ANSAM calls on Nagas to unite
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Our Correspondent
CHANDEL, Jun 19: The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) observed the 13th Martyrs' Remembrance Day at ANSAM Martyrs Memorial Park, Kapaam (Komlathabi) village in Chandel district on Friday, paying tribute to nine Naga martyrs and calling for 'renewed unity among the Naga people amid prevailing challenges.'
ANSAM kicked off the remembrance programme with the unfurling of its flag by former president Kho John. A gun salute and a wreath-laying ceremony marked the day.
Addressing the gathering, ANSAM president Th Angteshang Maring said the day is not merely an anniversary but a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dedicated their lives to achieve the aspirations of the Naga people.
He paid tribute to the martyrs, Shelley Chara, Ashun R Jangvei, Ng Sani, Namthiuirei Abonmei, Gemclife Zimik, Nili Chakho Mao, Dikho Loshou Mao, Mayopam Ramror and Ramkashing Vashi. "Their sacrifices remain an important part of Naga history and identity," Angteshang said.
Referring to recent incidents of violence, the ANSAM president also remembered the six Naga victims, including a Reverend and a Pastor, who were abducted at Leilon Vaiphei village and later butchered, and others who lost lives in gun attacks at TM Khullen, Joujangtek, Pongringlong and Sinakeithei. He called for swift and impartial investigations into the incidents and justice for the victims.
"History does not remember those who yielded to division. It remembers those who stood together with courage, dignity and wisdom," he said, urging Nagas across regions and generations to strengthen unity and collective responsibility.
President of the Naga Women's Union also spoke on the occasion, and expressed concern about the protracted Naga political dialogue which is yet to be materialised in a lasting solution.
She remembered the many men and women who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of the Naga political aspirations.
She urged the Nagas to sincerely and collectively face challenges before the community with great seriousness.
President of the Naga Students' Federation, Mteisuding, stressed the need for unity among Nagas.
He urged the Nagas, especially the younger generations to carry forward the legacy of the forefathers.
He termed the ongoing 'Naga-Kuki conflict' a major test of Naga unity, and stated that any attack on one Naga should be taken as an attack on all Nagas.
Representatives of different Naga civil bodies, including the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Naga Women's Union, Naga Students' Federation, Global Naga Forum, Church leaders, students and members of the public attended the event.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to preserve the memory and legacy of the martyrs, and work collectively to address the Naga cause.
CHANDEL, Jun 19: The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) observed the 13th Martyrs' Remembrance Day at ANSAM Martyrs Memorial Park, Kapaam (Komlathabi) village in Chandel district on Friday, paying tribute to nine Naga martyrs and calling for 'renewed unity among the Naga people amid prevailing challenges.'
ANSAM kicked off the remembrance programme with the unfurling of its flag by former president Kho John. A gun salute and a wreath-laying ceremony marked the day.
Addressing the gathering, ANSAM president Th Angteshang Maring said the day is not merely an anniversary but a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dedicated their lives to achieve the aspirations of the Naga people.
He paid tribute to the martyrs, Shelley Chara, Ashun R Jangvei, Ng Sani, Namthiuirei Abonmei, Gemclife Zimik, Nili Chakho Mao, Dikho Loshou Mao, Mayopam Ramror and Ramkashing Vashi. "Their sacrifices remain an important part of Naga history and identity," Angteshang said.
Referring to recent incidents of violence, the ANSAM president also remembered the six Naga victims, including a Reverend and a Pastor, who were abducted at Leilon Vaiphei village and later butchered, and others who lost lives in gun attacks at TM Khullen, Joujangtek, Pongringlong and Sinakeithei. He called for swift and impartial investigations into the incidents and justice for the victims.
"History does not remember those who yielded to division. It remembers those who stood together with courage, dignity and wisdom," he said, urging Nagas across regions and generations to strengthen unity and collective responsibility.
President of the Naga Women's Union also spoke on the occasion, and expressed concern about the protracted Naga political dialogue which is yet to be materialised in a lasting solution.
She remembered the many men and women who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of the Naga political aspirations.
She urged the Nagas to sincerely and collectively face challenges before the community with great seriousness.
President of the Naga Students' Federation, Mteisuding, stressed the need for unity among Nagas.
He urged the Nagas, especially the younger generations to carry forward the legacy of the forefathers.
He termed the ongoing 'Naga-Kuki conflict' a major test of Naga unity, and stated that any attack on one Naga should be taken as an attack on all Nagas.
Representatives of different Naga civil bodies, including the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Naga Women's Union, Naga Students' Federation, Global Naga Forum, Church leaders, students and members of the public attended the event.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to preserve the memory and legacy of the martyrs, and work collectively to address the Naga cause.