DIMAPUR, JULY 13 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) today issued a condolence message expressing grief at the deaths of 6 cadres who were killed on July 11 at Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The slain cadres were Lieutenant (Posthumous) Somaya Shatsang, 2nd Lieutenant (Posthumous) Ashak Wangsa, Sergeant Major (Posthumous) Somipam Shaiza, Sergeant major (Posthumous) Sawang Pansa, Corporal (Posthumous) Lentsuba Lalii and Corporal (Posthumous) Paogouhao Lhangum.
The MIP press release said that the six were “gunned down by combined forces of Assam Rifles, Indian Army and Arunachal Pradesh state police forces in contravention of the existing Indo-Naga ceasefire.”
“The precious lives of these promising young soldiers may have been cut short, but they have indeed gained martyrdom in this cruel death while in the line of national duty. They have made the ultimate sacrifice at the altar of freedom and their names have been recorded in the annals of Naga’s struggle for independence,” the NSCN (IM) stated.
It meanwhile expressed condolences to the bereaved family members. The NSCN (IM) further informed that the office of the Adjutant General of the Naga Army has posthumously promoted the six Naga Army personnel to their next higher rank.
Meanwhile, a separate press release from the CAO of the NSCN (IM), Wancho region also expressed grief and said: “We are at loss of words when we the national workers of Wancho Region and the GPRN adhered and respected the Ceasefire Agreement signed between the GoI and NSCN since 1997 till date in addition to recognition of political and historical rights of the Naga movement after the historic signing of the Framework Agreement.”
“Today, we stand in solitude to give our revolutionary to the six brave sons of our soil who gave their lives for the better tomorrow of all the Naga people,” the press release added.
Naga Hoho appeals for return of mortal remains
The Naga Hoho has written to the Deputy Commissioner of Longding and appealed for the return of the mortal remains of the 6 slain NSCN (IM) cadres for final rites in their respective villages.
“Our conscience does not allow our sons to be buried in an unknown land without showing respect to the departed souls,” said the letter from the Naga Hoho President, HK Zhimomi and General Secretary, K Elu Ndang. It urged the DC to make necessary arrangements and send the mortal remains to Nagaland.
