IMPHAL, November 4: The 11 death anniversary of Lungnila Elizabeth was today commemorated at the Little Flower School, where she was studying at the time of her kidnapping and subsequent
IMPHAL, November 4: The 11 death anniversary of Lungnila Elizabeth was today commemorated at the Little Flower School, where she was studying at the time of her kidnapping and subsequent killing.
“It was on this day in 2003 that Lungnila Elizabeth a blooming flower, sweet heart of her parents and fellow school mates was nipped in the bud leaving the whole Manipur in shock and sorrow,” said Education and CAF and PD minister Moirangthem Okendro during the function organised by the school authorities and family members.
He said it is quite disheartening and disappointing that crimes against woman and children are on the rise today.
This is condemnable in the strongest terms, he said.
Womenfolk of the State are no less than any of their counterparts from elsewhere, he said.
Manipur has daughters like Rani Gaidinliu- a legendary figure, who had fought against the mighty British for which she was given the title Rani by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he said.
Manipur is also the land of Mary Kom, Kunjarani, Sanamacha Chanu to name a few, he continued.
Father of (L) Lungnila Elizabeth and Rural and Panchayati Raj minister Francis Ngajokpa expressed gratitude on the gesture of the school authorities to observe his daughter’s death anniversary.
He said to ensure that normal classes of the 2230 students of the school are not disturbed by the observation, the family has decided to observe the day in a simpler manner with only the school’s Sisters and family members participating from next year, he said.
He expressed firm belief that the students of the school will come out strongly cultured and civilized in their lives.
The family also donated books, book shelves and Rs 3 lakhs for the maintenance of the school library and a waiting shed inside the school campus.
Today’s observation was also attended by school teachers and students among others. Floral tributes were paid to the young girl and a two minute silence was observed in her remembrance.
(L) Lungnila Elizabeth was also remembered at Kyamgei Heibong Makhong today.
The ‘Taramathoi Suba Leikhidrabi Lungnila Elizabeth Ningsing Thouram’ was jointly organised by NH-53 Truck Owners’ Association and Kanglei Sports Academy, Kyamgei.
Floral tributes were paid to a portrait of (L) Lungnila Elizabeth during the observation.
President of the truck owners’ association, Kh Inaoba who also sponsored the observation said the incident of her death is strongly condemnable.
The day is being observed as Baby Lungnila Elizabeth – a daughter of the State, he said.
He further stressed on the need to promote and encourage unity and peace among the different communities residing in the State.
Inter community marriages should be encouraged and promoted, he said.
Social scientist Dhanabir Laishram regretted the present spate of crimes and violence against women.
He also rued that the meaning of Ningol Chakkouba has been misinterpreted.
While people of the hills consider it to be the festival of only the valley people, the latter has failed to correct this interpretation, he said.
It should be celebrated by all brothers and sisters regardless of community, he said before speaking on the need to encourage inter-community Ningol Chakkouba festival.
Konthoujam MLA K Sarat and Keirao MLA Thamarjit Karam also attended the programme.
As part of the function, warm clothing and two bags of rice were handed to inmates of an Old Age home, while, musical groups of Seishakkon Bedabati Khunung Eshei Seidang Sang and Roop Rag presented devotional songs.
It may be mentioned that the then eight-year-old Baby Lungnila Elizabeth daughter of Francis Ngajokpa the then minister of General Administration Department and Taxation was kidnapped by four persons from outside the school gates on November 4, 2003 for a huge ransom and her lifeless and decomposed body was found stuffed inside a sack a few days later on November 12, 2003 from Tera Sadokpam.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/lungnila-remembered-as-unity-symbol-on-11th-death-anniversary/
