Tangkhuls bid tearful farewell to 4 slain cadres

Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, Apr 1 : The Tangkhul Frontal Organisa-tions held a massive condo- lence service for the four Naga National workers today at Ukhrul Headquarters Ground, Wino Bazar, Ukhrul. They were killed in an ambush on March 28 at Hongbei Junction.
According to a source, the condolence service was held today after a series of consultations with the bereaved families and Tangkhul CSOs leaders led by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) president Sword Vashum. The programme began around 3 pm.
Thousands of townsfolk gathered at the HQ Ground to pay their last respects to the four fallen Naga Army soldiers- Major Sochipem Phungshok, Sgt Major Zai-rei Vasah, Sgt Bahnle Ahlahpya and Sgt Thansomi Vashi.
During the condolence programme, the brother of Late Sochipem Phungshok expressed gratitude on behalf of the bereaved families for the support and contributions of the public in various ways during their time of grief and difficulty.
The unfortunate Hongbei incident may be a path ahead for peace, towards the reconciliation of the Tangkhul community keeping aside their differences, he said.
On another note, the Naga Peoples Initiative for Peace (NPIP) and Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah visited the TNL office and the families of the deceased Naga Army personnel.
Extending heartfelt condolences to the families, MLA Ram Muivah described the Hongbei incident as "one of the saddest moments", questioning why the perpetrators took this drastic action, cutting short the lives of the four youth during their prime.
"Enough bloodshed has been seen in the last 70 years, I pray that such incidents should not occur again in Ukhrul and Kamjong. Let peace prevail in our region", he remarked.
Former MLA Preshow Shimray shared that the team has interacted with the TNL president and his colleagues and held a discussion to sort out the matter.
He also commended TNL's "good initiative" of organising the condolence service before handing the bodies of the deceased over to their respective families in an honourable manner.
Notable Tangkhul leaders including the presidents of TNL, TNAL, TSL, TKS, TMNL, Longphangs and the Eastern Flank delivered condolence messages expre- ssing deep concern over the loss of Naga National workers.
Rev Zaklei, Pastor, Phungyo Baptist Church performed the condolence service before the mortal remains of the fallen Army personnel were handed over to their families.