Ukhrul: Several Naga civil organizations and churches continue to pay tribute to Dr. Gina Shangkham, who passed away on January 2, 2025, and the funeral held today. She was a human rights activist, a founding member and first President of the Naga Women’s Union (NWU), and a former Secretary General of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR).
The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights said Dr. Gina Shangkham was a leader who served and held offices in Naga organizations taking Naga Women’s politics and participation to new heights, and other collectives. She was also the Secretary General of the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and later served as the convener of the South Sector. It also said that it was most befitting for her to have won the “Laarchangnuw” Award 2022 and received a Moyon wraparound/mekhela in the same name woven in her honor.
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Though Dr. Gina’s passing was not sudden as she had been unwell for a few years now, it had left us bereaved, the NPMHR said. The human rights body said that even in her sickness, she was a source of comfort to them because of the aura carried throughout her years of dedication and devotion to the Naga people and the nation.
“Dr. Gina walked into the making of Naga history from her youth when women’s leadership was uncommon, and she will continue to live in our stories as one of the finest Naga women leaders ever. She was not the loudest but never was quiet when it concerned human rights. She traveled widely to share and receive solidarity by exchanging stories of struggles, especially the Naga people’s love and quest to be free, across India and beyond,” the NPHMR said.
Describing her as an active listener who held the thread of healing people, the NPHMR further said she walked and trekked the Naga hills with others in pursuit of reconciliation among the Naga brethren. Today may we all receive this healing, knowing that she is at peace in her final resting place as we listen to her life in our hearts and memories, it added.
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Joining in the tribute, the Bujuur Kaetholik Nongruwr (Moyon Catholic Organisation) stated that few people had such a profound impact on the direction of humanity than their own Laarchangnuw Dr. Gina Shangkham Ngoruw Moyon. Her understanding of the link between spiritual rights and the quality of natural rights undoubtedly influenced generations of rights defenders and policymakers.
It stated that it was a tribute to her passionate determination that so many people feel a deep sense of loss at her passing. It added that the organization was fortunate enough to work with her closely on several occasions over the years. “Whenever Laarchangnuw worked with us, the arbitration was struck by both the force of her personality and the quality of her intellect. Her passion shone through in everything she did, from her work on women’s spiritual equality to her tireless championing of the Naga’s rights,” it added mourning for the loss of their beloved.
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The Parish Pastoral Council of St Paul’s Parish, Liwa Changning, stated that history would rightly record her most celebrated accomplishments, including her being the first President of the Naga Woman Union, Manipur, and her fight for justice, women’s rights, and empowerment, among others.
The Council expressed deep respect and gratitude for the inspiration she offered to them over the years. “St. Paul’s Parish’s long history is one of a shared journey in which Dr. Gina was always with us,” it said. “You have fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith. As for the rest, there is laid up for you a crown of justice which the Lord, the Just Judge, will render to you on that day,” it added.
The Sirti Upah Ruh (Monsang Tribe Union) also expressed pain and anguish at Dr. Gina’s demise. The union stated she rendered her services to the cause of the Naga people and that her passing was a great loss for the Nagas. It extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and wishes for her soul to rest in eternal peace.
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