The death anniversaries of Late Ayekpam Wangpa and Late Samom Kriti, both associated with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), were observed separately on Sunday with floral tributes and remembrance ceremonies.
The Ayekpam Wangpa Memorial Trust, Naoremthong Leishram Leirak, observed the 9th death anniversary of Late Ayekpam Wangpa at Ima Thongak Lairembi, Langol. Family members, well-wishers and supporters paid floral tributes in his memory.
According to the Trust, Ayekpam Wangpa, born on November 11, 1956, joined the UNLF and later served in several key positions, including Secretary of the Central Headquarters and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Manipur People’s Army (MPA). The Trust stated that he was arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) in 1995, released in 1998, and later served as Vice Chairman of the UNLF Central Committee following the organisation’s Seventh General Assembly in 2014. He passed away on June 28, 2017, after a prolonged illness.
Meanwhile, the Samom Kriti Memorial Trust, Kamong Meisnam Leikai, observed the death anniversary of Late Samom Kriti at Kamong. Floral tributes were offered in his honour by family members, supporters and well-wishers.
The Trust stated that Samom Kriti, born in 1951, joined the UNLF in 1970 and later served as the organisation’s officiating General Secretary in 1989. It also recalled his contributions to student welfare and the promotion of indigenous polo before he joined the revolutionary movement. According to the Trust, he was killed by security forces at Singjamei on June 28, 1997.
Both memorial observances concluded with floral tributes and remembrance of their lives and contributions, according to the respective memorial trusts.