Mayopam, Ramkashing declared 'Naga Martyrs'
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, September 01 2014: United Naga Council (UNC) has declared Mayopam Ramror and Ramkashing Vashi, who were shot dead by State forces during the Saturday's peace rally, as the "Martyrs of Naga cause", while Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has taken the stand to observe August 30 every year as "Black Day" .

The historic twin declaration was adopted on Monday at TNL ground here where a public condolence service attended by over 15,000 people and representatives of different Naga tribes was conducted for Mayopam Ramror and Ramkashing Vashi.

The apex Naga body and Tangkhul organisation, after a thorough deliberation in their high-level meet, read out the declaration and endorsed by the public present during the condolence programme.

Mayopam, Ramkashing declared 'Naga Martyrs'

Thousands of people waved Nagalim flags as the funeral cortege started off at 12.30PM from TNL office with men in traditional war gears taking the lead and placed the coffin on the makeshift stage constructed inside the ground.

In a symbolic show of respect and honour to the departed souls, as many as 50 different organisations laid wreaths on the two coffins and presentations given with solidarity messages.

A heart-rending song, farewell note from families, friends and loved ones ran through the condolence service.

The mortal remains of Mayopam Ramror and Ramkashing Vashi were finally laid to rest on the western side of TNL ground as near and dear ones, friends and fellow Tangkhuls bid tearful adieu at around 4PM.Then, the congregation gradually walked their way home as the dusk approaches.

In Ukhrul today, the prohibitory order under 144 CrPC Act was partially lifted from various areas and the town remained totally shut.

A UNC's declaration announced by its president Adani read, "Late Mayopam Ramror and Late Ramkshing Vashi of Teinem village are hereby declared Martyrs of the Naga cause and will be honoured as such for all time to come" .

The apex Manipur's Naga body also reiterates its stand on "political boycott of the Government of Manipur in Naga areas," while strongly condemning the killings and violence of the GoM perpetrated on the Nagas in Manipur on August 30 .

Further, UNC enforced ban on all construction works on national projects in Naga areas and vehicular traffic on national and state highways from 6 AM of September 4 .

However, the educational institution, medical, power and media have been exempted from the purview of the blockade.

The agitation, it declared, will be effective till the New Delhi makes a political intervention on the situation faced by the Nagas in Manipur.

The Naga body said that that decision taken on Monday would be submitted to the Prime Minister of India.

On the second day after the violence hit the UNC sponsored rally, the Ukhrul town witnessed no untoward incidences and it still wears an uneasy calm as troops of 41 Assam Rifles continue to take out flag march.

TNL vice president SD Reisang, while declaring to observe August 30 every year as "Black Day", announced an ex-gratia of Rs.5 Lakhs each to the bereaved families.

Today's condolence service was also attended by representatives of Naga Hoho, UNC, NWUM, ANSAM, ATSUM, Zeliangrong Baudi, CNPO, NPMHR amongst many other Naga bodies.