Remembering Avizo and Bendang, the two who gave their all

Dimapur, Feb. 3: Khriesavizo Metha was just 24 years when he and Bendangnungsang Longkumer were killed when the police opened fire on a group of protestors that was agitating in Dimapur on January 31 in the commercial city. It was during a series of violent events over the past few days surrounding the municipal and town council polls. Khriesavizo Metha, or ‘Avizo’ as he was fondly called, was described as a ‘promising leader’ by his family. He had recently completed his Master of Urban Planning and Bachelor of Architecture from the National Institute of Medical Science and Engineering Technology in Jaipur. Avizo’s family fondly remembers him as a ‘selfless human being’ who was always available at whatever time he was required; a person who could mingle with anyone, both the young and old, and a person who spread warmth around him. [caption id="attachment_96516" align="alignleft" width="300"] Khriesavizo Metha[/caption] Along with others, he responded to the call as events unfolded on the fateful evening of January 31. His family recounted that Avizo–a 6-foot 3-inch young man, the tallest in his family members (which the male members envied)–had always engaged in student activities and was looking forward to serving as the president of the Angami Students’ Union of Diphupar which he was likely to take charge soon then. Although Avizo, son of Neimhalie Mehta, is no more, his siblings–an elder sister, a younger brother and a sister–and family are proud that he will now be remembered as a person ‘martyred’ for a cause. Likewise, Bendangnungsang Longkumer, son of late Longriyongdang Longkumer, was just 20 years old when he took to the streets as a volunteer on the night of January 31. A football fan who even tried his luck at landing a spot in the state’s football team, as his cousin brother accounted, Bendang and his elder brother, three younger brothers and younger sister were orphaned at a very young age. Since then Bendang and his elder brother had shouldered the responsibility of taking care of the siblings and made sure that they were not deprived of comfort and basic education. [caption id="attachment_96517" align="alignleft" width="273"] Bendangnungsang Longkumer[/caption] He dropped out of school after matriculation with the intention of working so that he could look after his siblings, his cousin said. After completing a diploma in Hindi from Dimapur, Bendang joined a private firm in Chennai four months ago to earn a living to support his siblings. He was on a holiday in Dimapur. ‘His sole endeavour was to work for his siblings and for himself after being orphaned at a very young age and having seen the difficult times of his family,’ his cousin said. ‘He have always lived selflessly laying others’ happiness before his and he has have proved his self-sacrificing character on January 31, 2017. He will be remembered. His family, friends and all those who know him are proud of his time with us,’ his cousin said. The Diphupar organisations are speaking of their pride at the sacrifice the sons of Diphupar made. Khriesavizo Metha and Bendangnungsang Longkumer will be hailed as youths who were ‘martyred for protecting rights of the Nagas.’