Rich tributes paid to May 6 'martyrs' at Mao
Source: The Sangai Express

Mao, May 06 2019: Hosts of civil society organizations including the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women's Union (NWU), Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, South (NPMHR), All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga People's Organization (NPO), Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation (NSF), different tribe presidents, Mao Council, Mao Naga Women's Welfare Association, Senapati District Students Association (SDSA), Senapati District Women's Association (SDWA), Mao Students' Union, former UNC presidents and many social leaders today paid rich tributes to Neli Chakho and Dikho Loshuo at Martyrs Park, Mao gate.

The 9th anniversary of the duo's martyrdom was organized by the Mao Council under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC).

Late Neli Chakho and Late Dikho Loshuo were among the group of protesters who took out a rally to protest the State Govt's decision to prevent entry of the NSCN-IM supremo T Muivah to his birthplace at Somdal in Ukhrul district.

Wreaths were laid at the Martyrs Park and a moment of silence was also observed in honour of the two martyrs at the start of the programme.

In his welcome note, S Daiho, vice president of the Mao Council stated that the two gave their lives for the cause of the land on this day in the year 2010.Newman Polah, ANSAM education secretary said that the two young promising youths belonging to Mao community were gunned down by military forces nine years ago.

The ANSAM leader stated that they have withstood all designs of the oppressors and they will still stand their ground even in the face of death.

Newman Polah also recalled the bravery of the two youths and the atrocities people suffered on this very day particularly by the Mao community for the rights of the people.

Newman also urged all to reaffirm their unwavering commitment in facing the task ahead which is the biggest responsibility of all.

Asha Wungnam, president, Naga Women's Union said that the death anniversary observation would certainly bring people of the land closer.

Joyson Mazhamo, convenor, NPMHR (South) asserted that the two rose against the communal decision that violated the rights of the land and they also knew that there were bombs and bullets but stood firmly for the rights of the people.

Solomon Arow, president, NPO, while paying homage to the two martyrs, stated that they had sown the seed of patriotism and nationalism by giving their lives that created an important day for the land.

The NPO president lamented that people have been deprived of the rights and the people's leader was denied entry to his own birthplace.

He urged the people of the land to take note of what is happening, what had happened and what might happen in future.

Citing Shihai Khunou village standoff between the Assam Rifles and the NSCN, he stated that the chapter is not yet closed.

He called upon all the people of the land to be prepared for any eventuality.

Kho John, president, UNC asked the gathering if anyone has ever come across someone being stopped from entering his own birthplace.

The UNC leader said that the two came out against such a decision of the Govt and confronted the security forces for their rights.

Sharing the grievances of the bereaved families of the two brothers, he asked the people to proceed with courage.

Such martyrdom took place for a cause and it would never go in vain.

While calling for unity among people, the UNC leader stated that divisions in a family cannot bring any solution.

He then asked the gathering to unite and act at the right time for the right cause.

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