Member of Rengma Students’ Union and other during a short service held in memory of Late Lathon Kemp, the last surviving member of the four-woman team to weave the first Naga National Flag, in Tseminyu on January 7.
Organisations, others pay tributes to Lathon Kemp’s legacy
Dimapur, January 7 (MExN): Lathon Kemp, the last surviving member of the four-woman team who wove the first Naga National Flag, passed away at her native village Sendenyu, Rengma Region on January 5. She was 97.
Late Kemp (1924- 2021) was the last surviving member of the four women who wove the first Naga National Flag featuring a rainbow and the Bethlehem Star, first hoisted in Parashen, Rengma Region, by Thongti Chang on March 22, 1956, a press release from Rengma Students’ Union (RSU) informed.
It affirmed the 'Identity' and established the collective aspiration of the Naga people, it said.
According to RSU, Yhunsinlo Rengma and Megovor Angami in 1956 drew the first Naga National Flag in Parashen, based on the description given by Late AZ Phizo.
The then the Sendenyu Women Society led by Keshenle Thong, Society Leader; Lathong Kemp, Member; Khongale Kent, Member; and Rülso-ü Semp “brought the monumental masterpiece to life,” it said.
The union also organised a short service on January 7 in Tseminyu by flying the Naga National Flag at Half-mast to “pay homage to `our' dearly departed 'lady',” added the release issued by RSU President Heiko Kent and General Secretary Kegwalo Magh.
Apart from the RSU President, Kegwayhun Tep, Secy. Education, NSF and Sokenye Kent, General Secretary, Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) delivered speeches on the occasion, followed by prayers for the departing soul.
The union further extended its heartfelt condolences to all the bereaved family members, friends and loved ones of 'our' departed lady who had stood by her in the final days of her journey.
Meanwhile, the RSZ paying tribute to Late Kemp’s monumental contribution said that she “laid solid ground for the Naga Identity and have brought thus far the collective aspiration of our people.”
Joining with the rest of the Naga people in paying homage to Late Kemp, RSZ said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family members, friends and loved ones whom she had left behind.”
“It is our belief and confidence that we shall find solace in knowing that the departed soul now rests in eternal peace in the care of the almighty God,” it added.
The Naga Rising (TNR) team, while extending its condolences said that Late Kemp lived a long and fulfilling life until the age of 97 years.
Celebrating her legacy, the TNR said that Late Kemp helped “kept alive the collective experience of this significant event through oral tradition, thereby, paving the path for inclusion and visibility of the varied roles contributed by Naga women to the national movement.”
“The Naga Rising team is honoured to have been able to source a video detailing Ms Kemp’s experience as part of our Oral History Project prior to her demise. We are profoundly saddened by this heavy loss,” it added.
The Central Administrative Officer, Rengma Region and all members of the Rengma Region of NSCN (IM) also expressed sadness over the demise of Late Kemp.
“Her contribution towards the Naga Nation will always be cherished. The Rengma Region expresses its heartfelt condolences and prays to the Almighty God to give comfort to the bereaved family members,” stated a condolence note from NS Lorin, Kilonser CAO Rengma region.
