THE 19th FOUNDATION DAY OF OPERATION SALVAGE
It was 19 years ago when the realization was dawn that the Naga revolutionary movement which started many years ago to save the Naga nation must include humanity as well, to contribute its hands to make the world free from the bondage of drugs & alcohol. “Operation Salvage” was thus founded on the 7th June, 2003, by NSCN in Heningkunglwa in Peren district of Nagaland. Operation Salvage has come a long way determined to fulfill the adopted mission. On June 7, 2022, it celebrated the 19th Foundation Day to send the message across that the rehabilitation center is still going strong to contribute its hands to save the life of many who are deeply drenched in the wretched world of drugs & alcohol.
The occasion was celebrated with invitees from NMA (Naga Mothers’ Association), NSF (Naga Students Federation), ZBCC (Zeme Baptist Churches Council), WSBAK (Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu) and NSCN dignitaries led by Rev. A. Puni, Hon’ble Member, Collective Leadership, NSCN.
Interesting experiences and testimonies were shared by the invitees and inmates that have recovered from the rehabilitation centre to join the society they belong, leaving the past behind.
Rev. A. Puni, Member, Collective Leadership, NSCN, as Chief Guest, stated that whether a person is a reverend, a pastor, a deacon or whoever it might be, unless there is testimony to share, life has no meaning and they are as good as lost people. He quoted what NSCN General Secretary Mr. Th. Muivah testified before the Government of India during the course of the Indo-Naga talks, “Nagas are not lost people.” He also mentioned what the Bible says, “Where there is no vision people perish.” He was full of praise for Mr. David Perie, Administrator of the Operation Salvage. “Had Davied Perie not been a visioner and had God not call him, the Operation Salvage would not have survived this far.
Rev. Puni said that it is easy to convert people from one religion to another but to heal a person spiritually is a gigantic task. He recounted his days in Eastern Nagalim and how difficult it was to convert those people to Christianity. He shared his testimony and how hard he worked with those Eastern Nagalim people in serving God. He proudly testified that NSCN leaders assigned for the mission could establish as many as 200 churches in the areas.
Pointing to the inmates he concluded saying, “In the same manner, until and unless you realize who you are, from where you come and where you are going, you will never change. It is only through God that you can set yourself free from drugs & alcohol addiction. Therefore, dedicate yourself to God.”
The NSF President urged upon the youths, political leaders cutting across party line and various organizations and departments to wake up and work together in unison in combating and eradicating the social evils emanating from drugs, alcohol and substance abusers as it is a menace to the society.
The NMA stressed that while parenting is to both father and mother, combating drugs, alcohol and other substance abuse is to community. Therefore, to combat these social evils the community itself has to change their way of life. Coming closer to God can help the society fight the menace of drugs and alcohol addiction. NMA lauded the role of NSCN and pointed out the need to establish more rehabilitation centre in other districts as well because saving one’s life is the biggest service to God.
WSBAK representative thank the visionary founding leaders, NSCN, CSOs Churches and well wishers in contributing to run the rehab center and saving hundreds of lives from drugs and alcohol addiction.
ZBCC acknowledge the role of NSCN who came to establish the rehab centre in the village and rescued them from the bondage.
Mr. David Perie, Administrator, Operation Salvage emphasized on the right approach to combat drugs & alcoholic addiction. He made the point clear that we must have a close relationship with God to face life’s challenges.
Rev. Dr. Mongzeung, Pastor, JTLBC, who speaks on the topic “The role of community in combating drugs and alcohol addiction” quoted from the Bible, Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost,” to drive home the message that God love the sinners, including the alcohol and drug addicts. He underscored the need to change our mindset and mentality in our approach towards treating this particular type of people. He stressed on the importance of redefining our spiritual growth to clean the society.