Today, the Sungratsü Union Dimapur celebrated the 1st death anniversary of Yongkong Longchar. In a very simple function and prayer meeting conducted by their fellowship president Mrs. Alemkokla Walling in the resident of Sungratsü Union Treasurer Yashitsungba Ao remembering the late Yongkong Longchar who gave his life for our tomorrow. An obituary message of late Yongkongangshi Longchar for the Naga nation by Shri Temjenyanger.
I am privileged and honoured to be the meeting convener at these two auspicious celebrations of both the funeral and 1st death anniversary of Yongkong Longchar, who had sacrificed his life on the overseas altar for the cause of our Naga Independent struggle. Late Yongkongangshi Longchar was born at Sungratsü Village on 1st January 1926, he is the third and youngest son of late Martsuden Longchar. His early schooling was done in Impur Mission School. He passed B.A. from St. Antony’s College. He was the first Arts graduate from Sungratsü Village. He served as Asstt. Head Master in Ongpangkong National High School Mokokchung from 1954 till this school building was occupied by Indian armed forces. He joined the Naga National Council (NNC) as volunteer in 1956. The Federal government (Underground Govt) of Nagaland. Late Yongkongangshi Longchar was elected as 1st Kilo Kilonser when the Federal Republic of Nagaland (Underground government) was formed on 22nd March 1956. In his mission to London he went to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1957.
On 12 Nov 1962 the “Times” morning paper published that four Naga personnel arrested in Heathrow airport were released. Those four personnel were Yongkong Ao, Kodao Yanthan, Gen. Kaito, and Gen. Mowu. When they were questioned by the British authority, “Who gave you passport to enter Great Britain?” Yongkong Ao straightaway replied that the Nagas never asked passport to British subjects to enter Nagaland. They met AZ Phizo, the then NNC president in his London home, after which Gen, Mowu and Gen. Kaito returned to Nagaland. Yongkong Ao and Kodao Yanthan stayed back in London with AZ Phizo. After Phizo’s death Kodao returned to Nagaland, and is still alive.
Yongkongangshi Longchar was the last man among those five discharging his duties for our cause till his death in London at 8:30 a.m. (ISD) 2006. During his lifetime he said to his close relatives and friends that neither his dead body nor burnt ashes should be taken to Nagaland surrendering it to the Indian government. His funeral service was held in West Bourne Park Baptist Church in which church he was a regular service goer and worshipper. His Baptist membership was in the Sungratsü Baptist Church till his death.
His Funeral Programme was as follows:-
West Bourne Park Baptist Church
Yongkongangshi Longchar
1st January 1926 – 24th April 2006
Sungratsü Nagaland
6th May 2006 10:00 a.m.
ORDER OF SERVICE:
Led by Rev. Dr. Steven F. Latham
Music on entry
Draping of Naga National Flag placed on casket.
Welcome prayer.
First Hymn: “The Lord is my shepherd”
Scripture reading by Dr. Tsiken Kithan – Luke 4:14–21
Eulogy by Rev. Sennangshila Longchar followed by Pastor’s invitation to congregation to add short personal accounts
Scripture reading by Cynthia James – I Corinthians 15:55–56
Address by Dr. Daniel Longchar (IAS)
2nd Hymn “Amazing Grace”
Lord’s Prayer
A short period of silence
Sermon by Rev. Dr. Steven
F. Lathan: Prayer, Benediction.
Removal of Naga National Flag
Closing piece of Music
The family and friends who wish to join them will go to west London crematorium at Kensal Green from 11:30 a.m. All are warmly invited to partake in light refreshment and beverages at West Bourne Park Baptist Church. The immediate family will provide a wreath of flowers and other are requested to make a donation instead of floral tributes towards a humanitarian medical project situated in Eastern Nagaland that was close to uncle Yongkong’s heart.
In coincidence with his funeral service in London, Nagas held his condolence service in various venues in his native Sungratsü Village.
During the service, many Naga Patriots including many NNC top ranking leaders led by their President I. Panger Walling were seen taking part in the function. A prayer meeting was held in Kohima Academy Hall coinciding with his funeral service in London hosted by the Sungratsü Union Kohima. Many Naga patriots were gathered to give their last homage to the departed soul. Among the crowd, the prominent were the retired Gen. Thinosoly Medome, Ms Ketuno, the then president of NNC Women Federation, and Shri Nagi, the then general secretary of NNC. He spoke at the meeting; his speeches were kept recorded in the file.
The Sungratsü Union Dimapur hosted the condolence service meeting in the Imliyanger Memorial centre (IMC) Dimapur. Thousands of people thronged the centre including many VIPs from all over Nagaland. The meeting was chaired by Shri Lipoktoshi. Many spoke at the meeting. Shri Temjenyanger, convenor of the meeting, gave a short sketch of Yongkong’s life. Yongkong’s relatives Shri Sashitoba Longchar and Mrs Amenla Longchar gave their relative accounts for the late Yongkongangshi Longchar.
The opposition leader I Imkong, the ex-minister Temjenchuba, Shri Saku Longchar, elders from Asetkong Union, Shri Mar Atsungchanger (Missionary), Shri Beseto Medome, ex-Kilonser FGN. A poem was read out by Yangersenla Ozukum. Furthermore we received many condolence messages for late Yongkongangshi Longchar from many NGOs, Hohos, Tribal Unions, Churches, Govt. officials, freedom fighters, individuals, etc. and from all the daily local papers. Due to some technical reason we are acknowledging it very late, and even though it is late we humbly pray for every group and everyone that God may bless you abundantly.
“KUKNALIM”
Temjenyanger, President
Sungratsü Union, Dimapur
