Dimapur, June 12 (MExN): Condolences continued to pour in for SS Khaplang, Chairman NSCN (K), who passed away on June 9 at the age of 77.
Kholi: In an emotional condolence note, Gen (retd) Kholi, the Vice Chairman of NSCN (IM) said the news of sudden demise of “erstwhile comrade” SS Khaplang came as a shock to him. “Three days before you left the world, I saw you in my dream waving your hand at me. I thought with heavy heart that I would die soon. But, it turned out the other way,” the note read. “You had contributed what you could for Nagas. In spite of our human weaknesses and errors we all stood firm at all costs for the cause of the Naga Nationhood.”
Kholi added, “I honour your decision to struggle with arms for all Nagas again. Similarly, I have decided to take up arms for the people but without bloodshed: through peaceful means. Hence, I joined the NSCN leadership led by late Isak Chishi Swu and Th. Muivah who have been consistently negotiating with GOI for amicable solution to the lndo-Naga political problem.”
The condolence note further said, “I know you (Khaplang) have left with a fear that those self-proclaimed individual Naga leaders with Indian policy of divide and rule may disrupt Nagas’ common cause for one people, one Nation, but before anything happens, Ato Kilonser Th. Muivah and I, General (retd) Kholi will not allow the Nagas to be divided as: Arunachal Nagas, Assam Nagas, Manipur Nagas, Myanmar Nagas and Nagaland Nagas.”
MNF: Mizo National Front (MNF) president Zoramthanga expressed “deep grief” over the demise of the late NSCN (K) Chairman. “Khaplang informed me that he really liked to meet me in person. I also sent a message that I too am eagerly waiting for such an opportune time of meeting. He passed away before we could materialize our desire,” Zoramthanga recounted in a condolence note to Lt. Gen. Khango Konyak, NSCN (K) HQ. “However, under the guidance of your new leadership, I believe we will have a better chance and the Naga people will surely have peace and settlement with the grace and guidance of God.” He further extended condolence to the family of Khaplang and best wishes for the Naga people.
NSO: Naga Students’ Organisation (Myanmar) described Khaplang as “the great Naga leader and freedom fighter”, while expressing condolence over his demise. “He was a man of principle who was vehemently devoted to the cause of Naga sovereignty. A true patriot who gave his life unwaveringly for what he believed in,” stated Patun Khiam, Executive Chairman and Mankhat Konyak, President of NSO in a condolence message. It further asserted that the late leader deserves to be honoured by all Nagas irrespective of factions and locations, “for his sacrifices and contributions during the darkest hours of undivided Naga’s freedom struggle and political movement.” With his demise, it added, the Naga society has lost a visionary leader who gave his entire life for the noble cause of the Naga nation and it will be very hard to fill the void, especially for the Eastern Nagas. “His contribution and supreme sacrifice will shine forever in the history of the Nagas.”
NGBF: Expressing sorrow at the demise, Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) stated Khaplang had dedicated his entire life for the cause of Naga political struggle. “He was a true Naga political hero who stood against all odds both in India and Myanmar for the Nagas’ freedom till his last breath,” the Federation said in a condolence note. It felt that in Khaplang’s demise, Nagas have lost a great Naga political hero.
KIN: The Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN) in a separate message stated, “It is one of the saddest moments to learn that a tall leader like SS Khaplang has completed his life journey. His noble deeds and sacrifices for the Naga cause shall ever be remembered.”
ENSF: The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) along with its six federating units – Confederation of Chang Students’ Union, United Sangtam Students’ Conference, Phom Students’ Conference, Khiamniungan Students’ Union, Yimchungru Akheru Arihako, and Konyak Students’ Union – while expressing sadness over the demise recalled Khaplang’s “pursuance and sacrifice for the Naga cause and his spirit of unwavering resistance to bring his people into light, both physical and spiritual.” The Federation in a press note stated “the new leadership should lean its ear and hearts to the plea and cry of the Nagas by out-pouring its true Naga soul upon the negotiable table for peace and solution.”
ENWO: The Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) maintained that the late NSCN (K) leader has left behind a legacy of great leadership. Khaplang, it said, had endeavoured to realize the dream of every Naga “which is the existence of Nagas free from all foreign dominance.” The organization acknowledged his achievement in highlighting Naga issues to the whole world in his own different ways.
AYO: The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) remembered Khaplang as “a charismatic leader who had not only gathered momentum of nationalist feeling upon the Nagas but had influenced one and all for decades till his departure for his heavenly abode.” Declaring that his enormous sacrifices throughout his life for Nagas shall never be forgotten, it added, “We salute and acknowledge his contributions by giving leadership and his infallible integrity for the general welfare of the Nagas. Our respect will never be fragile, our salute and remembrances will cross centuries till we meet again.”
DPP: Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) stated Khaplang gave his entire life for the Naga cause and forever stood up for the rights of his people. “The sacrifices and contributions made by him for the cause of the people can never be measured in any manner…We must acknowledge their contributions and ensure that the present and future generations understand and appreciate the role of leaders like Khaplang,” stated DPP president, Chingwang Konyak in a message. It also said the late NSCN (K) Chairman was a man of peace, “as he sincerely sought to bring political solution and unity amongst the people. He aspired for a united Naga community under an environment of oneness.” The DPP further appealed to all sections and organizations to unite under the spirit of oneness and brotherhood. “We urge the political groups to respond to the cry of the people for genuine peace and hope that all the groups will come under the umbrella of ceasefire and secession of hostilities. Genuine peace and solution is the need of the hour and all sections must come together under a spirit of unity in the greater interest of our people.”
ENSUK: The Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union Kohima (ENSUK) paid “due utmost honor” to the late NSCN (K) leader “for his service dedicated for the Nagas and a history ever to venture forward.” In a message, it said, Khaplang left a mark so “the Nagas would reload a spirit of true patriotism in one call of unity. He will be remembered and his legacy will continue for generations to come.” Meanwhile, the Union extended full support to Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu for “boldly” condoling the death of SS Khaplang and at the same time condemned a news channel which criticized the Nagaland Chief Minister for the condolence message. “In fact, disintegration of brotherhood should not be allowed in any conscious or of any political interest,” it added.
WSH: The Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) in a statement from its president, Zheshito Swu and general secretary, Vikato K Achumi said the demise of the Naga leader is a great loss for the Naga people. It described Khaplang as a dedicated leader who committed his entire life for the cause of Naga people and remained devoted till his last breath. “He will be remembered by generations to come as a patriot for his selfless sacrifice,” it added.
The above mentioned organizations also offered sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed to God to grant them solace.
