Kohima, Feb. 1: The reception service of late Thejavizo Metha and late Bendangningsang was held this evening at Old MLA Hostel junction, Kohima. Thousands of people were seen gathered at Phoolbari junction and Old MLA hostel junction since morning waiting for the mortal remains of the two youth to arrive.
Amid high tension in the crowds, a solemn programme organised by Angami Public Organisation and jointly supported by Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) and Ao Senden Union Kohima was held.
Addressing the gathering, president of Lotha Hoho said it was a historic and a defining moment for the people of Naga society. Describing their death as supreme sacrifice for the Nagas, he said ‘through their sacrifices they have shown how to live our life as a Naga’.
“This whole journey is a refining moment for our Naga society,” he added and pledged support till the people’s goal is achieved.
Sumi Hoho president, Dr Vinito Chishi extended solidarity to the cause “for the betterment of Naga society.” Lamenting the loss of lives, he maintained this should never happen again in the future. He called upon the people to stand together, ‘hold on to the absolute truth, support, encourage each other and move forward so that no life is lost again.’ “It is a sad day for the Nagas in history. Our brothers have given their outmost sacrifice for the cause of our nation,” said Angami Students’ Union (ASU) president, Dievi Yano.
Terming their death as supreme sacrifices for the cause of the Nagas, he condemned the ‘horrific act of the Nagaland police who under the supervision and authorisation of the so-called leaders of the state’ has caused bloodshed and killed Naga brothers.
While strongly asserting to stand by the truth and for the good of the society, he vowed that the ASU will fight tooth and nail under the supervision of APO to bring down those responsible for the turmoil in the land of Nagas.
While condemning the government for not paying heed to the voice of the people, Kohima Sumi Students’ Union (KSSU) president said their sacrifice will be always remembered and that their death will not go in vain.
Speaking on behalf of the Ao community, Ao Senden president said the action and sacrifice of late Thejavizo and late Bendangsung was justified and supreme.
He said time has come for every Nagas to ask ‘if one is loyal to oneself, one’s land and to the sons and daughters of the Nagas’. The reception programme was chaired by APO president, Dr Vilhousa Seleyi.
Dimapur public funeral
In Dimapur, a public funeral for the two slain youth was held at the entrance of Agri Expo site, 4th Mile. There also, thousands of people assembled to pay respects to the two youth, killed on the night of January 31.
Representatives of various apex tribe hohos and family members of the two deceased youth spoke at the funeral service. The overarching message in all of the speeches was that the two have died heroic deaths.
Family members of Late Bendangningsang said that they decided to hand over the body to the JCC since he had died while responding to the call of the Nagas, and not committing some petty crime.
JCC officials also announced three demands: for the chief minister and his entire government to step down, suspension of the Commissioner of Dimapur police and the IRB personnel involved in the January 31 violence at Dimapur and Longleng, and ‘nullification’ of ULB elections held at 11 town councils on February 1.
It was also informed that the JCC bandh will continue ‘until the issue is resolved.’
