‘He risked his life to save Isak and I from the military junta who captured power through coup d’état in 1978,’ says Muivah
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NSCN (IM) personnel carrying the coffin containing the mortal remains of Khole Konyak at Hebron camp on Saturday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Dec. 15: The general secretary of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), Th Muivah, on Saturday described Khole Konyak, the departed vice president of the NSCN-IM, as a ‘true son of the soil who loved the Naga people and Nagalim.’
Muivah stated that it was unfortunate Khole passed away just when the final solution was round the corner. Gen. (retd) VS Atem, member of the group’s collective leadership, read out Muivah’s condolence message during a state funeral conducted at Hebron.
In the condolence message, Muivah stated that Khole served the Naga nation in various positions with full conviction and dedication. He added Khole stood like a rock with his comrades-in-arms in upholding the national principle when the turbulent waves of Shillong Accord shook every nook and corner of Nagalim.
“Like saving a lamb from the lion's den, he risked his life in saving Isak and I from the military junta who captured state power through coup d’état in 1978,” Muivah’s message read.
“We parted for a period of time as he was carried away by the waves of 1988 crisis to the other shore. However, being a true revolutionary, he realised that it was a futile exercise walking with brothers and sisters in the wrong path. He felt completely contented when he joined comrades in a common cause in the right path,” it stated.
Stating that Khole was well versed in Naga history, geography, and politics, Muivah expressed regret his demise would render the Naga nation poorer. “Our organisation and the leaders had collectively decided to elect him president of the organisation on December 14, 2018 but unfortunately he left for his heavenly home on December 12, 2018,” the message read.
Meanwhile, Rh Raising, the convenor of the outfit’s powerful steering committee, stated that Khole was one of the most humble and rational officers among the Naga army officers he had associated with.
Mentioning that Khole had participated in talks with the government of India a number of times, Raising stated that the departed leader had joined the NSCN (IM) in search of unity and solution.
While informing that Khole was highly respected and loved by all, Raising said Khole’s demise had shocked not only his family but also the entire Naga community.
Also, speaking at the funeral was Peter Khole, the son of the Konyak, who broke down while that his father’s wish was for Nagas to unite ‘by forgiving and sacrificing possessions to accomplish dreams and aspirations, for real peace and unity.’
Stating that his father had acknowledged and accepted the people called his father “a good defector,” the son mentioned that his father had rejoined NSCN (IM) in March 2016 to spread the message of peace, unity, and forgiveness that he had been preaching. He added that it was not for position, but to strengthen the framework agreement, that his father rejoined the NSCN (IM) in 2016.
He said that his father had always wanted to be a living example to the Naga people, “which never came true.” Admitting that his father had hurt the sentiments of the people in his quest to accomplish hopes and aspirations of the Naga people, he asked the people to forgive his late father.
The mortal remains of Khole was escorted out of the council headquarters at Hebron; and taken to his native village, in Tobu, Mon. According to an MIP official, it might take two to three days to reach Tobu as condolence programmes are expected to be conducted in some places during the journey.