Dimapur, June 10 (MExN): Several organizations today mourned the death of SS Khaplang, Chairman, NSCN (K). He passed away on June 9 at the age of 77.
Naga Hoho: The Naga Hoho with “deepest sincerity” saluted and bid final goodbye to Khaplang, “one of the legendary figures in the making of the Naga History.” The life of SS Khaplang, according to a condolence message from P. Chuba Ozukum, President, Naga Hoho was marked by trials and tribulations wherein he stood tall building the Naga nation.
“He was a man who dedicated his entire life for the cause of Nagas till his last breath. He safeguarded the Naga nation against massive adversaries and thereby his life and leadership transpired inspiration and conviction to uphold the Naga nation,” the Naga Hoho described.
Stating that the NSCN (K) Chairman’s death has left a void but has also instilled hope that the Naga people will continue to grow, the Hoho affirmed, “Even as the Naga nation mourns his death, we shall arise to continuously uphold the Naga nation. We salute his leadership, vision and sacrifices.”
It further acknowledged that “we have indeed lost a great leader and a fatherly figure in the passing away of our beloved leader Late SS Khaplang.” In his death, it added, the Nagas have not only lost a veteran Naga nationalist but a “forthright statesman” who is irreplaceable. “This is a time for the Naga people to ponder seriously and take up the great challenges of leading Naga people to greater glories with renewed vision towards bringing unity and reconciliation among the Nagas.”
CPO: Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) in a condolence message described late SS Khaplang as one of the tallest leaders in the struggle for Naga sovereignty who had sacrificed his best for the political cause of the Nagas.
NTC: Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) also remembered SS Khaplang as one of the tallest Naga National leaders. “The departure of our legendary leader at this critical juncture in the history of Naga National Movement is a great loss for the Naga people as a whole,” stated a separate condolence message from NTC Media Cell. “The vacuum created by his demise is immense and cannot be filled for a long time to come. May his legacy continue to inspire and be cherished by the Nagas for generations.”
UNC: The United Naga Council (UNC) maintained that the demise of Khaplang is a “great loss to the Naga Nation.” In a message issued by its General Secretary S Milan, UNC said, “It will be tough to fill into the vacuum left by the leader.” The lifelong contributions of Khaplang towards the national cause, it added, will always be remembered and his sacrifices will be found in the pages of the political history of the Naga national movement.
The organizations also offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to God to grant them solace at this moment of grief and sorrow.
