Parents, friends, school fondly recall Elizabeth
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 04 2014:
The 11th death anniversary of Lungnila Elizabeth was observed today at Little Flower School with her parents, teachers and students of the school.
Addressing the gathering, Lungnila Elizabeth's father Francis Ngajokpa said that since he does not like so many students missing their classes because of the death anniversary function, from next year onwards, the death anniversary function would be restricted to only some Sisters and officials of the school.
The function may be observed together with all the students and teachers only on silver jubilee or golden jubilee, Francis Ngajokpa said.
He hailed Little Flower School as one of the best schools of the State.
The future of not only Manipur but the entire North East region is in the hands of students, said Francis.
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The Minister further exuded hope that numerous students of the school would become top leaders, administrators, scientists and doctors.
In this highly competitive age, there is no time for idleness.
As such, teachers need to motivate all the students to join the competition, he added.
Later, the Minister donated some book shelves and books in the name of Lungnila Elizabeth to the school library.
Francis Ngajokpa further assured that a waiting shed would be constructed within the school campus.
He also donated a sum of Rs 3 lakh to the school authority.
Education Minister M Okendro remarked that the murder of Lungnila Elizabeth 11 years back was a spine-chilling crime which pricked the conscience of every citizen of the State.
Noting that crimes against women and children have been rising in the State, Okendro highlighted the need for collective efforts in order to check this social malady.
Lungnila Elizabeth's mother Eastland Ngajokpa, Little Flower School Headmistress Martha Hinga and many other Ministers and MLAs too attended the function.
The death anniversary of Lungnila Elizabeth was also observed at Kyamgei Heibong Makhong under the aegis of NH-53 Truck Owners' Association and the Kanglei Sports Academy.
Offering of floral tributes, signing of hymns and presentation of gifts to the Mongshangei Old Age Home were the main features of the death anniversary observation.
MLAs K Sarat, Karam Thamarjit, social activist Dhanabir Laishram, officials and inmate of Mongshangei Old Age Home attended the function.
Speaking at the occasion, NH-53 Truck Owners' Association president and Kanglei Sports Academy advisor Kh Inaoba said that the death anniversary was being observed to consolidate the bond of unity between hill people and valley people.
Lungnila Elizabeth, then reading in Class III at Little Flower School was kidnapped from the gate of her school on November 4, 2003 before she was found murdered eight days later.
This brutal murder sent a shock wave across the State, Inaoba recalled.
He also mentioned about Francis Ngajokpa's magnanimity in dedicating her expired daughter (Lungnila Elizabeth) to the people of Manipur.
Mere rhetoric cannot bring unity.
Interaction and cooperation are crucial in all efforts to bring unity among different communities of the State, Inaoba said.
Later, certain gifts including rice were donated to the Mongshangei Old Age Home to mark the occasion.