Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 17
Convenor, Working Group of six Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), N Kitovi Zhimomi has described Late SS Khaplang, Chairman NSCN (K) as “a hero, a beacon of light” and that his death was a great loss to peoples and nations in South East Asia struggling for identity and existence.
Kitovi’s speech was read out in his absentia by Zhopra Vero, member of Working Group NNPGs at a public memorial service in honour of the departed leader at IMC Hall, Dimapur on Saturday. In the speech, Kitovi stated, “Though the adversaries sought to brand him (Khaplang) a terrorist, for Nagas and many other revolutionary patriots in the subcontinent, he was a hero, a beacon of light, a true nationalist and a humanist.”
Kitovi described Late Khaplang as the “golden bridge” that connected the divided Naga house and that an irreplaceable bridge was lost in his demise. Stating that Khaplang’s leadership was respected by other struggling people and nations, Kitovi further described him as the “epitome of a true freedom fighter and a leader of men.” He said their approaches might have differed in recent years but added that it was the necessity of time that they lived in.
Also speaking at the programme, peace activist, Niketu Iralu thanked Late Khaplang for making the Nagas of North-West Myanmar and their extensive homeland up to Chindwin River a part of the story of the Nagas setting out to be a people and nation. “This will always be regarded as his unique and lasting contribution,” he added.
Urging the Naga political groups to sit down and thrash out their positions to take the cause to a negotiated settlement, Niketu said, “Whatever the National Workers will decide together the public will accept. It will then be honourable, acceptable and therefore workable.”
President ENPO, Khoiwang Konyak spoke briefly about the history of Late Khaplang whom he said belonged to Shang family and born in Waktham village of Tang Shang Area, Myanmar. He said Late Khaplang reportedly acquired his primary education in Makyina and elementary education in Mizoram. “He (Khaplang) was one of the historians who knew nearly all history about the Nagas of both India and Myanmar. He spoke Kachin, Shan, Meitei and Burmese languages,” Khoiwang added. He also informed that Khaplang declared Nagamese as the official language in Naga areas of Myanmar.
A host of leaders including Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) Advisor, Z. Lohe; CNTC representative, RC Ovung; and Nagaland GB Federation representative, S. Konyak also spoke during the progamme.
The programme was jointly organized by ENPO and NTC and attended by representatives of various civil society organizations.
