1st death anniversary of Jan 31 martyrs observed

The first death anniversary of the late Khriesavizo (Avizo) Metha and late Bendangnungsang Longkumer, who were killed on January 31 during Urban Local Body (ULB) election imbroglio, was observed in a program jointly organized by Joint coordination committee (JCC) and Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) at Martyrs’ memorial park, Old secretariat complex Kohima, on Wednesday. A memorial monument was also dedicated on the same day.
NTAC convenor, K.T. Vilie, in his address, said the two youths’ supreme sacrifice had allowed the people to achieve their goal. According to him the anniversary programme and martyrs’ memorial park will be handled by the tribal hohos by next year.
JCC co-convener, Luolao Usou, in his address appreciated the contributors for providing a beautiful site and also providing a huge amount for the construction of the memorial monument. He urged all Naga leaders to observe the death anniversary even in the years to come. He opined that the two deserved respect equal to the NSF martyrs and martyrs of the Indian Kargil war.
Usou lamented that our Nagas leaders had set money as a priority before the rights of the Nagas. He stated that the general public was also to be blamed for this because we have the freedom to choose our leaders. The Naga public, instead of choosing honest and responsible leaders, tend to let money over power their judgement, he said and appealed to all Nagas to think wisely and choose leaders sensibly.
Angami Public Organization advisor, Dr. Vilhusa Seleyi, in his address said the two deceased deserved honour because they laid down their lives in the quest for justice.
Ruopfiikhrienuo Metha, elder sister of Late Khriesavizo who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed her gratitude to the gathering and organizers for paying homage to her brother and his friend Bedangnungsang. She said it was painful to recollect what had happened a year ago and also urged the gathering to strive forward for a better society. She wanted the sacrifice of her brother to be an example for the Nagas to work with truth and justice and not with money or gun power.
A family member of late Bendangnungsang said the day should be remembered and the sacrifice of the two promising young men should not be in vain. He said that such occurrences should be avoided in the future for the benefit of the future generations. He said Khriesavizo and Bendangnungsang would always be remembered as martyrs in the annals of Naga history.
Dr. P. Ngullie, who chaired the programme, said the very ground was hallowed because of the mortal remains of the two martyrs and our people owed them our honour for their supreme sacrifice.
He said the monument erected in their memory could not repay the supreme sacrifice made by them when they gave their “all” selflessly, but the monument could only be a symbol of our utmost gratitude.
President of Diphupar Naga youth organization and another family member of late Khriesavizo also spoke during the program.
Kohima Ao Baptist Church pastor, Sentisashi read scripture and said the dedicatory prayer, wreaths were laid by family members of both the deceased and various organizations and individuals. A tribute song was presented by Diphupar Naga youth organization while the vote of thanks was given by JCC co-covenor, Vekhosayi Nyekha.
Hundreds of people including officials of NTAC, JCC, APO, Diphupar youth members, family members and others attended the programme.