ANSAM Memorial Park inaugurated to observe Martyr’s Remembrance Day
Morung Express News
Chandel | June 19
Naga Hoho President, Chuba Ozukum, today stated that, “It is time to go beyond our affiliations and think in the lines of the Naga Struggle to achieve the dreams of our Naga people.”
He was speaking during the observance of martyr’s Remembrance Day and the inaugural of the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) Memorial Park at Kapaam Village in Chandel District Manipur.
The martyr’s who were remembered during the day were Shelley Chara (1958-1995), Ashun R. Jangvei (1961-1998), Ng. Sani (1920-1998), Namthiurei Abonmei (1966-2005), Gemcliff Zimik (1972-2007), Neli Chakho (1990-2010), Dikho Loshou (1990-2010), Ramkashing Vashi (1988-2014), and Mayopam Ramror (1979-2014) Ozukum laid a wreath in remembrance of the martyrs and also inaugurated the park – situated on a picturesque hillock donated by Kapaam Village.
Terming the memorial park as “a symbol of a new Naga land”, Ozukum stated that the park stands as “a symbol of witness and resilience” of the Naga people. He expressed hope that the park will one day be a testament that the Nagas will overcome all hurdles.
Urging a commitment to love and peace, he said: “Let this be a period of meditation to honour the past, recognise the present and define our tomorrow.”
Seth Shatsang, President, ANSAM, reflecting on ANSAM’s journey stated that the association since inception has been working relentlessly along with other organisations in the struggle to live as one people under one administrative roof.
Initially, ANSAM started off being concerned with only students’ affairs but in time, ANSAM’s challenges changed and responsibilities became bigger, he informed. Pointing out that the Naga struggle is still not over, Shatsang maintained that colonial policies to takeover Naga land still exist.
Saluting the martyrs, he stated that their struggle for the historical and political rights of the Naga people continues. “May their spirit continue to guide us in our struggle in the days to come that we may carry forward our movement,” he concluded.
Subenthung Kithan, President, Naga Students’ Federation, in his solidarity message, paid rich tribute to the martyrs. To the family, he said, “your son, your husband, your father, has made the Nagas proud.”
Stating that Nagas are sharply divided today, he called upon the younger generation urging them to join together and work together. “The time has come for us to make the pieces into piece.”
Reego Shonshei, President, Eastern Naga Students’ Association (Burma), in a solidarity message pointed to the political divide between Nagas and said, “By blood, by right, I am here as a Naga.” Asserting that there are external forces wanting to divide the Nagas, he urged: “Let us remind ourselves that we are one family and we will not be divided.”
Phenpiga Himbu, President, Rengma Naga Students’ Union, Karbi Anglong, also paid respect to the martyrs. “Death by forceful means lays a strong foundation for people’s struggle,” he noted and extended solidarity to the cause of the Naga struggle.
UNC Vice President also delivered a solidarity message. LM Tabitha, President, Naga Women Union, in her solidarity message stated that “the spirit of conviction shown by the martyrs will continue to inspire us.”It is a moment for us to renew our commitment in our struggle as a people. We reaffirm our commitment and dedication and pledge to work with more courage and dedication, she stated.
Neingolo Krome, Secretary General, Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights, noted that Naga people have been living in a lot of losses and failures. He cited refusal of the past Naga leaders to join the British Colonial Crown; the 9 points agreement – which the Government of India subsequently betrayed; the 16 point agreement – which divided Nagas into Nagas of Nagaland and others; the Shillong Accord; and Ceasefire with the NSCN.
Today, many factions have come up, he rued. He also pointed out that in the last 19 years of ceasefire, more Naga people have been killed by their own than by the Indian army. “But we have also seen some positive developments,” he said highlighting that in the said period, “India has accepted Nagas as a different entity”.
Mentioning Article 371A, he stated that it was “taboo” to talk about it in the past. “Today, people are saying 371 is the best solution,” he observed. Maintaining that we have to complement each other if we really want to fulfill our dreams, he stated, “Naga people must build mutual respect.”
“The negotiator must respect the Naga people and not use them to run errands.” In return, he said, “The Naga people must respect the negotiator and not criticize.” Towards this he said, “Other groups must also join.”
Further expressing hope that Nagas do not address each other as “Nagas of Myanmar”, “Nagas of Nagaland” etc. in the future, he said: “Hope there is only one Nagas of Nagaland.”
Rev. L Simon Raomai, Pastor, Manipur Baptist Convention Centre Church, Imphal, in his message credited Christianity for bringing Nagas together. “The Gospel opened the eyes of the Nagas and made aware the rights of the Nagas. Today we are here as one people,” he stated.
Further stating that Nagas are a “chosen people” he stated that God has been leading the Naga nation. “Let us retrospect how we have been living for God as a people under the banner of ‘Nagaland for Christ’”.
Epitaph: The voice you raised, The ground you defiantly stood upon, proudly calling your own, For a life of dignity and honour for us all. For the ultimate sacrifice, from which the living draw strength, To the valiant heroes and the unnamed known unto God, Our highest tribute of gratitude.
 MEETING RESOLUTION.JPG)
