Imphal, May 02: Despite the differences in the policies and beliefs between the NSCN (IM) and the UNLF, the Chairman of the latter, Sana Yaima, has offered his salutes to one of the most erudite leaders of the NSCN (IM), Angelus Paiza Shimrah who passed away following an ailment on April 29.In a personally signed statement, the Chairman of UNLF, Sana Yaima, said that though there are differences in the outlook and beliefs between the two organisations, these differences cannot extinguish the bond of friendship that was shared before.

This is reinforced by the demise of "Oja Angie," pronounced Sana Yaima.

Recalling his earlier associations with Angelus, the Chairman of UNLF said that way back in 1976, he led a two member representative of the outfit to Eastern Nagaland base area.

"There I first became acquainted with Angelus," said the UNLF chief and added "from there we along with 78 cadres of the Tangkhul region of the outfit proceeded towards Somrah tract, which is today in another country, from a place in Ukhrul district The destination was a place inhabited by a Naga tribe known as Khiemnungan.

"From there we trudged along the hills for another 20 days before we could reach the headquarters of NNC.

"However many leaders of the NNC had gone to China, including Th Muivah and we had to wait.

"During this time we shared the mess with Angelus Shimrah for a long time, spending one year together and we discussed the ethics of the revolutionary movements".

As Angelus served as a teacher at Don Bosco School, Chingmeirong, he understood the unity and integrity of this land, said Sana Yaima.

Along with the history and tradition of the land Shimrah was intent on forging the idea of oneness on a day to day basis, Sana Yaima said saluting the departed soul.

Saluting "Oja Angie", Sana Yaima said that he was the guide who led them through the jungles of Arunachal Pradesh in April 1979 to Manipur.

Sana Yaima also recalled his associations with Shimrah in Manipur too.

After 1980, when the NSCN split between the IM and K group, Angelus Shimrah played a pivotal role in developing the ties between the two outfits.

Sana Yaima also shared the grief and pain of the bereaved family members of the late leader and prayed for the departed soul.

Comment