Ukhrul: Hundreds of people from different corners of Nagalim attended the programme to commemorate the lives of Brigadier (Retd.) , (Late) SK Livingstone, VC, Executive Member Steering Committee cum Political Commissar of NSCN and his beloved wife (Late) SK. Ranpemla, Deputy Kilonser, NSCN with the benign consent of Th. Muivah, Ato Kikonser, GPRN at Kachai National Workers’ Park, Nangung, Kachai Village, Ukhrul.
Revd. A. Puni, Member, Collective Leadership, NSCN attended the programme as Chief Guest and unveiled the monolith. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Ramkating Varah, VC, Executive Member, Steering Committee, NSCN, President (Incharge) Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), RS. Jollyson, President of Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), Thingreiphi Lungharwoshi as guests of honour. Mingthing R. Shimray, Acting Headman of Kachai village was the Chief Host.
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Speaking at the occasion, Revd. A. Puni while giving a revolutionary salute to the (Late) SK Livingstone and (Late) SK. Ranpemla stated that “the vision of the Nagas and the politics of Nagas is far sighted. It has been rooted with a unique history.”
“Every household in Tangkhul villages has lost one or more of their loved ones for the cause of the Naga Nation. Many have sacrificed and many will be ready to sacrifice even in the days to come. I have my highest respect to the leadeship and to the people of Tangkhul for their steadfast love and and their indomitable spirit and will to sacrifice for the cause of Naga Nation. There will be confusion, fear and doubt if we cannot differentiate between our friends and enemies. Tangkhul is the stronghold of the Naga nation. If Tangkhul can stand up as one, the goal and solution is not far. I appeal everyone to be alert and united in the days to come” added Revd. A. Puni.
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Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Ramkating Varah, VC, Executive Member while fondly remembering Brig SK Livingstone recalled the time spent with him. “No one can predict the future. But the sacrifice made by SK. Livingstone and his wife SK. Ranpemla for the cause of Naga nation should be acknowledged by one and all. They have lived an exemplary life which should be emulated by everyone” added Ramkating Varah.
Late SK. Livingstone, a retired Brigadier and Executive Member Steering Committee, NSCN, passed away on 11 September 2007. He was from Kachai village in the western part of Ukhrul. He was born on 4 April 1951 and joined the NSCN in 2 February 1975, and was in the service for 32 years and 7 months. His name is among the Naga underground fighters who had the highest reward on their heads and were in the most wanted list of the Indian Government.
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Late SK. Ranpemla was born on 22 February 1965 and joined NSCN in 2 February 1982. After giving service for 33 years and 4 months, she finally passed away on 5 June 2015.
Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Chinaoyo Ronra Shimray (MM, MC), Council Headquarters Hebron in his message stated “this is a moment of revisiting the true life of a Naga freedom fighter who was feared by the enemy. May his legacy of sacrifice for Nagas’ cause be the emblem of every true Naga soldier.”
“Brigadier Late. SK Livingstone was known for his bravery and expertise in war tactics. He was a perfectionist. Because of his expertise in war tactics, under his command, he had defeated many enemies and earned the highest military awards Victory Cross. Not only a soldeir, but he was very good in mobilising the public for support. Tirelessly, he had taken the initiative of mobilising the general public of Naga during his service. Because of this quality, he was appointed Political Commissar of NSCN. Energetic and very caring, he was loved by the soldiers. Every Naga army wants to be under his command. Many enemy soldiers were deputed to arrest him, but none could succeed. The enemies were afraid of him. The Naga army as well as anyone who wish to become a Naga army have so much to learnt from him” stated Col. (Retd.) Nganingkhui Longleng, Cheif Justice, National Court, NSCN.
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Vice President of United Naga Council (UNC), NG. Poujan stated that “Late. SK. Livingstone has left a footprint which we must all follow. The 21 Naga Tribes under UNC pays homage and respect to the leaders. Let us continue to rise up until our goal is achieved”.
The programme was also attended by representatives of Naga Women Union, ANSAM, TNL, TKS, TSL, TNWL, TMNL, Longphangs, NSWON, CAOs from different regions, Commander from different brigades, leaders from neighbouring villages and other dignitaries. Special performance by Chonchon Varah added more colour to the celebration.
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