IMPHAL, August 30: The first martyrdom anniversary of Mayopam Ramror and Ramkasing Vashi was observed today at Tangkhul Naga Long Ground, Ukhrul with Naga public leaders from across the State paying solemn homage to the two departed souls at the Martyrdom Memorial Graveyard.
Various Naga tribe leaders led by United Naga Council (UNC) president Gaidon Kamei pledged to carry forward the Naga political struggle undeterred by the oppressive tactics of the State government.
Ramror and Vashi were amongst the thousands of people rallying to demand immediate revocation of 144 CrPC promulgated at Ukhrul town for more than a month and withdrawal of the police commando from the district on August 30 last year. These demands followed the killing of one ADC member and pre-dawn raid on the office of NSCN (IM) at Ukhrul. They died on the spot and several others were injured when the police fired at the crowd.
In his welcome address, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) president V Weapon Zimik applauded the courage of the two young martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Nagas. He reiterated the chronology of Naga movement and the ceaseless collective struggle of the people till date.
UNC president Gaidon Kamei unveiled the Martyrdom Monumental Tombstones erected at TNL Ground in honour of late Mayopam Ramror and Ramkasing Vashi who were shot dead by Manipur Police commandos during a mass peace rally at Wino Bazaar in Ukhrul on August 30 last year.
Thousands became teary with emotion and the two young widows wept inconsolable when one of the Christian`s most solemn and emotional songs `Nearer to thee` began to rent the air at TNL Ground as leaders from different Naga organizations and tribe Hoho leaders of Manipur laid wreaths at the tombs of the two UNC martyrs.
Wives of the two martyrs also offered floral tributes to their respective departed husbands. Rossetina wife of late Mayopam Ramror and Chonmiwon wife of Ramkasing Vashi were both pregnant with their first child at the time when their husbands were shot dead.
Giving the Martyrs Day message, UNC President Gaidon Kamei in his address said that Ramror and Vashi will be remembered forever in the history of the Nagas for their solemn sacrifice.
He further said that the subjugating force of Manipur government will never be able to suppress the Nagas`™ right to self determination. He then expressed vehement condemnation of the killing of the two innocent rallyists.
Kamei also reiterated the pledge to take forward the Naga struggle with unity and oneness, while urging all factional Naga national leaders to forget past mistrust and come together for the collective Naga cause.
Leaders and representatives from ANSAM, NWU, CNPO, NPMHR, NPO and ZB delivered solidarity messages. A two-minute silence was also observed during the observance in remembrance of the two departed martyrs.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/08/1st-martyrdom-anniv-of-mayopam-ramror-and-ramkasing-vashi-observed/