The All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) observed “Remembrance Day,” a tribute to the martyrs at ANSAM Memorial Park, Kapaam village under Chandel (Chamdil) district. The participants honoured the martyrs by laying their wreaths at the beginning of the program.
In his message, Wanglar Thiirtung, President, ANSAM salute with an honour to the Martyrs who had sacrificed their valuable cost of life for the cause of Nagas. On the historic day, the student leader urged upon the Nagas to come together and unite amongst themselves inspite of different mindset. Although people might be divided by Indian political mindset, Wanglar stated that people should never forget the legeacy of their former leader who stood firm for the cause of justice and civil rights. The future generations needs to acknowledge the valuable secrifice by the Martyrs, he added.
In memoriam of the martyrs, AC. Thotso, General Secretary, ANSAM stated that the journey of a struggling people is always testing. It demands great courage and sacrifice and the course of the Naga people is no different but the spirit that has sustained the journey is perhaps unmatched because it has survived and resisted one of the longest battles in South East Asia, waged against a people defending their land and history. The battle has not ended. The General Secretary of the Naga apex student body asserted that many of those who gave their lives remain nameless and faceless but they all lighted the way and people celebrate the lives of these people who were not afraid to die. The student leader dearly called them as “Heroes and Martyrs.” ANSAM, a student collective have had the honour of walking with some of them. ANSAM might not be able to able to give the honour they deserve but, the day remembered them and their lives for which, June 19 is marked as ANSAM “Remembrance Day” every year. While salutation was brought by Kegwayhun Tep, President, NSF, solidarity speeches were brought by Joyson Mazamo, Convenor, NPMHR-S, Asha Wungnam, President, NWU and WS. Kanral, Speaker, UNC. Re. Dr. Adoreson Khartu, Assoc. Pastor, Kapaam Baptist Church blessed the family members of the martyrs during the program.
Representatives from the Naga Students Federation (NSF), UNC, NWU, NPMHR-S, CNPO, federating units and subordinate bodies of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) were present at the program. The program was held under strict observance of the given Standard Operating Procedures.