NSCN (IM) from Lotha along with Lakhuti Village councils and officials commemorating the 12th death anniversary of Khodao Yanthan at his graveyard Aitepyong, Lakhuti Village on March 1.
NSCN (IM) Collective Leadership, Ato Kilonser pay tributes
Wokha, March 1 (MExN): The 12th death anniversary of Khodao Yanthan, the former vice-president of NSCN (IM) was today observed at his graveyard at Aitepyong, Lakhuti Village on March 1.
Speaking on the occasion, M Daniel Lotha, Kilo Kilonser, GPRN noted that the Nagas and specifically the Lothas, need to come together and remain prayerful with respect and regards to the old good deeds set by the ancestors.
He further called for retrospection and following the footsteps of the ancestors who “vow for collect and forgiveness for the unified Naga as one without differences,” a press release informed.
The Kilo Kilonser also challenged all stakeholders and leaders to support the “projected works which till today the Naga are longing for” and preventing disunity from overshadowing the future.
He also called for emulating and integrating the principles of late Khodao, a tallest figure among Naga freedom fighters, the release added.
Daniel also delivered a message from the Yaruiwo (Chairman) and Ato Kilonser of NSCN (IM) at the event.
On the occasion, Zachamo Yanthan shared the biography of late Khodao, while an obituary message were delivered by Ebibemo Lotha, Kilonser, NSCN (IM); family members; Lakhuti Village Council; Kohima Lakhuti Union; Lakhuti Officer's Forum; Official from Lotha Region NSCN (IM); and Ex-MLA, Y Sulanthung Humtsoe.
A prayer for Lotha Naga National Workers was also pronounced by Oben Patton, Associate Pastor Lakhuti Baptist Church (LBC).
The Lotha Region of NSCN (IM) also sought “constant support through prayers, moral support, and contribution to the legitimate Naga freedom struggle and extend support for more activities to be initiated in the days to come,” the release said. The attendees extended constant support and welcome any development in acknowledging late Khodao, it added.
Meanwhile, in its anniversary message, the Collective Leadership of NSCN (IM) stated that it fondly remembers comrade Khodao as someone “who gave his everything for the liberation of the Naga freedom under forceful occupation of the Indian armed forces.”
“He showed us the way that the Naga freedom has to be regained through liberation movement from the hands of the occupational forces,” and the struggles involve “blood, sweat and tears,” stated a message issued by Q Tuccu, Yaruiwo NSCN (IM) on behalf of the Collective Leadership.
Accordingly, Khodao left behind a legacy of sacrifice, commitment and dedication, it said, adding that Nagas are blessed to have a leader like him who gave up the “path of comfort and pleasure of family life at home and be on the forefront of a massive Naga liberation movement.”
“It was his ‘never surrender spirit of leadership that gave the Naga hope and inspiration which has brought us this far today,’” the Collective Leadership stated.
“We salute and honor him for being one of the brave heart leader of the Naga political struggle. We shall stay the course and follow his footprints till the last man standing,” it added.
NSCN (IM) Ato Kilonser, Th Muivah in his message stated that he still miss the Khodao’s presence and said that it was the classic example that a “personality as such possessing all form of characteristics to qualify a person as a true statesman is truly rare. “
“A well-built man equipped with great wisdom and courage stood as the backbone of the NSCN and Nagas in general. I won't be able to do justice if I have to declare all of his achievements in this limited space,” he said.
Muivah also called for celebrating late Khodao’s legacy by “putting the teachings and ideology that he have left us into practice.”
“One of the architect in shaping the Nation, he fought for the rights of every Nagas till his last breath. We cannot let his sacrifice go in vain,” he added.
Muivah also noted that Naga’ adversaries are presently “attacking us from every corner by dividing us” and asserted that this was something late Khodao, his dear friend “would not allow us to succumb if he was alive.”
To this end, he urged every Nagas to come together and stand their ground from every force – “physical or psychological, that our adversaries are using to break us.”
“As we inch closer to witness the new dawn of the Naga nation, let us all, in unison give one strong push and have our God-given right and identity achieved. And as we achieve, our late leader, my friend, Khodao Yanthan will rejoice with us in heaven,” he added, further rendering his condolence once again to the family and many friends of the departed leader.
