Candlelit Kohima glows in tribute to ‘hero’ Khaplang

Kohima, June 14 (EMN): On Wednesday evening, the state capital observed a candlelight service in memory of veteran Naga leader and chairman of NSCN (K) Shangwang Shangyung Khaplang. Hundreds of people assembled at Old MLA junction, Phoolbari, Kohima, to pay their respect to the departed leader who breathed his last on June 9 last at Taka, a Naga area in Myanmar.
The service was organized by the Naga Students Federation, while leaders from Naga organisations including Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers Association, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights and various tribal bodies and churches attended the programme.
All the speakers who addressed the gathering saluted the leadership and sacrifices of late Khaplang. The message for Naga unity was loud and clear as the leaders voiced the urgent need for the Nagas to come together and fight for our rights as a people. The leaders were also unequivocal in requesting the government of India and the NSCN (K) to once again sign a ceasefire agreement.
Naga Hoho president, Chuba Ozukum lauded late Khaplang for being a true Naga freedom fighter. “Khaplang was second to none and is one of the tallest leaders among the Nagas. He was a visionary leader, a true fighter and a man of principle,” Ozukum said.
Sharing about his meeting with the departed leader in 1998, Ozukum, who visited Myanmar along with a Naga delegation, was all praise for late Khaplang for always considering Naga people as a family.
“We cannot forget his sacrifices and his love for Naga people. The legacy that he has laid for us, we should stand together to safeguard the interest of the Nagas,” Ozukum appealed.
NPMHR secretary general, Neingulo Krome, in his address, regretted that late Khaplang “left us a bit early.” Had Khaplang lived for a few more years, Krome said, he would have been one Naga leader to solve the kind of divisions which exists in Naga society.
“Nagas ought to be grateful to Khaplang, not because of his greatness alone, but because he provided the needed space and the air to breath for every Naga freedom fighter right from the days of Naga national movement”, he said in reference to the passage of Naga freedom fighters who crossed Myanmar when entering China.
Krome also deeply regretted the divisive forces that kept Khaplang away from other Naga leaders. He observed that some groups within north east region also played their parts in separating the Nagas from coming together.
NSF president, Subenthung Kithan saluted late Khaplang for being a tall standing Naga nationalist who made tremendous positive and valuable contributions to the founding and development of Naga freedom struggle. The programme was chaired by NSF assistant general secretary, Kesosul Christopher Ltu.

‘Khaplang was a hero, not terrorist’
NMA advisor, Dr Rosemary Dzüvichü has hit out at the Indian media and ‘those Indian friends’ who have been debating in television about the death of Khaplang.
Making its (NMA) dissatisfaction known for labelling Khaplang as terrorist, the NMA conveyed its message to the centre and the media houses concerned stating that “any leader, who sacrifices his life for the Naga cause, will be considered as a hero instead of being labelled as a terrorist”.
Speaking on behalf of NMA, Rosemary also informed about the Naga delegation, comprising NMA and NSF representatives, who made an attempt to attend the funeral service of late Khaplang, but returned on Monday evening (June 12) as they could not pass through due to difficult terrains.
However, it was informed that four members did not return, to make another effort to reach the headquarters, to pay respect to the departed leader and also lay wreathes and shawls.
Sharing about NMA’s meeting with the union home minister Rajnath Singh after the ceasefire abrogation, the NMA advisor was also hopeful that the GoI and the NSCN (K) will come under another ceasefire agreement at the earliest.
“Today, as we commemorate his life, we also appeal to the Indian government to still reach out to this group. We are still appealing to the NSCN (K) to come to term with the GoI, so that their families and every Naga can live in peace,” Rosemary said.