Government of India urged to reach out to the NSCN (K) for ceasefire
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 14
A candle light service in memory of NSCN (K) Chairman, late SS Khaplang was held on June 14 at Old MLA Junction, organised by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).
In a prayer invoked by H. Moba Konyak, Pastor Konyak Baptist Church, Kohima, the Pastor said the gathering was not to glorify the departed leader but to recollect his immense contributions to the Naga struggle for freedom.
Sending out a clear message to the national media, Dr. Rosemary Dzüvichü, Advisor, Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) said, “Any leader, who sacrifices his life for the Naga cause, for us mothers, is a hero and cannot be labeled a terrorist.”
Dr. Dzüvichü further stated that what really happens to outside media is different from what is within the negotiating table, and the people who seek peace.
Appealing to the Government of India to reach out to the NSCN (K) for ceasefire, she acknowledged Khaplang’s leadership and his cadres who she said have fought for the Naga cause in the rough terrains of the Burmese jungle, denouncing all comforts of life, deprived of basic amenities and rights. “Let their lives be an example for all of us. It is within this kind of environment that gave birth to such a leader like Khaplang,” said Dr. Dzüvichü.
“We are losing our visionary leaders, leaders who could make a change, leaders who could secure the future that we wanted. They had the potential to give us the future we wanted. But then looking at what is going on around us in Naga society, especially the overground Naga public, politicians and us standing here today, I think our leaders are dying because we are not worthy of being their followers,” said Neingulo Krome, Secretary General, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR).
Krome noted that Khaplang “provided the living space, the air to breath for every freedom fighter right from the start,” citing examples of how Khaplang sheltered the Naga cadres who walked to China, crossing the Chindwin river and traversing the jungles.
Krome recalled that Khaplang was once offered the position of Chief Minister of the Nagas in Burma by the Burmese government but he denied that offer. “He refused to leave the hardships,” said Krome, who meanwhile also thanked Khaplang for admitting his mistakes.
Meanwhile, lamenting that Nagas living in the eastern side are being neglected, he pointed to how foreign companies are being allowed to exploit gold and other rich resources of the Naga areas in the east.
“We think Burma is a remote jungle, but it provided a safe haven for the Naga movement and our leaders. Even if we get sovereignty one day in one hundred years or in ten years from now, the future of the Naga people has to go to the East. The future of the Nagas is in the East and for that we have to thank Khaplang for consolidating the Naga areas and having kept it safe for us,” he stated.
Chuba Ozukum, President of the Naga Hoho also shared his experiences of meeting the late NSCN (K) Chairman and said he was a “true fighter, a visionary who stood for the conscience of a united Naga nation.”
A solidarity message was also delivered by Subenthung Kithan, outgoing NSF President.
Yangermongla I Pongen from Nagaland University paid tribute to the leader with the song ‘You are my Hero,’ following which the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Salew, Parish Priest, Christ King Church Kohima.
