Various churches and organizations across Nagaland have condemned the killing of Khriesavizo (Avizo) Metha and Bendangnungsang Longkumer in the police firing on January 31 night in Dimapur. The two youths were killed when hundreds of protestors went on a mass agitation against the state government’s decision to hold Civic Polls in 12 town councils.
CAN: Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) has appealed both the government of Nagaland and civil society organizations to “recognize the legitimacy of different opinions with regard to temporal solutions, and respect citizens who, even as a group, defend their points of view by honest methods”. In a release, CAN stated that the Naga society is plagued with troubles and crisis over the issues of Civic Polls in the State and that this crisis was exerting tremendous affliction on the society and the Church, which is the body of Christ. At this juncture, CAN said that the state government was duty-bound to act ethically and with utmost sensitivity to the wishes of the people. It said the government must prove that the leadership is accountable, dependable and does what is right for the common good. Meanwhile, CAN said that it was pained at the loss of two precious lives in the crisis. Appealing for better sense to prevail for love of life and the good of every person, CAN prayed for the departed souls for eternal rest in God’s kingdom and wished for speedy recovery of the injured. The association has also requested God’s people particularly the Priests, Clergies and Nuns working in the Diocese of Kohima, Nagaland, to offer prayers during the Holy Eucharistic Celebration for peace in the State of Nagaland and wisdom of God to dawn upon the temporal leaders of Nagaland.
ABCC: Angami Baptist Church Council has expressed it utter disappointment on the government of Nagaland for “giving a deaf ear” to the voices of the people pertaining to ULB election in Nagaland, resulting in loss of lives, including one of its members, and several injuries on January 31 night. In condemnation letter, ABCC executive director, V. Atsi Dolie stated that any government government of the day is expected to listen to its citizens on every matter, much more so, a matter of immense seriousness which has evoked state-wide reactions. ABCC stated that the government must wake up and address the issues which every Naga holds so dearly in his or her being. The church pointed out that had the government honoured that small respite created to understand each other on January 30 with JCC in the presence of NBCC, then perhaps the “Bloody Tuesday” could have been avoided. It said that it was unfortunate, that the incident would painfully go down in the history of the “opposition-less” NPF-led government and a scar on those whose decision resulted in tragedy. Meanwhile, ABCC said it shares the sorrows and pains of the concerned families at this time of great loss. The church said it believes that they have not died in vain but for something they believed was right and fair. ABCC also prayed that God would console the families.
Ao Senden: Ao Senden has expressed deep shock over the brutal killing of innocent and bonafide Naga citizens by the “agents of government” and said that it condemned in “highest terms the barbaric action of the government”. Ao Senden acting president C. Angang Jamir in a condemnation note stated that, Ao Senden mourns the martyrdom and share the sorrow with the bereaved families of those who laid down their lives for the cause of Nagas. The Senden also prayed that the almighty God rest their souls in peace and grant solace to the bereaved families. Let their martyrdom be etched in the Naga history and be the stepping stone in the stand of the Nagas in preserving and upholding of our almighty God given rights and duties, Ao Senden added.
CGBU: Chakhroma GBs’ Union (CGBU) has expressed pain over the death of Vizo Metha son of Neimhalie Metha and Bendangnungsang Ao son of late Longriyngdang Ao on January 31 in police firing near T.R. Zeliang residence at 2 ½ mile, Dimapur. In a condolences message to the bereaved family members, CGBU president Thepfukedo Kuotsu and general secretary Atso Gwizan said that the supreme sacrifices of the two for the sake of the people would go down in the history and their martyrdom would not go in vain but would be cherished by the people.