MLA Khashim inaugurates 20th Peh Martyrs' Memorial Trophy
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, December 27 2021:
Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum on Monday inaugurated the 20th edition of the Peh Martyrs' Memorial Trophy 2021 which was instituted in memory of the fallen Naga national workers from Peh village at the village public ground.
The tournament which will continue till January 1, is being organised by the Nine Star Sports Organisation (NSSO).
The name of the organisation is derived from the nine clans of the village.
Attending the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, MLA Khashim hoisted the NSSO flag and declared the tourney open in the presence of former ADC members T Lawrence, VS Paothing, K Dickson and HS Ngamsung, and NSSO chairman AS Ashim and its other officials.
"I pay my deepest respect to all the fallen Naga heroes from Peh village.
Peh village has produced many prominent Naga national workers like Oja Angelus, Oja Lumpa and others who had fought a good fight for the cause of Naga nationalism," said the MLA after observing a moment of silence in remembrance of the deceased national workers.
"They passed away without seeing thee fruit of their labour but they definitely left a priceless legacy of sacrifice, ideology and vision for the Naga National Movement," he said.
Asserting that the memorial tournament is a fitting tribute to truly honour the fallen Naga national workers, he urged the villagers, especially youngsters to continue to uphold the legacy through holding of the sporting event.
"They are no more with us today but we simply cannot afford to forget the supreme sacrifice made by them for the Naga National movement," he stressed.
He also urged NSSO to make the tournament significant in keeping with its objective of tribute to the fallen heroes and not to turn it into a run-of-the-mill sporting event at any cost.
MLA Khashim went on to appeal to the locals to make the festive season and the sporting event as an opportunity to promote unity and cohesion among themselves.
Meanwhile, a total of six' soccer, Clubs of the village are competing for the trophy.
Ahead of the opening match, team captains of the six participating teams laid wreaths on the memorial stones of the fallen heroes as a mark of honour.