UNC to observe Mao incident anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 03 2011:
The United Naga Council (UNC) is all set to observe the first anniversary of the infamous Mao firing incident wherein two student protestors were killed in alleged police firing and scores injured.
On May 6 last year, Neli Chakho and Dikho Loshou (both in their 20s) when Nagas defied State Government's decision to bar the entry of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah into Manipur and took out a protest rally at Mao Gate, bordering Nagaland.
Ahead of the anniversary observance the UNC has informed all the Naga villages to honour the 'martyrs' through abstention of manual works on May 6 .
According to a UNC statement, representatives of Naga organisations such as Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation, Naga Mothers' Association, frontal organisations of the community, social leaders and dignitaries from various walks of life will attend the observance to be held at Mao Gate, in Senapati district.
It is said that the martyrs' epitaph would be unveiled by the Naga Hoho president Keviletuo Kiewhuo and volunteers of All Naga Students' Association Manipur to give the traditional gun salute.
Moreover, conduct of special prayers for the bereaved families by Church leaders, solidarity messages by the NMA and NSF leaders and speeches by the UNC and Mao Council leaders would be the other highlight of the solemn event.
It may be noted that in the aftermath of the Mao incident, six Naga legislators tendered their respective resignation letters to the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, but are yet to be accepted till date.