Kohima, Feb. 3: Amid high tension, protest and the firm resolution of the public not to bury the mortal remains of the two youths until the demands of the Naga organisations were met, a funeral service was held this evening even as the leaders of the Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) held a meeting with the governor.
Initiated by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) the funeral service was conducted by Pastor UBC, Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo while the last rites of Avizo and Bendang was administered by KBPF president, Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao.
Speaking in behalf of Bendangnungsang Longkumer’s family, T Lima said ‘Although we are deeply pained with his death, at the same time we are happy that he has given his life for the vision of making Nagaland better.’
Twenty one years old late Bendang, son of late Longri Longkumer from Aonokpu village, was working in Chennai and had been home for Christmas and was then about to leave. However, on the fateful evening of January 31, he was called to be one of the volunteers from the Ao community, where he fell to firing by the police.
‘Today our two brothers have shed their precious blood for a vision of better tomorrow. Let their bloodshed not be in vain. Let peace unite us for a better society wiped of all evils that in rampant in the society today,’ Lima said in paying a rich tribute.
The grandfather of late Thejavizo Metha, Z Metha, speaking in behalf of the family, said although words were not enough to express the feelings of the bereaved family, he requested to make it a time for better understanding and to resolve the crisis.
Born on March 2, 1992, late Thejavizo also known as Khriesavizo, eldest son of Neimhalie Metha and Rokobeinuo Metha, had completed his Bachelor of Architecture from National Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology in Jaipur in 2016. He was also admitted to pursue Master of Urban Planning from the same institute in 2017.
Metha said late Avizo, president of Angami Students’ Union Diphupar, responded to the call of the Naga people not with the intention to kill or to indulge in violence, when he fell to the bullets of the police.
Saying that they had paid with their life for the greater unity of the Nagas, Metha appealed to the Nagas to make the best exercise of reasoning not through violence but sit together and negotiate peacefully. The elected members of the government were also asked to listen to the sentiments of the people.
Avizo, he said, won an eternal friend lying beside him.
Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) president, Neinguvotuo Krose, condemned what he called the heinous and brutal act of the government against its own people by not paying heed to the democratic voices of the Naga public.
Terming the government ‘mere autocratic ruler,’ he said that 'The measure of the moral decadencts of the present day government is the measure of its thinking.’
Paying rich tribute to the martyrs, Krose said they have not died in vain; rather their sacrifices have renewed its commitment and resolve to remain steadfast to its visions. While denouncing the act of murder by the government, APO has demanded that the chief minister and his cabinet ministers resign on moral grounds.
Deeply mourning the death of late Avizo and late Bendang, who have made a supreme sacrifice, Angami Public Organisation (APO) president, Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi said future unity and understanding have been renewed with their sacrifice.
He appealed lovers and leaders of Nagas to go ahead with sincere approach with a sense of responsibility, social maturity and tolerance to build our goal for the betterment of our tomorrow.
He also stated that APO will stand firmly to pursue a better understanding and unity among the Nagas. He said it was encouraged by the support and cooperation of the Nagas coming together for a cause.
Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) general secretary, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho and the NBCC youth secretary, Vikho Rhi also addressed the gathering.
Even as the funeral service was going on, angry mob shouted and tried to disrupt the service protesting against burial of the bodies.
After the funeral service when the volunteers of Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) and Ao Senden were taking the coffins for burial below Zonal Council, angry mob protested and tried to block the way of pall bearers. The angry mob protested against burial saying the two martyrs have been sold adding their deeds have gone in vain.
After a brief scuffle between the mob and the volunteers, the pall bearers managed to carry the coffins safely for burial.
In a meeting with the delegation of Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC), Governor PB Acharya, who arrived this afternoon from Arunachal Pradesh, assured to take action against the wrong doer as per the Constitution.
In an official statement, Acharya said ‘I am deeply grieved at the unfortunate death of two youth and injury to others in the firing incident and assure that I will take action as per constitution to punish the wrong doers.’
While appealing everyone to ensure peace and tranquillity and not to indulge in violence, Acharya urged for early burial bodies as a mark of respect for the dead persons and their families.
Interacting with media persons after the burial programme, NTAC convenor, KT Vilie said ‘though the burial is done, our stand continues till we achieve for what we have started for.’ Vilie said the next course of action will be decided after its meeting.
Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) has made fervent appeal to all the church members and the public in general to avoid any more violence of any kind and seek peaceful means of protest for an honourable solution.
KBPF owned up to their failure and indifference to their “God given task” of equipping the church members to live and act like Christ. “Therefore we call for renewal, repentance and rededication of all church leaders,” a statement from the KBPF read.
It also appealed to all the political elected members to look beyond political party power struggles and see the greater need and aspirations of the common people.
“The present elected leaders of the state have failed to be sensitive to the voice and struggles of the people, causing the situation to worsen. Therefore, we call upon our elected leaders to repent, seek God, put the welfare of the people first and do the right thing,” KBPF stated.
The group further appealed to the civil societies and tribal hoho leaders to reason together irrespective of tribe or group under the guidance of God, and provide a clear and definite direction for a peaceful solution, and for the greater good of the Naga society.
Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Neiphiu Rio Friday arrived Kohima and paid his respects to the two Naga youth late Khriesavizo Metha and late Bendangnungsang Longkumer.
On his arrival, Rio headed straight to the place where the coffins were kept and laid wreathes. Minutes later, he had a meeting with the representatives of the Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) at APO Hall which was also attended by former NLA speaker and minister Thenucho.
During the meeting with the tribal leaders, Rio reiterated that the State government should listen to the voice of the people in order to let good sense prevail.
“The State government should wake up to the situation and listen to the voice of the people. Sooner the better,” he said.
Addressing a host of public leaders from all communities, Rio lauded the people for standing up to the situation to protect the rights of the Naga people.
“Article 371 (A) is a special provision to protect the rights of the Nagas. No act of Parliament can enact this article and we are above the Supreme Court’s directive,” he said adding that “It is not right for the State government to suppress Art 371 (A).”
On Article 243 T of the Indian Municipal Act, he said that it concerns all the Indian states, whereas, Art 371 (A) is solely to protect the rights of the Naga people.
Stating that democracy should prevail, he also went on to say that “even the decision of Supreme Court has to go back if the people say NO against it.”
“How can we fight against our own people? Our history is unique and is correct, and therefore we have the right to speak to protect our rights. There is no way to quarrel within ourselves. The final say lies on the will of the will people and not the court,” he stated.
In mentioning that the Nagas have been divided on so many issues that concerns women reservation, oil tribal issues, he called upon the need for the Nagas to come closer with better understanding and unity.
The MP also extended his condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.
