Tribes revisit pain and sacrifice at Diphupar memorial

Dimapur, Feb. 26: Rich tributes were paid to slain youths late Khriesavizo Metha and late Bendangnungsang Longkumer on Sunday, February 26, with a candlelight service that was observed at Diphupar village’s local ground in Dimapur.

Their deaths on January 31, 2017–they were shot during the initial wave of protests in Dimapur against the municipal elections–continue to be hailed as an event that united the tribal communities of Nagaland. They are being honoured as heroes whose sacrifice will be told to generations. This was the sentiment expressed by various tribal organisations and individuals at the candle light service.

The co-convenor of the JCC Vekhosayi Nyekha addressed the Diphupar village community saying that the movement had come to this position because of Khriesavizo and Bendangnungsang’s sacrifice and the support Diphupar village. He referred to Article 371 (a) as a ‘blessing’ for the people not because it was given by the government of India but because of the ‘blood and tears’ of Naga leaders. But the present leaders are ‘diverting the blessings and our rights’ which is an insult to the people, he said.

Also, he said that the Nagaland Municipal Act was yet to be amended. The JCC and the Nagaland Tribes’ Action Committee are working on it, he assured. He said that the organisations will be meeting on March 3, 2017 on this issue. Here, Nyekha said that the guilty should be punished as per law of the land.

In an emotional tribute to his demised brother Bendangnungsang, younger brother Imlikaba Longkumer expressed gratitude to all organisations who made them stronger with their tributes and to God for choosing someone from their family ‘who are orphaned and destitute to be part of the grand plan that God has for Nagas.’

Imlikaba appealed to the organisations leading the movement to be alert and wise so that the sacrifice will not go in vain. He also expressed belief that their deaths had bridged the divisions in the Naga family.

‘If our leaders fail to listen to us, then not only our brothers but we are also willing to sacrifice for our land,’ he added.

Aviu Metha, younger brother of Khriesavizo who broke down in between his brief address remarked ‘this world is too cruel for good people’ and appealed for Nagas to be one. Father Neimhalie Mehta said he never wished for T.R.Zeliang to step down nor Neiphiu Rio or Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu to take over as the Chief Minister.

But his demand is for the culprit of January 31 incident to be discharged from his service. He also stated ‘I did not join the Naga political group to seek revenge. But if justice is not delivered to the culprit by the authority then he will do so’. Metha also requested the tribal hohos, NTAC and JCC to continue till the common goal of Nagas are achieved.

In his address, the chairman of Diphupar Village Council Lanutoshi said to ‘let our leaders understand the will of God’.

‘If they do not understand the will of God what is the use of being a leader,’ he wondered. The president of the Diphupar Women Naga Organisation Viholi also said that the community has found a source of strength while participation is stronger now.

Leaders of the Diphupar Naga Youth Organisation and Diphupar Naga Students’ Union shared similar sentiments. Corrupt leaders can no longer take the voice of the Nagas for granted or mislead them, they said.

Local musicians Gladis Kato, Achen Imchen and Monu Shiu also paid special tributes. The service concluded with an emotional candlelight ceremony led by the family members of Khriesavizo Metha and Bendangnungsang Longkumer.