58 years on, mortal remains of three Ungma citizens laid to rest

November 30, 2022 36 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Ungma | November 30

Over 58 years after their disappearance from their village, the mortal remains of three citizens of Ungma were finally laid to rest on November 29.

On September 5, 1964, the trio – Merennungsang Longkumer, Limayanger Pongen and Nungshituba Jamir were allegedly abducted and killed by the Naga national workers.

They were three renowned and educated people from Ungma village, Mokokchung.

At the time of their disappearance, Limayanger was 28 years of age, while Merennungsang and Nungshituba were both in their early thirties.

It was informed that the family, relatives, and villagers went in search of them shortly after their abduction, but they were unable to find them. For many years, searches for possible location of their remains were also unsuccessful.

However, 58 years after they went missing, the family of the three men with the assistance of local elders, were able to locate their mortal remains at the Ungma Yimpang Longpangtsung forest area, about 10 kilometres from Ungma village.
Accordingly, in the early hours of November 29, members of the Ungma Village Council and family members went to the site to gather the remains.

Later, a ‘Welcome Home’ funeral service was conducted at Ungma Yimlang Aonglenden, where the trio were honoured as ‘martyrs.’ During the service, their family members publicly stated that they forgive and harbour no ‘ill-will toward” those involved in their brutal killing.

Late Merenungsang’s eldest son, Ex-MLA Toshipokba Longkumer as well as family members of the of late Limayanger and late Nungshituba – Tinuneken Pongen and A Bendang Jamir, spoke at the funeral.

The Ungma Village Council also lauded the family members for their efforts in bringing the mortal remains to their native village and sought the blessings for the departed souls.

Rev Dr Noklen Longkumer, pastor of the Ungma Baptist Church, presided over the funeral service.

The mortal remains of the trio were later buried at Ungma Yimlang Cemetery.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/58-years-on-mortal-remains-of-three-ungma-citizens-laid-to-rest