IMPHAL, January 13: The 8th death anniversary of Chingsubam Akaba was held today at the Chingsubam Akaba Memorial Complex, Wakha Leima Ching where his mortal remains were buried eight years ago.
Speaking as the chief guest of the function, titular king of Manipur Leisemba Sanajaoba said that the foundation stone for the statues of R Suisa and Ch Akaba will be the first step towards unity of hills and valley of Manipur.
Recounting his experience of meeting NSCN (IM) leader Muivah in 2012, the titular king said that he had been wanting to meet Muivah for a long time, which compelled him to leave his home without even informing his family members.
He said only after meeting Muivah, he has been able to understand the NSCN (IM) leader; and further added that there is a huge difference between the general perception and the true identity of the NSCN (IM) leader.
He further appealed to the people of both the hills and valley to establish proper communication between themselves.
The titular king further said that he will donate Rs 50 thousand for the construction of the statues from the donation he recieved from Sharmila.
Special invitee to the function, Artex Shimray, president of the Tangkhul Naga Long said the late Akaba as “we remember not only understood the importance of a robust relationship of the peoples in the hills and the plains but nurtured the same.”
“He was keenly promoting art and culture not only in the plains but in the hills too, as he saw great value in retaining and maintaining these cultures that defines the land, territory and identity of a people.”
“As I read the life and works of Ojha Akaba, a copy of which was handed over to me when the organizers and friends from the Meetei National Front (MNF) had come to the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) office in Ukhrul, to invite us to participate in the 8th Death Anniversary of Ojha Akaba, I am impressed by his work and commitment to revive the cultural tradition that used to be, before Hinduism and his work reflects his understanding that the people in the hills and valley are different yet must walk hand in hand and the celebration of Mera Hou Chongba will bear testimony to this.”
His vision was lived through the mission he undertook not as a revivalist but also as someone who placed the welfare of the people is above individual`s interest and work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people.
“We rarely find men like him these days!”
Taking a cue from what he had done, today it is left to us all to decide the kind of future we want to share whether we continue to live in doubts and fear – suspicious of each other or whether we collectively fight these nemesis and chart out our future as peoples who can never be separated and must walk together in good times and bad times and work together as peace maker and live harmoniously as good neighbours.
Another special invitee Mathankhui Zimik, vice-president of Tangkhul Naga Wungnalong said that the people of Manipur should understand the two leaders and should follow their footsteps and added that it will be meaningless to erect the twin statue if the people were unable to follow in thier footsteps.
Namoijam Tomba, executive editor of bilingual evening daily which was founded by late Chingsubam Akaba, said today is the day which had opened a chapter of history. He further added that today is day which has recollected past history be sitting together between hill and valley people.
As a guest of honour of the function, ex minister R V Mingthing also mentioned that there is similarity between R Suisa and Akaba. Both of them were simple living persons like that of a farmer. R Suisa had worked for the unity of hill and valley people as Akaba had done. He further said that Suisa was an MP but he was different from the present MPs. Mingthing further mentioned that Suisa lived in all the at the house of Soyam Amu of Khurai Lamlong.
When Suisa was dead, his mortal remain was kept half an hour at home of Soyam Amu and then burial was made at Hongman village in Senapati district by facing his face towards valley as it was his cherish desire. R Suisa’s birth place is Somtal in Ukhrul. R Mingthing further narrated what Suisa had said, valley brethren will one day search the elder brother of the hill.