The years 1992 until 2012 were turbulent years for Dimapur. The violent factional clashes and bloodshed became a daily affair. Taxation and antisocial disturbances was at an all-time high. Protest rallies and peace rallies became as numerous as the clashes. Militarization of the state and army atrocities was at its peak. The government was passive and there were few organizations which dared to confront perpetrators. Under such gloomy atmosphere, there was still a good man rising up to the occasion.
Some know him as W. Mero, others called him Wezhietsü Mero. I call him Uncle Mero.
Uncle Mero lived and served the people of Dimapur during such a time. He was one among the longest serving Councillors of the Naga Council Dimapur clocking 19 years from 1996-2015, representing the Chakhesang community. His service to the people of Dimapur was remarkable.
I first got acquainted with him in 2002 when we both met as Councillors at Naga Council representing our respective tribes. I found him to be a very committed leader, honest and who possesses great determination to finish any task that comes his way. He neither flickers nor surrenders on issues he believed was right. A great motivator, he played a lead role in dealing with social turmoil prevalent in the day. Few men work, sweat or sacrifice time, energy and even money for the welfare of public and still prefer to remain in low profile. They do not seek fame, glory or limelight. Their only goal was to finish the job and let people live in peace and harmony. These are the qualities deeply embedded in the person of Uncle Mero, the true social worker, the man we both mourn and celebrate today!
For a man who gave so much to us, time and space will not permit me to recall all his good deeds here. I can but only cite few instances of his sterling service to public under the aegis of Naga Council:
- In 2002, he represented the Naga Council alongwith Horangse Sangtam to participate in the 2002 Naga Hoho summit at Senapati in the people’s relentless search for peace.
- In 2004, he mobilised funds for relief of flood and landslide victims of Mokokchung.
- He was instrumental in relief mobilisation for the 2004 October 2 bomb blast victims in Dimapur.
- He rendered his service in reclaiming government land at Dimapur Civil hospital (now DHD) in 2004 earlier occupied by illegal encroachers.
- He played a key role in the search and acquisition of 18 bighas of land at Zani village in 2005 for the new Naga cemetery which is functional today.
- His initiative alongwith other NGO leaders brokered peace in the 2007 Wungram colony arson and mob violence which saved the lives of 182 confined citizens from virtual carnage.
- He played pivotal role in organizing the 60th Anniversary celebration of the Naga Council Dimapur in 2009 and the Cultural Festival which was a first of its kind in bringing together the Nagas and non-Naga citizens to celebrate a festival together.
- He rendered full efforts in the campaign for detection and deportation of illegal immigrants (IBIs) in 2012.
Truly a catalyst for social harmony, in the demise of W. Mero, the Nagas have lost a great soul.
His loss is irreplaceable!
May God keep his soul in eternal rest.
May God grant divine peace and comfort to his bereaved family.
Savi Liegise
(President, Naga Council Dimapur, 2005-2013)