First anniversary of Mao Gate incident held
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 06 2011: The first anniversary of the May 6, 2010 incident, in which two youths were killed when security forces fired at a crowd protesting against the government's decision to bar entry of NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah into Manipur was observed today.

Offering of floral tributes to the 'martyrs' epitaph erected at Mao Gate, dedicated to the two youths, Neli Chakho and Dikho Loshou, who died in the police firing.

President of Naga Hoho, Keviletuo Kiewhuo unveiled the 'martyrs' epitaph at Mao Gate which was followed by offering of tributes by a large number of people coming from different parts of Manipur and Nagaland.

A public meeting was hosted by the United Naga Council at Mao ground in which Keviletuo Kiewhuo graced as chief guest.

It was presided over by UNC president, Samson Remei and leaders and functionaries of many organisations like the Naga Student Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers' Association (NMA), Naga frontal organisations in Manipur, Naga tribes in Manipur, social leaders, dignitaries from all works of life attended the anniversary.

Group song being presented at the first nniversary of the Mao Gate incident (Photo:NNN)

The UNC president termed the two students who sacrificed their lives for the Nagas who are fighting for their rights.

He saluted the two youths and Kalimai villagers asserting that they stood for the cause of the Naga people when called for.

Recalling the incident, he said it was a peaceful rally against the brutal assault on an elderly man called Puni on May 5 of the year at Mao-Gate by IRB personnel and the unjustified ban of the entry of Th Muivah.

The Mao Women Welfare Association had taken out a peace rally, he recalled.

He asserted, "...our rights to live as equals with other peoples of the world are yet to be realized.

It has been forcefully snatched away from us without our consent by our adversary.

Thus restoring of our rights is our priority.

Until such time when we can take our own decision for our future, our suffering shall know no end" .

Reminding that Nagas has severed all political ties with the GoM, he said that UNC has urged the GoI to intervene for an alternative arrangement outside the existing state, and that the next round of tripartite talks is likely to be held before May 15 .

The UNC had written a letter to the Union home secretary to fix the next round of talks before May 15, 2011, he said "till alternative arrangement is made by the GoI for the Nagas in Manipur, justice is out of question; it will only remain a dream" .

"New Nations are born, new states are created and there is nothing which cannot be achieved provided we are prepared and willing to struggle," he said asserting that the only way to bring peace and harmony to all communities in the region is to respect each other's right.

As long as the rights of one community is exploited, suppressed or oppressed, conflicts will continue, he said concluding by calling the people to pledge to carry on with the struggle unitedly.

During the observance, plying of all kinds of vehicles including passenger carriers on NH 39 was suspended.

Normal life resumed as soon as the function was over.