Tangkhul Nagas rally against killing of police officer

Dimapur, Sep. 18 (EMN): More than 4, 000 people of Ukhrul district in Manipur converged at the Tangkhul Naga Long ground in Ukhrul town, on September 18 to condemn the killing of Nagaland police officer Neiphretuo Metsie-o.

The participants expressed shame and humiliation at the incident and prayed for the bereaved family and Naga brethren. A two-minute silent prayer led by Rev. M Luiram was observed for forgiveness, based on the biblical witness of Cain and Abel.

The event issued a joint declaration stating vehement denouncement for the killing of Neiphretuo Metsie-o, of Chiechama village in Kohima district, who was found dead between Zapami and Zeketsa villages on September 15 after he went missing on September 7. The declaration was jointly appended by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) Vice President P Peimi, Tangkhul Shanao Long’s President Grace Shatsang, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long’s President AS Vaomi, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong’s President AS Rangma, and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long’s President LM Thanmi.

“We come together to stand as one with his family, his village and the rest of all Naga tribes at this hour of darkest trial,” the declaration read.

“Today, we hang our heads in shame and humility that such a heinous crime has been committed by a member of our community which we abhor in the strongest terms,” the declaration added.

The gathering condemned the act alleged to have been committed by accused Yurreingam R Shimray of Kharasom village, and his accomplice LW Ringthingchon of Lunghar village, as a “crime against humanity.”

The community has appealed that such “irresponsible, despicable and brute incident may not cast a negative aspersion to the whole community,” and expressed trust in the rational and matured wisdom of the Naga brethren. It also prayed that the spirit of the Almighty God sustain and comfort the bereaved family.