The bodies of the two deceased who were killed during police firing in January 31 in Dimapur, during a public mourning service in Kohima on Tuesday. (Morung Photo)
Public mourning held for two killed in police firing
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 1
The bodies of Thejavizo Metha (also known as Khriesavizo) and Bendangnungsang, who were killed during police firing in Dimapur on January 31, were brought to Kohima at around 5:00 pm on February 1. Braving the chilly weather, people from various sections gathered outside the MLA junction to pay respect to the two. A short ceremony was held at the MLA junction.
Pastor S. Metha prayed that through their death the Nagas will move towards the right direction. Pastor Metha further prayed for understanding and wisdom for the Nagas to go ahead.
Remarking their deaths as “a refining moment for the Naga family and a defining moment for democracy,” Dr. P Ngully from the Lotha Hoho said, “Our two sons have given the supreme sacrifice and I am sure that this will take the Nagas forward. They have truly shown the way for the Nagas on how to live.”
Dr. Ngully further stated, “They say that the tree does not eat its own fruit, the sun does not require its own heat. The way to live for others is truly the way of life and our two heroes have truly shown us how to live our life.”
“We stand together in solidarity, and we stand together for a common cause for the betterment of our society,” Dr. Vinito Chishi from Sumi Hoho said, and expressed regret over the two lives lost. “This should never happen in future. We need to fight together to fight for the common cause. We need to hold on to the truth, the absolute truth. Today we must resolve together that we will all stand together, encourage one another so that we can move forward for the progress of Nagaland,” he added.
Paying tribute, Dievi Yano, President of the Angami Students’ Union condemned the “horrific act of the Nagaland police who under the supervision of the so called leaders of the state have caused bloodshed and killing of our Naga brothers.”
Solidarity messages and tributes were delivered by the Kohima Sümi Students Union, and Ao Senden. “The time has come that we must ask to each and every one of us whether we are loyal to ourselves, whether we are loyal to the land, and whether we are loyal to our sons and daughters. And now is the time that we should be united with one voice and one action. Let us go forward and protect our land, our culture, our tradition,” stated a message from the Ao Senden.
Meanwhile, despite the appeals made by APO, the public refused to leave after the ceremony ended. Till the filing of this report, the bodies were being kept outside the MLA junction. Around 400 volunteers stood guard over them. Slogans were shouted by the gathering, including calls for the resignation of the Chief Ministers, MLAs and Parliamentary Secretaries.
Funeral service is scheduled to be held on February 2.
