Naga CSOs pay tribute to Mao martyrs
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, May 06 2022:
Different Naga civil society organisations paid rich tribute to late students, Dikho Loshuo and Neli Chakho, who were martyred on May 6, 2010 at Mao Gate.
Both Dikho Loshuo and Neli Chakho were martyred when a silent protest rally taken out at Mao Gate against Manipur government's denial of entry to NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah from visiting his native village led to police firing.
In the firing by Manipur police commando and IRB personnel, Dikho Loshuo, a BA 2nd year student at St Joseph college, Jakhama and Neli Chakho, another BA 2nd year student at St Joseph Evening College, Bangalore, both hailing from Mao Kalinamei village, were killed and many others injured.
In his key note address at the tribute function, Mao Council president Dr Saheni Loli regretted the loss of two young promising students during the protest and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
United Naga Council (UNC) general secretary S Milan recalled the May 6, 2010 fifing incident and said that two young students sacrificed their lives while trying to protect their land.
He also recollected the horrible scene at the incident site where many Mao leaders, men, women and children were injured.
In her solidarity message, Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) vice president Sani Sarah stated that the sacrifice of Dikho and Neli gave hope to rest of the students for putting more efforts towards become better people in their endeavours while Naga Women's Union (NWU) president Asha Wungnam urged all to stand together and fight with unity without which people cannot move forward.
Speaking at the event, Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) president Pung Mark observed that the May 6 incident at Mao Gate is a brutal reminder of social injustice and denial of people's rights as ANSAM president Thiirtung Wanglar said that martyrs don't die but continue to live in the hearts of the people.
Martyrdom is the price one pays to ensure freedom for the upcoming generation, he said and also saluted all the martyrs who ensure freedom by sacrificing their lives.
SDWA president RN Hannah also recalled the day as a shocking and unforgettable one in the history of Nagas.
While paying homage to the departed souls, the women leader saluted all who were injured in the firing incident and all who dedicated their lives sacrificing spirit for the cause of Nagas.