AKM, MTLT, YTC, ENSF and SASSU offer condolences following fatal landslide

Several student and tribal organisations have expressed grief and solidarity with the family of two brothers who died in a landslide at Upper Penli Ward, Mokokchung, on July 29.

The deceased, Muwalong Sangtam, 19, a Class XII student, and Thsidiba Sangtam, 16, a Class XI student of Queen Mary Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung, were sons of Merenba Sangtam of Alisopur Village. Their mother was also injured in the incident.

Organisations mourn deaths of two students in Mokokchung landslide
District administration officials inspect the site of the fatal landslide at Upper Penli Ward, Mokokchung, on Wednesday, July 29, following the deaths of two brothers in the incident.

The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) described the deaths as an “irreparable loss” to the family, friends, educational institution and student fraternity. It conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and expressed appreciation to the district administration, disaster response personnel, volunteers, civil society organisations and others involved in the rescue operation.

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The Mokokchung Town LanurTelongjem (MTLT) said the tragedy was a loss not only to the Sangtam community but to the people of Mokokchung as a whole. It stressed that despite belonging to different tribes, Nagas remain “one Naga family, united by a shared bond of brotherhood”, and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and Sangtam community.

The Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) also mourned the deaths, describing the two students as young lives with “so much future ahead”. On behalf of the Yimkhiung people, it extended condolences to the family and prayed for the speedy recovery of their injured mother.

The Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) termed the incident a “devastating tragedy” that has brought immeasurable sorrow to the family, student fraternity and wider community. The Federation said the deaths were a reminder of the devastating consequences of natural calamities and the loss of young lives before their aspirations could be fulfilled.

The Sitimi Area Sangtam Students’ Union (SASSU) also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, saying the loss of the two young brothers was deeply felt by their family, village and community.

READ | Mokokchung landslide: After two deaths, citizens suggest measures to avert disasters

The organisations prayed for eternal rest for the departed and strength, comfort and consolation for the bereaved family. They also called on the public and student community to extend compassion, support and prayers to those affected by the tragedy.

 

MT