Our Correspondent
Wokha, April 14 (EMN): The 21st edition of the Lotha Students Union (LSU) Martyrs trophy got underway on Thursday with Kelhouneizo Yhome, president of NDPP Central Youth Organisation and former president Naga Students' Federation as the special guest at local ground, Wokha.
Yhome, speaking on the occasion said, ‘today I can see the energy, the enthusiasm, the unity and cooperation the students have gathered to observe the Black Day in honouring the two heroes, who sacrificed their lives in protecting the rights of Lothas and Nagas in general.
He called upon the students community to uphold ancestral rights and pride without failing their assigned responsibility as students to strive for excellence and achievement in academic performance as they are the future of tomorrow.
Stating that the present era of young Nagas need to venture out rather than sticking to the old tradition and sole determination of getting government jobs, he said that the state government cannot employ every youth and urged the student community to be skilled, resourceful and creative.
He also said that sports is a right profession for youths, who are dedicated with their talents stating that they can live a healthy lifestyle and fame encouraged the sports enthusiast to rededicate their skills, talent and channel it in a positive direction.
Lamenting on the present Naga society being divided with different opinions and different mindset, he appealed and encouraged Nagas to come together as one and progress together for the betterment of the Naga future through the students organisation and wished the students and participants to return home as winners through unity.
Y Zuben Ngullie, president Wokha District Football Association, in his short speech called the players to display their skills as a professional sportsman with discipline and bridge gaps of social difference through love, friendship and unity. Abi Humtsoe, the vice president of Wokha District Women Sports Association also called the students community to respect the students leaders and reminded the students to be free from intoxication and stay fit through active participation in sports.
Presidential address and welcome note was delivered by Ashanthung Humtsoe, president LSU, while Yenro Odyuo, former LSU vice president took the tribute to remember the two slain heroes.
Earlier, executives of LSU visited the martyrs graveyard followed by a short silent tribute in the presence of the special guest and special invitees.
20 teams are participating in the 21st edition of the LSU football tourney.
The programme was chaired by Nkhao Tungoe followed by invocation prayer by Rev. Ngangnen Longkumer, pastor Wokha Town Ao Baptist Church.
Lijano Yathan from Bailey Baptist College and Perennial School Wokha enthralled the crowd with a song and music.
It may be mentioned that LSU has been observing the Black Day ever since late Chumdamo Tungoe and late Thungkhomo Ezung were gunned down by Nagaland Police at Wokha town in 1977 during a silent procession organised by the LSU in protest against the inhumane and barbaric act meted out to the then SDO (Civil), Ngurkhuma Mizo by the Assam Police and Assam Forest Guard, while protecting the legal and ancestral rights of Lotha land.