Dimapur, June 10 (MExN): Several nationalist political groups today paid rich tributes to the NSCN (K) Chairman SS Khaplang who passed away in Taka on June 9. He was 77.
The NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th. Muivah extended his deep condolence to the bereaved family members of late SS Khaplang.
“The NSCN invokes the blessings from the Almighty to give comfort and sustenance to the saddened and pained hearts of the bereaved family and grant eternal rest to the departed soul of the leader,” Muivah said in a condolence message.
Based on the declaration made by its former Chairman late Isak Chishi Swu on forgiveness and reconciliation, Muivah said all “political mistakes” were forgiven in “the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Gen. (Retd) Thinoselie M. Keyho, President, NNC and Brig. (Retd) S. Singnya, Kedahge, FGN in a joint press statement had this to say of their old comrade Khaplang, “You had not only run your race well but inspired many of us to run and keep running. Though God has called you home to be with Him before you could see the end purpose of our common struggle and that this reality pains us greatly, those of us who are still alive will continue to run the course for the sake of our upcoming generations in keeping with our pledge to our people.”
Y. Wangtin Naga, President NSCN/ GPRN (Reformation) said the demise of Khaplang is a great loss for all the Nagas. “He was a great leader and big star among many stars,” Wangtin said in a press note.
Recalling his first meeting with late Khaplang in October 1998, Wangtin said the former whom he considers as his ‘Baba’ convinced him to join Naga National Movement. The Chairman “love the Nagas more than his own body” and which he has proved during his long union with him, Wangtin further stated.
Deeply regretting his demise, the NSCN (R) President shared “all the distresses and grieves with demise family and all the Nagas and Pray to God that, His Holy mercy may keep departed soul in heaven.”
ULFA (I) chairman Dr Abhizeet Asom in a condolence message said the Naga nation has lost a true and uncompromising nationalist without equals who “brought affinity” and a united stand” in the region. “This grandee of the indigenous citizens of WeSEA (Western South East Asia) will be greatly missed in the vales and hills of the compact.”
The National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) in a condolence message issued by its president D Yamrok stated that Khaplang will always be remembered as a great revolutionary leader.
