Dimapur, Jan. 7 (EMN): The Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) organised a short service to pay homage to Lathon Kemp, the last surviving member of the four women who wove the first Naga national flag, at its headquarters in Tseminyu on January 7. The union also flew the Naga national flag at half-mast during the service.
Lathon Kemp (1924-2021) passed away on January 5 at her native Sendenyu village. Kemp was the last surviving member of the four women who wove the first Naga national flag. The flag, which features a Rainbow and the Bethlehem Star, was first hoisted at Parashen by Thongti Chang on March 22, 1956.
The union president Heiko Kent and the general secretary Kegwalo Magh stated that in 1956 at Parashen Yhunsinlo Rengma and Megovor Angami drew the Naga national flag based on the description given by AZ Phizo. It was then the Sendenyu women society led by its leader Keshenle Thong along with three members namely Lathon Kemp, Khongale Kent, and Rüso-ü Semp brought the monumental masterpiece to life, the statement read.
It stated that short speeches were delivered by its president Heiko Kent, NSF education secretary Kegwayhun Tep, and general secretary of Rengma Sela Zi Sokenye Kent during the service. It added that prayers were offered for the departed soul.
Meanwhile, the union has conveyed condolences to all the bereaved family members, friends and loved ones who had stood by her in the final days of her journey.
