Peace Mission to Ukhrul: MLA Ram Muivah, NPIP reach out to TNL amid crisis, call for healing after Hongpei tragedy

Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, April 3:
In a significant gesture aimed at restoring calm and strengthening unity following the recent turmoil in Ukhrul district, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah along with members of the Naga Peoples’ Initiative for Peace (NPIP) travelled from Imphal on Wednesday to meet leaders of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and various Tangkhul frontal organisations.
The visiting goodwill delegation held an extensive and meaningful interaction with Tangkhul civil society leaders to deliberate on the prevailing situation arising from the tragic Hongpei incident, in which four Naga Army personnel lost their lives. The meeting focused on promoting reconciliation, collective responsibility, and long-term peace within the Naga community.
Prior to the public condolence service, the NPIP team visited the TNL complex where the mortal remains of the four deceased cadres were kept. The delegation paid solemn tribute to the fallen personnel and personally met the bereaved families, extending moral and financial assistance while conveying respect and solidarity during their time of grief.
Speaking with the media, MLA Ram Muivah described the Hongpei incident as “one of the saddest chapters in Naga history.” Expressing deep anguish, he said the loss of four young lives in the prime of their youth had left the entire Naga society heartbroken.
“I have no adequate words to express the sorrow and grief. We have witnessed enough bloodshed in the last seventy years of our nation-building journey. It is my earnest hope and prayer that such tragic incidents never occur again in Ukhrul and Kamjong,” he stated, while conveying heartfelt condolences on behalf of the visiting team.
NPIP representative and former Member of Parliament Mani Charanamei said the delegation came to Ukhrul to share the pain of the people and stand with the families. He emphasized that the loss was not confined to individual families but belonged to the entire Naga community.
“Nagas have seen enough bloodshed. The time has come to seek wiser and more sensible paths toward our collective goals. We must learn to forgive others, forgive ourselves, and even extend forgiveness to our neighbours. Unity, wisdom and restraint must guide us forward,” he remarked.
Former MLA Preshow Shimray informed that the team held constructive discussions with TNL leaders to explore ways of resolving misunderstandings and strengthening community harmony. He also commended TNL for its dignified initiative in organising the public condolence service before handing over the bodies to the families with honour and respect.
The NPIP delegation included Peter Simon, MBC, Home Raikhan (Retd. IRS), and other senior members committed to advancing peace efforts. The visit was widely viewed as a timely intervention aimed at healing wounds and reinforcing the spirit of reconciliation in Ukhrul district.