Kohima, May 16: Amidst tight security, the centenary celebration of AZ Phizo (1904-2004) was celebrated here on Sunday at local ground, Kohima, even as two minor explosions rocked the state capital.

Police sources confirmed that gelatin sticks exploded when some unidentified miscreants lobbed them inside the venue at 7.15 am and another was exploded towards the Northern end of the venue exactly at 12.00 noon, when the function was going on.

The programme started at 11 am.

It may be recalled that the NSCN (IM) had strongly condemned the day�s celebration charging some vested interest of trying to distort Naga history.

Ahead of the function, Kaka D.Iralu noted Naga scholar, who is also the secretary of centenary celebration committee, was reportedly abducted by the NSCN (IM) on May 13.Despite the abduction, the centenary celebration committee when ahead with the function with convenor Thepfulhouvi sending a strong message that Naga-land was not a land of abduction and kidnapping, but a land of peace, honesty.

He also appealed to all concerned to immediately release the secretary.

In her message on the 53rd anniversary of Plebiscite day and birth centenary of AZ Phizo, sent from London, Ms Adino Phizo, President Naga National Council (NNC) said the national stand on sovereignty was unassailable adding that the Naga people were not demanding favour from India, but rather respect for Naga independence.

She also said successive Indian leaders at the helm of affairs in the largest democracy could not see any contradiction in its attempt to trample on Nagaland democracy.

"It would seem not unreasonable to suggest to New Delhi that sooner or later, a solution to the conflict between the two na- tions has to be found," she said.

"There can be no excuse for India to continue dallying with outfits led by vested interest peripheral to Nagaland politics and with no mandate to represent Nagaland.

Such outfits in nexus with the Indian army have been seen as threat to peace in neighbouring Indian states and in Nagaland in recent time," she pointed out.

Ms Phizo also paid her glowing tribute to the people who had sacrificed for the nation.

In her address, RK Khuman Leima Devi, President of International Manipur Mothers Association said Phizo was not only the son of Nagaland but had also inspired rest of the north east with the idea of self determination.

Kuldip Nayar, former India High Commissioner to UK, in his message from Delhi said that he was optimistic about the ongoing peace talks and appealed for non-violence to solve the Naga problem.

Various speakers including Takuyaba former minister, Shapwon Heimi, Eastern Naga, Zovehe Lohe, former speaker, N Azu Newmai, Zeliangrong Naga Vilekho Peseyie, Vilhouthie Rhiepfu, Phesan Khiamingam also addressed the gathering, while special song and dances were presented by Khonoma Villagers, Khedi Baptist Church, Kohima village, Chakhesang choir, Chakhesang and Khiamungam cultural troupe.

Earlier Khrieleno Terhuja read the bible and two minutes silence observed in memory of departed souls with Rev Beilie� Sh�ya offering the benediction prayer as Vaprumu Demo delivered the vote of thanks.

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