary leadership. Reflecting on the contributions of leaders like A.Z. Phizo, he noted their enduring influence on Naga nationalism.
Rev. A. Puni Mao also recounted the challenges he faced post-Shillong Accord, including being shunned by his community. He credited the Poumai tribe and other supporters for helping him restart his mission. Acknowledging the sacrifices of the Poumai, Maram-Thangal, and Mao tribes, he expressed his gratitude and called for rededication to the Naga cause.
Solidarity messages were delivered by Maj. (Retd) Hutovi Chishi Swu, Convenor of the Steering Committee, NSCN/GPRN; Ng. Lorho, President of the United Naga Council; Vilanuo Angela Yhome, President of the Naga Mothers Association; members of the Naga Students Federation; Kraibo Chawang, Member of the Collective Leadership, NSCN/GPRN; and representatives of the Mao Council.
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