From John K Kaping
UKHRUL, April: Arrested NSCN-IM leader Nikhan supporters today took out a rally demanding his immediate and unconditional release at Ukhrul town.
Thousands of Ukhrul locals participated in the massive rally holding placards that read, “we stand united to Ningkhan”,”we demand unconditional release of Ningkhan Anthony Shimray”, “we demand meaningful ceasefire”, “Is NIA above the law”, “Ningkhan is a Peace loving man” et al.
The rallyists marched from two opposite directions in Ukhrul town, one starting from Hundung junction in the south street and the other from Ukhrul Mission Ground in the North street and later emerged at Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) ground for a public discussion and declaration on the crucial matter under the main banner with Ningkhan`s photograph hung above the public platform imprinted as ” release Anthony Shimray” “release all Political Prisoners.”
The main speakers of the public discussion included president of the Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, TNWL (Tangkhul Headmen Council) AS Vaomi, president Tangkhul Students` Union, TKS Yangmi Khapai, TNL vice-president N Tuikhar, Tangkhul Women`s League, TSL vice resident K Athar, Tangkhul Youth Council, TMNL presaident Ningkhan Shang and Naga Peoples` Movement for Human Rights senior member HungyoHong.
The massive public gathering at the end evoked a resolution to fight till the last if the Government of India does not release the NSCN leader in immediate un-conditional release whatsoever.
The memorandum jointly signed by TNL, TKS, TNWL, TSL and TMNL, the four civil societies of the Tangkhul Naga community was submitted to the Prime Minister of India through Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner.
The programme was organized by “Free Ningkhan Programme Committee”, during the public rally all shops, vehicular and peoples` movements across the district headquarter remained stand still.
It can be stated that various forms of “free Ningkhan” demand movements including “Sit-in Protest”, “Post Cards Campaign” etc. etc. have been so far staged in Ukhrul district headquarter earlier by the apex civil bodies.
