CM Shürhozelie leads tributes to SS Khaplang
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 10
Political leaders and parties from Nagaland, cutting across party lines, today paid glowing tributes to veteran Naga leader late Shangwang Shangyung Khaplang, the Chairman of NSCN (K) who passed away at the Council Headquarter in Taka on June 9. He was 77.
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu said it was tragic that such an important Naga leader like Khaplang has expired at a time when the protracted Naga political problem is on the verge of being resolved, and the need for all different Naga political groups to come together to air their views and aspirations to the Government of India in one voice is absolutely imperative.
The Chief Minister rued that tragedy occurred when Khaplang had, a few months back, conveyed his willingness to have dialogue with the Government provided “issues of substance” were discussed.
In memory of the departed soul, and before the mortal remains are interred below ground, Dr Shürhozelie has appealed to “all grieving Nagas to resolve and dedicate ourselves to endeavour with renewed vigour and determination to find a solution to the Naga political problem which is honourable and acceptable to all stakeholders; and that this protracted problem be resolved during our lifetime and not to bequeath it to the future generations.”
“In memory of the departed leader who had dedicated all his life to the cause of the Naga people, let all Naga people dedicate ourselves to strive for peace, harmony and well-being of the entire Naga family so that we and our children can march ahead with the rest of the world as equals in the 21st century and for ever more,” the press statement read.
Nagas have lost a great patriot: Rio
Lok Sabha MP and former Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio termed the passing away of Khaplang as the end of an era.
“Nagas have lost a great patriot, a legendary personality and one of our tallest leaders. He was a person who made every possible sacrifice for the cause of his people and stood up for his people till his last breath,” Rio in his condolence message stated.
And as Nagas mourn his demise, the Lok Sabha MP gave a clarion call for Nagas to “rededicate our self towards the cause of unity and work unitedly for achievement of real and genuine peace for our people.”
Nagas have lost a bold leader, says Zeliang
Meanwhile, Chairman DAN & Advisor Finance, TR Zeliang expressed regret that Nagas have lost a bold leader before he could fully realize the mission and cherished dreams of the Nagas.
Zeliang said during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Nagaland, he had made several efforts to reach out, to request Khaplang to come back into a Ceasefire Agreement with the GOI.
“I was deeply touched and impressed when he sent back words of appreciation on sending the Naga Hoho, ENPO, NMA and Church leaders on their second trip to Myanmar with the same mission for Peace,” the DAN chairman recalled.
Dedicated his life to steer Nagas’ destiny: NPCC
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee President K Therie in his condolence note stated that Late Khaplang dedicated his entire life to steer the “Nagas towards the destiny of the noble goal and remained steadfast in the endeavour without wavering all his life.”
“His passing away at this crucial juncture of our history has created a huge vacuum which cannot be filled particularly as he had expressed willingness for dialogue, at a time when all sections of society are yearning for peace,” it said.
His contribution to the noble cause will be remembered in the annals of Naga history and his legacy inherited for generations to come, it added.
