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Keduowhelie Avio Metha and, right, Nukshi Longkumer, speak on behalf of their families during the ‘B&K Memorial Awards’ programme, in Diphupar village on Thur. Jan. 31, in Dimapur.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Jan. 31:The Diphupar Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) hosted the first ‘B&K Memorial Awards’ on Thur. Jan 31 at the local ground of Diphupar village, in Dimapur. The award was initiated to commemorate Bendangnungsang Longkumer and Khriesavizo Metha, the two youths who were killed in a police firing during a public protest against the conduct of
urban local bodies (ULB) election in 2017.
‘Two years ago, on this day, Bendangnungsang Longkumer and Khriesavizo Metha, along with hundreds of youths from Diphupar village came forward to the clarion call of the Naga leaders for a cause they believed was just and right and when the situation so demanded they made the greatest sacrifice for all by giving their lives itself,” said N Pitovi Achumi, the president of the DNSU during the event.
Achumi said that the gathering was organised as an assurance that the two martyrs’ sacrifice was not in vain. Likewise, it is to remind that the struggle is far from over, the gathering was told.
“On this occasion, the DNSU is pleased to announce Bendangnungsang Longkumer and Khriesavizo Metha Memorial Awards to be held annually starting from this year,” Achumi declared.
Achumi mentioned that it was in line with the martyrdom of the two youths that the DNSU took the initiative to acknowledge the contributions of different sections of the people. “It is also to remind the great social workers and contributors to the Naga society that their efforts were not in vain and that we are grateful,” Achumi said.
Also, the chairman of Diphupar Village Council, Ghuzui Shohe, told the gathering that the government had announced in 2017 to conduct the ULB elections across Nagaland. The people, however, would have none of it and began to protest. Unfortunately during the agitation, he said, two of the village’s youths lost their lives.
‘But I want you to know that until a seed is sown in the ground there will be no plants and trees. When the seed germinates in the ground and grows into big tree or plant, it will bear fruits, which people can enjoy. So, let’s hope that their sacrifices will bring something good in our society,’ Shohe said.
Vekhosayi Nyekha, the convenor of the joint coordination committee said that the group was still fighting for justice for Longkumer and Metha, and that it won’t leave any stone unturned until justice is delivered. He appealed to the government to take the matter seriously and ‘do their work as expected by the society so that the rights of Nagas can be maintained.’
Nukshi Longkumer, brother of Bendangnungsang Longkumer spoke at the programme. He said, ‘We are humbled and grateful to God that Nagas could protect our right through the martyrdom of Bendangnungsang Longkumer and Khriesavizo Metha. Nagas cannot be ruled on someone’s whims and fancies.’
Likewise, Keduowhelie Avio Metha, brother of Khriesavizo Metha, thanked the DNSU for initiating an award in the names of his brother, and Bendangnungsang Longkumer.
“I, on behalf of myself and my family would like to urge all the citizens to grab the opportunity to enhance your talent and achieve your dreams,” he said.
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