The funeral service of three renowned and educated citizens of Ungma village of the time who were allegedly abducted and killed by unidentified Naga national workers was held today after 58 years at Ungma Yimlang Aonglenden. The trio – Merennungsang Longkumer, Limayanger Pongen, and Nungshituba Jamir were reportedly killed on September 5, 1964.
Limayanger Pongen was 28 years old, while Merennungsang Longkumer and Nungshituba Jamir were in their early 30s when they were abducted and murdered. It is said that their family members, relatives, and the villagers went out in search of them soon after their abduction, but were unable to find them. The relatives continued to search for the possible location of their remains for many years without success, a relative said.
After 58 years, the family members of the three victims were able to locate their burial site at a place called Ungma Yimpang Longpangtsung forest area, about 10 kilometres from Ungma village, and retrieve their remains with the help of village elders.
The Ungma Village Council and family members went to the spot early this morning to collect and retrieve the remains of the three deceased. Later, a combined funeral service was held at Ungma Yimlang Aonglenden. At their funeral, the victims’ family members publicly declared that they have forgiven the perpetrators who had brutally slain their parents and that they harboured no ill will against anyone. Among the family members who spoke at the funeral were Toshipokba Longkumer, ex-MLA and the eldest son of Merenungsang Longkumer; Tinuneken Pongen and A. Bendang Jamir, family members of late Limayanger Pongen and late Nungshituba Jamir.
The Ungma Village Council thanked the family members for their effort in bringing their parents’ mortal remains to their native village and sought the blessings of the departed souls. Rev. Dr. Noklen Longkumer, pastor of the Ungma Baptist Church, conducted the funeral service.
The remains of Merennungsang Longkumer, Limayanger Pongen and Nungshituba Jamir were later buried at Ungma Yimlang Cemetery.
