A condolence service was held on Wednesday afternoon at Ukhrul Headquarters Ground in honour of four fallen Naga Army personnel – Major (Posthumous) Sochipem Phungshok, Sergeant Major (Posthumous) Zairay Vasah, Sergeant (Posthumous) Bahnle Ahlahpya, and Sergeant (Posthumous) Thansomi Washi.
The program was organised by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of the Tangkhul Nagas in Manipur, along with Tangkhul (Longnao) frontal organisations. The service began with a silent prayer led by Rev Zaklei Kaping of Phungyo Baptist Church, followed by traditional rites and presentations by representatives of the community.
Leaders from various civil society organisations delivered condolence messages, including presidents of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), Tangkhul Naga Awunga Long (TNAL), and Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL). Family members of the deceased personnel also shared their grief, while representatives from the Eastern Flank paid tribute to the fallen.
Meanwhile, a team from Naga People’s Initiatives for Peace (NPIFP) visited the TNL office at Ukhrul district headquarters to express solidarity. The visit was made in connection with the Hongbei village incident in Kamjong district, Manipur, in which the four Naga Army personnel lost their lives.
The program concluded with collective expressions of mourning and solidarity with the bereaved families. (With inputs from Ukhrul Times)