SENAPATI, AUG 29: The Naga community in Senapati district organised a condolence and funeral service for the four civilians killed in an ambush allegedly by Kuki militants between Makui Ashang and Makui Thanamba villages on August 27.
The farewell programme, held at Senapati district headquarters, was organised by the district frontal organisations, including the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) and Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA).
Wreaths were laid before the four bodies by Naga civil society organisations and well-wishers at the beginning of the programme. A gun salute was also accorded by the Naga Village Guard, Western Command.
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Timothy Wijunamai, president of the Liangmai Naga Council (LNC), briefed the gathering on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the four civilians in his address.
Condolence speeches were delivered by representatives of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), Naga Women’s Union (NWU) and the United Naga Council (UNC).
The mortal remains of the four – Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority and former vice-president of the Liangmai Naga Council; Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T/Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club; and Anil Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club – were later taken to Chawangkining Liangmai Naga village, accompanied by community leaders, family members and friends, following the condolence service led by Rev. R.S. Abraham, president of SKABU.
A short condolence service was also held at Chawangkining village and organised by the Joint Tribe Council, Manipur, under the aegis of the UNC.
Offering his condolences, 52-Tamei Assembly constituency MLA Awangbow Newmai conveyed condolences from Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh and MLA Khashim Vashum.
Newmai later appealed to deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen to urge members of her community to uphold humanity and Christian values.
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The Naga legislator said Naga leaders remained deeply concerned about the issue and had been making efforts to seek justice for the victims. He said they would not leave the people behind or allow them to face the situation alone.
Newmai also expressed gratitude to the Naga civil society organisations for standing with the bereaved families and sharing their grief. He appealed to Nagas to continue supporting one another.
Condoling the deaths, Newmai said he did not have enough words to express his sorrow, but asserted that the lives of the four civilians would not go in vain. He prayed for their souls to rest in peace.
One of the family members of the deceased questioned the intentions of the Manipur government and the Central government, asking why security forces were provided or deployed to retrieve Kuki victims whenever they were killed, while security personnel reportedly cited security reasons when asked to reach Naga victims.
The family member also questioned why tear gas and bullets were allegedly used against Nagas during protests and agitations, while similar measures were not taken against Kuki protesters.
The bereaved families expressed gratitude for the support extended by Naga leaders, saying they were comforted to witness the community coming together to accompany the four fallen civilians and stand with their families during the hour of grief.
Villagers from Makui could not attend the funeral and mass burial due to security concerns, as three of the four deceased belonged to Makui village.
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MK Winning, kilonser-cum-convenor of the Political Affairs Committee, Sub-Committee, Makuilongdi-Zeliangrongpui Region, proclaimed and declared before the Naga people, for the record, that the four departed souls would be posthumously awarded the title “Martyrs.”
A committal service was conducted by Rev. S. Sapunii, president of the Naga Christian Forum, following which the four fallen civilians were laid to rest in a mass burial at Chawangkining Liangmai Naga village.
