Naga martyrs remembered
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Chandel, June 19 2014: The Naga people saluted and paid tributes to the 7 martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in the service of the people, during a commemorative function held today under the banner of 'Remembrance Day', (a tribute to the martyrs) at Martyrs' Park, Komlathabi in Chandel district.

The 7 martyrs were Shelley Chara, NG Sanii, Ashun R Jangvei, Nanthiurai Abonmai, GemCliff V Zimik, Dikho Loshou and Neli Chakho.

Organised by All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM), the function was attended by hundreds of people including UNC President L Adani, UNC former president Paul Leo and President of CNPO Ws Kanral Anal.

In addition, families and relatives of the Naga Martyrs, President and colleagues of ANSAM Units, NPMHR members, village chiefs, pastors and president and colleagues of tribe Hohos were also present.

Naga martyrs remembered

Giving a presidential speech, ANSAM President Seth Shatsang said that ANSAM was founded as a collective effort, voice and conscience of Naga students to safeguard land and people, and also to secure political future of the Naga people.

Saying that the land of the Nagas is not free from forced occupation and the colonial agenda of India is still not over, he added that the Naga people must probe deeper into the government's intention and interest in taking away people's sovereignty over the land.

The ANSAM president further said, 'We salute the supreme sacrifices made by these seven martyrs to protect the historical and political rights of the Nagas to live as one people.

Their sacrifice continues to uphold the dignity of the Nagas reassuring our unwavering stand towards our rightful place in the past and in future' .

President of United Naga Council, L Adani in his solidarity speech congratulated ANSAM for conceptualizing the 'Remembrance day' as a tribute to the martyrs who have died in the line of duty of higher call of selfless services to society.

He mentioned that UNC provoked by ANSAM initiatives discussed the aspect of remembrance day in the presidential council meeting held on May 28 last and it was felt that it would be sensible to have a common observance of the martyrdom of heroes jointly at the level of all Nagas and to have a collective martyrs' memorial at one venue, although the heroes may have attained martyrdom in different situations, places and times in history of the Naga struggle.

He stated that the UNC will continue to give priority and primacy to the martyrdom which are directly related to the Naga people's ongoing movement for Alternative Arrangement outside the govt of Manipur.

There should therefore be no misplaced sense of preferential treatment on this count, he added.

'As we remember our heroes by names and deeds, let us also leave space in our minds and hearts for those who have died unknown and in unrecorded circumstances, but in actions and with the spirit of sacrifice and service to our people', the president stated.

The Naga leader shared a few thoughts which according to him were vital for effective and result-yielding pursuits for the Naga political aspirations.

In this regard, he said, 'We must uphold each other and accommodate personal limitation to a united and integrated vision, voice and reflection of the organisation we serve in.

'Our cause, our national issue must be collectively owned by us and should never be burden or responsibility of others, the president pointed out while saying that the remembrance day is a good day to reaffirm once again the political position to secure a life of dignity and honour and political empowerment of the Naga people and have the rights to life and property, identity, and to its land and resources.

He also expressed hope that Nagas will achieve their aspirations in the spirit of struggle and sacrifice, which the martyrs epitomized before them and the world.