Call for Naga unity marks martyrdom of Neli and Dikho
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Senapati, May 06 2014: In an emotionally charged tone, the Naga frontal organisations both from Nagaland and Manipur today called upon the the Nagas to stand united and carry forward the fight of the Nagas' cause to further height.

Naga frontal organisations, Naga public and students both from Nagaland and Manipur today conglomerated at Mao Gate in the Manipur-Nagaland border to pay homage to Neli Chakho and Dikho Loshou, the two young promising college students who were killed in the firing by State security force personnel on May 6, 2010 when the Nagas rose up to defy the Manipur Government's decision to bar NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his native village Somdal in Ukhrul district, Manipur.

"I have no silver or gold but I have my Nagas living in these beautiful place here," said Naga Hoho Speaker Medo Angami while addressing the programme which started at 11 am today at the 'Martrys Park, Mao Gate.

"These two students-Neli and Dikho died for a noble cause," stated the Naga Hoho Speaker.

Call for Naga unity marks martyrdom of Neli and Dikho

He then said the need of the hour is the unity of the Nagas at least among the civil society organisations.

Former United Naga Council (UNC) president Paul Leo while moderating the event said the 'brutal forces of Ibobi Singh' (Manipur chief minister) mowed down the two promising students and injured hundreds of innocent people mostly the women.

Paul Leo termed the May 6, 2010 Mao Gate incident as 'war declared' on the innocent people by the Manipur Government.

"With the sacrifice of the two students we have reaffirmed our struggle," said Naga Women Union president LM Tabitha.

United Naga Council president L Adani while addressing the gathering said the day of 'Martyrdom' of the two students is a good day to reaffirm once again the Nagas' political position as a people.

L Adani accused that there has been relentless attempts by the Manipur Govt to encroach upon the lands of the Nagas through administrative orders, gazettes, notifications, etc.

"Changes have taken place on the surface since that fateful May 6, 2010, but the material conditions in our collective life remain the same.

The same suppression of our rights, the same discrimination, the same manipulations, the same inequality in opportunities, the same opposition to our inherent rights to live with dignity and honour, the same objection to our aspirations for real political empowerment--they continue unabated and in more incisive measures although more subtly and camouflaged from within," stated the UNC president.

L Adani then said the UNC reiterates its support and solidarity for the rights and political aspirations of the fellow struggling tribal communities, other minorities and the marginalised sections of the majority community in the present state of Manipur.

Meanwhile, UNC general secretary Gaidon Kamei led in reaffirming to defend the rights of the suppressed people.

"We have refused to be cowed down by the violent suppression.

Today, as we pay our respects to the martyred students and other victims of the police atrocities, we also manifest our unwavering commitment to the world for an immediate alternative arrangement outside the communal government of Manipur, pending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue," asserted Gaidon Kamei.

He then said, "Our future, our properties, our dignity, our culture, our traditional practices, our political aspirations as a people are not safe in the hands of the communal government of Manipur" .

Meanwhile, All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) president Seth Satshang led in laying wreaths at the 'Martyr Park' at Mao Gate.

Secretary General of Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) Dr Gina terms the May 6 incident as the "sacrifice for our tomorrow".

She urged the young Nagas attending the event to start learning the Naga history, culture and tradition lest "we will lose our nation" .

The representative of Naga Students Federation (NSF) said, 'We stand here with anger and grief." The NSF representative then condemned the May 6, 2010 incident and called it and act of cowardice.

"The students' sacrifice shows the Nagas rights are dearer than their own lives," the NSF leader stated.

Various tribes' presidents also addressed the event.

UNC information secretary expressed the words of gratitude.

Artists such as the fame Life Pages, Lokho Chalai and students enthralled the crowds with their themed songs.