Nagas pay tribute to Khole, one of the last relics of undivided NSCN

 

 

Eastern Mirror Desk

Dimapur, Dec. 14: Scores of people from not only Nagaland but also Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh gathered to pay their last respects to the departed NSCN (IM) vice president Khole Konyak at a public funeral where he was described as “a long-standing Naga nationalist, and a man of sacrifice.”

The public funeral, organised by the Naga Council Dimapur, was held at the Agri Expo site in Dimapur on Dec. 14.  Several civil societies, and government representatives as well as leader of the opposition, TR Zeliang attended the funeral.

Zeliang in his condolence message said that it was “unfortunate” to receive the remains of one of the most “realistic national leaders” at a time when Nagas were waiting anxiously for a solution.

Citing the life of Konyak as ‘a very inspirational story of true determination,’ the Zeliang said that it would be difficult to find a dedicated and selfless leader like him.

“Nagas should carry his torch of peace and it is high time both negotiating parties come to a conclusion to bring peace and harmony to the land,” Zeliang said.

Naga Hoho: After giving a brief history of Konyak, a representative from the Naga Hoho said that whenever the organisation and Konyak met, the latter would always say, “Naga people should be united.”

“He is a freedom fighter in his own right and all must give respect to this great patriot and his death is a great loss for the people,” said the representative.

 

 

ENPO: Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) expressed deep sorrow at the death of the “tallest leader of the Nagas.”

“The people of eastern Nagaland will fondly remember their father; you will be remembered as an equal amongst the great leaders of the world,”

NTC: Nagaland Tribes Council suggested that the best honour they could give to the late Konyak would be to unite all Nagas.

NMA: Naga mothers Association (NMA) recalled Konyak as a humble man “with clarity” concerning the Naga issue. “A true Naga leader who committed his whole life to the Naga nation.”

UNC: The United Naga Council (UNC) hailed Konyak as one of the greatest political pioneers of the “Naga nation.”

“His contribution to the national cause is unparallel in Naga history,” it stated.

NPMHR: The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) in their condolence message expressed grief over the loss at such a “crucial juncture.”

The NPMHR hailed Konyak as a humble, upright, and dedicated leader who worked towards finding a ‘solution to the issue for the people.’

NSF: The Naga Students Federation (NSF) said that the late Khole Konyak had accomplished his mission after giving his entire life for the cause of the Naga people.

“As a younger generation we are very honoured to live in the time of such a great leader,” said the president of NSF.

FNR: The convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said that it was time to say goodbye to a legend. “He has always been consistent in transcending differences for the sake of Naga nationalism,” Aier said.

He further urged and encouraged everyone to follow the footsteps of the ‘great leaders that are no more, by transcending differences.’

ANSF: The Arunachal Naga Student’s Federation said that it was their duty now to walk the same path as that of Khole’s. “We will walk together in which the great leader has shown us,” the representative said after recalling the federation’s association with the leader.

‘General’ Thenoselie M Keyho, the president of the Naga National Council (NNC) said that he met Khole in 1966, setting the foundation for a friendship that would last for more than 55 years.

“Nagas can unite if they are prepared to reason together; we know what Nagas should do but there is no time,” he said while anguishing over the thought that ‘leaders like Khole will pass away one after the other and no solution will be in sight.’

ULFA: The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) also paid their respect through its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa. “We have had a close relation for 32 years with Gen. Khole who is one of the greatest revolutionary (sic) of the Southeast Asian region,” he said.

On behalf of the government of Nagaland, Minister of Agriculture, G Kaito Aye said that the death of Konyak was not a good moment for the Nagas since the people have already lost ‘two to three great leaders and pioneers while expecting a solution.’

ENLU: Toshi Wungtung, advisor to IPR, SCERT, and village guard and Minister of Health and Family Welfare, S Pangyu Phom —on behalf of the Eastern Nagaland Legislative Union—hailed Konyak as one of the last founding members who was committed, dedicated and whose sincerity will be remembered for a long time.

“Gen. Khole Konyak believed in harmonious coexistence and his energetic efforts will be remembered,” Wungtung said.

Organisations whose messages and tributes were conveyed during the event included the Konyak Union Dimapur, Rengma Naga representative from Assam, Wancho council from Arunachal Pradesh, and a member of an organisation from Tobu in Mon.

A family member also delivered Khole Konyak’s eulogy during the funeral.