ANSAM observes Remembrance Day in Chandel
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, June 19 2023:
All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) observed its 10th Remembrance Day at ANSAM Memorial Park, Kapaam (Komlathabi) in Chandel district with the participation of Naga apex bodies.
The attendants laid wreaths to the martyrs and observed a minute's silent prayer as ANSAM executives presented a detailed account of activities and sacrifices of the martyred souls, including Shelly Chara from Moyon tribe who served as the ANSAM president in the 1986 88 term.
It was during his presidentship that the infamous "Operation Bluebird" at Oinam village was launched.
He became Convenor of the Coordination Committee on Oinam issue (COCOI), arrested under the Anti-Terrorist Act in May, 1988 and in 1993 took over as Convenor of Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) .
He was assassinated on June 19,1995 by non-state actors.
The martyrs remembered on the occasion also included Ashun R Jangvei, who served as a Social & Cultural Secretary of ANSAM in 1990 and as president of Lamkang Students' Union (LKK) in 1997 when the Kuki and Naga conflict broke out.
Even after his youngest brother JV Rengshing was killed by Kuki armed groups he continued to campaign against the violence on Naga people for which he faced threats and was slain by Kuki National Army barely a year after his brother s death.
Meanwhile, Sanii (78) of Tung-gam village was serving as a deacon in his church when he was killed in indiscriminate firing by Manipur Rifles at Senapati Bridge during the agitation of ANSAM against the attempt of the government of Manipur to create Sadar Hills district.
In June, 2001, the Indo-Naga Ceasefire was extended to all Naga areas "Without Territorial Limits.
" The Meiteis reacted violently against the Naga people s quest for peace and proclaimed that There are no Nagas m Manipur state." In 2005, the state govern ment declared June 18 as a state holiday which ANSAM protested as an insult to the Naga people.
On June 19, 2005, Namthiurei Abonmei took risk and attempted to blow up the Irang Bridge as he had firm belief that only extreme step would evoke response from the state and central governments and reverse glorification and le-gitimisation of the violence of June 18.Unfortunately, he lost his life during the valiant act.
Another martyr namely Gemcliff Zimik served Zingtun Tangkhul Katamnao Long from 2004 till his death in 2007.In 2006, he was made the Co-convenor of Coordination Committee, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong during which schools in Naga areas in Manipur were prompted to take their HSLC examination in Nagaland under NBSE as a mark of protest against imposition of Manipuri language.
While facilitating movement of the students to Nagaland, Gemcliff died in a car accident on January 27,2007 .
Neli Chakho was a BA 2nd year student of St Joseph College, Bangalore and Dikho Loshuo Mao a BA 1st year student of St.
Joseph College, Jakhama both hailing from Kalinamei village.
The duo was martyred on May 6,2010 at Mao Gate as they confronted the state forces when the government banned the entry of Th Muivah and his entourage from entering the state.
Ramkashing Vashi and Mayopam Ramror were killed on August 30, 2014 when police com mandoes and India Reserve Battalion opened fire on a peaceful rally in Ukhrul organised by the United Naga Council against militarisation of Naga areas.
Both were from Teinem village in Ukhrul district.
In his presidential address, ANSAM president Luikang Luckson stated that the Naga martyrs made their supreme sacrifices to defend their land.
It is because of their sacrifices that will always remain in the hearts of the Nagas.
The president also urged the Nagas to remain firm and march in unity to defend the land and identity.
Delivering the solidarity message, Naga Women's Union president Asha Wungnam stated that although the martyrs are no more, their story remains alive and inspires the younger generation.
ANSAM former president Joseph Adani also spoke on the solemn occasion which was marked by blessing prayer conducted for the martyrs' families by Kapaam Baptist Church pastor Dr Adoreson and distribution of token gift to family members of the martyrs.
Comment
