Kohima, June 11 (MExN): Members of various social networking sites observed a candlelight vigil service in the state capital as a mark of respect and honour to late SS Khaplang, Chairman of National Socialist Council of Nagaland.
The candlelight service was jointly organised by members of different social networking sites/blog/WhatsApp groups viz., Naga Discussion Forum (NDF), The Naga Mirror (TNM), Sumi Youth Hoho (SYH), Naga Political Analysis Wing (NPAW) at High School Junction, Kohima at 11:30 pm on June 10.
According to a press release, a short message was delivered by Heno Lushing, Speaker of Eastern Nagaland Students Union Kohima (ENUK) during which he reminded participants about the “immeasurable sacrifices” rendered towards the Naga political aspiration by Khaplang. He urged the present generation to carry on the baton passed down by the departed leader.
He also urged on all the NPGs to come together in true spirit of unity and oneness through proper political dialogue so that our aspirations to become one Naga Nation will come to pass. During the service, Heno also read the last message of Chairman Khaplang where the late leader called on the younger generation to “hold on the torch of our freedom until we reach the promised land."
The organisers also pasted posters at the venue some of which read "Another leader down but, the legacy will live on", " the true and great Naga Nation freedom struggle leader has gone for eternal rest", "A legend who never compromised on Naga Sovereignty till his last breath".
A short sermon was delivered by Kito Shohe, Assistant Pastor, Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima (SBCK) on Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, which reads, “There is time for everything, a season for every activity under the heavens, a time to be born and a time to die.”
Participants also shared their grief, sorrow and pain at the loss of the leader and extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, comrades, and to the Naga Nation as a whole.
“Despite the late hour and a short notice around 30 plus young Naga patriots from different walks of life gathered to pay their respect to our departed leader,” the organisers informed. The service concluded with a prayer by a pastor.
