Global Naga Forum relief team visits fire-ravaged Chiu village in Myanmar

In response to the appeal for the fire-ravaged Naga village of Solo/Chiu under Lahe Township in the Naga Self Administered Zone (NSAZ) of Myanmar on February 2, the Global Naga Forum carried out a Relief Mission to help the villagers.

A seven member GNF Relief Mission team led by GNF Co-Convenor and Chair, GNF for Nagas in Myanmar, Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu, reached the village on 12 March with 200 quintals of relief materials. The other members of the GNF Relief Team were GNF Advisory Board member Abeiu Meru, Miriam Rengma, Kevitho Kera, Azo Wetsah, Chungtin Khiamniungan and Mutsoi Khiamniungan.

Related News: Hundreds affected as fire destroys Naga village houses in Myanmar; NSO appeals

It may be recalled that on 2 February, the Khiamniungan Naga village of Chiu, locally called Solo village, was destroyed in a fire accident in which 72 houses in the village were completely razed down.

The GNF team arrived at Pangsha village on 11 March from Kohima and Dimapur with 200 quintals of relief materials, a press release received here said. On arrival at Pangsha village, a joint meeting was held with 11 leaders of Solo Chiu village and village leaders of New Pangsha and Dan to discuss the transportation of materials to the affected village.  A dinner was cooked and prepared for the Solo village leaders by the GNF team members.

On Sunday, 12 March, the GNF Relief team reached Solo Chiu village accompanied by the Chairman New Pangsha Village, Chairman Dan Village, Angh of Solo Chiu village, Khiamniungan Tribe Council member, Solo Village Council leaders and other volunteer youth from both sides of the border.

The Chairman Solo Chiu Village and villagers received the large delegation and the relief materials for the fire victim families. The GNF team were hosted lunch at the fire damaged residence of the Angh and a brief meeting was held where the Angh, Solo Chiu Village  conveyed the gratitude of the village to the GNF and all generous donors that helped them, despite the distance. He said the bond of the Naga family beyond all borders and the love we have for each other was exemplified in the long journey undertaken to bring them the much needed relief materials. A Khiamniungan Dao was presented to the GNF in symbolic traditional acknowledgement of friendship with Solo Chiu Village.

The GNF Relief consignment was carried in five Bolero trucks to Solo Chiu Village  from Pangsha and consisted of 3750 kg Rice, 300 kg Dal, 350 kg Salt, assorted biscuits and soap for children, clothes for men, women and children, shoes, blankets, utensils, plates, cooking pots, cups ,bed linen, mattresses, pillows and other necessities.

The Global Naga Forum conveyed gratitude to all donors who responded in cash and kind to the appeal for helping the Solo Chiu villagers. We are indebted to the Poumai Naga Baptist Churches Association, Poumai Union Kohima, Mao Union Dimapur, Don Bosco College Kohima and Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Kohima, staff and students, Salesian College Dimapur students, Staff of Khedi Baptist School, GNF members, our families and generous friends who came forward to help this fire-ravaged Naga village so far away beyond our borders.

The GNF also acknowledged the DGP Nagaland for helping with the police truck to carry relief materials to Pangsha. Our deep gratitude to Mr Hangchiu GB, New Pangsha, Mr P Pencho, Chairman, New Pangsha Village Council, Mr Mulai, Chairman Dan village at ITC Dan area, Mr Khunyu member, Khiamniungan Tribal Council who all came together to facilitate the journey to Solo Chiu Village.

“Our gratitude to the Chairman, Solo Chiu Village, who facilitated for permission for the relief materials and team to come safely to the affected village and meet villagers and return back. We remain indebted to Dr Putchong Thai’s family for hosting the GNF Relief Mission team at New Pangsha village and Nagaland Police driver Wati Ao for the yeoman service of reaching the relief materials to Pangsha. Our sincere gratitude to Mr Lanu, Dy. Commandant of the NAP Battalion at Tuensang for hosting the Relief Mission team at the Police Officers’ Mess,” it added.

“A memorable humanitarian service for our brethren across our borders, we thank all who supported the relief mission journey with prayers,” GNF said.

Mokokchung Times