Naga students' Remembrance Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Chandel, June 19 2019:
Naga organisations on Wednesday observed the 'Remembrance Day' at Kapaam village in Chandel district in the state of Manipur to remember Shelly Chara (1958-1995), Ashun R Jangvei (1961-1998), NG Sainii (1920-1998), Namthiurai Abonmai (1966-2005), Gemcliff Zimik (1972-2007), Neli Chakho (1990-2010), Dikho Loshou (1990-2010), Mavopam Ramror (1979-2014) and Ramkashing Vashi (1988-2014) .
The occasion is observed every year on June 19 organised by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) .
Tree plantation was also was held on the occasion at the observation site.
The participants also paid glowing floral tributes to these nine persons.
The Naga Hoho, the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), the United Naga Council (UNC), the Naga Women Union (NWU) and many more organisations participated in the programme.
The journey of a struggling people is always testing, said the ANSAM note which was read out on the occasion.
"It demands great courage and sacrifice and the course of the Naga people are no different but the spirit that has sustained the journey is perhaps unmatched because it has survived and resisted one of the longest battles in South East Asia waged against a people defending their land and history.
The battle has not ended," the ANSAM message added.
It then asked, "How do we translate the sacrifices into memories that give us strength and continue to kindle the spirit of our struggle as we carry on walking, sometimes the most solitary road?" The ANSAM said that many of those who gave their lives remain nameless and faceless but they all lighted our way and we celebrate the lives of these people who were not afraid to die.
"Today, they are our heroes and martyrs", it added.
In his message, Chuba Ozukum, president of the Naga Hoho, said that "their acts of selflessness and unconditional love for the Naga people will never be forgotten".
The Naga Hoho president also said that the Remembrance Day stands as a testament to the resilience of the Naga freedom movement.
The Naga Hoho president said that "we are a generation that stands at the crossroad of history with a responsibility to speak, to do, to be that voice in the wilderness to ask for righteousness so that there can be peace" .
Also speaking on the occasion, S Kho John, president of the UNC, stressed the need "to march in unison at this crucial juncture".
The UNC leader said that the Nagas must "move forward in one accord in order to achieve an honourable solution of the Indo-Naga political issue" .
In his message, Siipunii Ng, Assistant General Secretary of Naga Students' Federation, said that the student body respects the "sacrifices and the guts of the martyrs who stood for the truth till their very last breath" .
Also speaking on the occasion, W Asha, president of the NWU, said that the observation of the Remembrance Day is to "renew the bond of solidarity that empowers our people towards achieving democratic values..." .
In his message, Joseph Adani, president of the ANSAM, said that "all along our political journey our people have sacrificed lives" .
The ANSA president said that they sacrificed their lives in the hope and belief that the nation will be free from oppression, to live in freedom, to have the right to decide own destiny, and to continue as a nation" .