UKHRUL: The Tangkhul Naga region is gripped by grief and mounting tension as the families of four fallen Naga Army cadres refuse to lay their loved ones to rest.
The soldiers Major Sochipem Phungshok, Sergeant Major Zairay Vasah, Sergeant Bahnle Ahahpya, and Sergeant Thansomi Washi were killed in a tragic incident at the Hongbei Village Junction on the night of March 28.
Against the lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances of their killing, the four families have collectively refused to bury the remains until a full and transparent explanation is provided.
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The demand for truth is echoed strongly by the Kaishan Students’ Union Dimapur, acting on behalf of the family of Sergeant (Posthumous) Bahnle Ahlapyah. In a formal letter to the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Union President Ahngle Gahkongyah highlighted the devastating irony of the soldier’s passing.
“He was deputed to fight for the Naga cause in the Naga-Kuki conflict; however, he fell at the hands of the Naga Army.”
The family is seeking a direct apology and an immediate clarification of how a soldier deployed to protect his people was killed by the very organization he served.
The Publicity and Information Bureau (PIB) of the Naga Army’s General Headquarters issued a press statement expressing shock and grief over the incident. “Investigation is underway to establish the facts and circumstances leading to this horrific incident. The culprit(s) responsible for this botched-up operation shall be penalized as per the Naga Army Rules and Regulations (NARR),” stated Brig. Hetoshe A, Director of the PIB.
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The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), alongside various frontal organizations including the TNAL, TSL, TKS, and TMNL, condemned the incident issuing a unified call to the GPRN to ensure that justice is not delayed and that the families receive the answers they deserve.
Lieut. Gen. A. Raman has hailed the four men as national inspirations, the immediate priority for the local community remains the resolution of the families’ demands for a heinous crime to be addressed and clarified.
Tangkhul Naga Mass Movement has imposed total shutdown at Ukhrul Headquarter on Monday due to non clarification of the Hongbei incident. Only Hospital and essential services and Board exams are permitted.