HNLC declares Sep 20 as Martyrs day, pays rich tribute to over 49 cadres killed in armed political struggle

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 20, 2024

The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Friday paid rich tribute to over 49 leaders and cadres, who were killed in the midst of the armed political struggle of the outfit.

In a statement, HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said, “With deep regret, we acknowledge that the correct date to commemorate the martyrdom of Sambor Mawthoh is on the 20th of September, not the 21st as previously declared. Sambor, the first HNLC member killed by the Meghalaya police on september 20th ,1994 holds a significant place in our history.”

“With this updated information, we are considering designating the 20th of September as the official Martyrs Day for HNLC to honor his sacrifice properly. Our commitment remains unwavering in accurately and respectfully honoring the memories of all our fallen heroes. On Martyrs’ Day, we pay tribute to the courageous souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in their unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and justice,” he said.

Nongtraw added, “The HNLC’s designation of the 20th as Martyrs’ Day stands as a poignant reminder of the dedications shown by the fallen members of the Hynniewtrep army in their relentless pursuit of a revolutionary movement against the Indian government.

Let us pause to reflect on their bravery and steadfastness, and pledge to uphold the principles they fought for. Their legacy endures within us as we press on in our collective endeavor for a brighter future.”

The outfit also came up with a list of 49 members, who laid down their lives in the midst of the armed political struggle of the HNLC.

They are: Martyr Sambor Mawthoh @ Deng deng, Martyr Budnarbing Disiat, Martyr L.Marshillong @ Tiewlieh, Martyr Balajied Dkhar @ Hepkhoit along with two KSU members, Martyr Rocky Shylla, Martyr Dawanbiang Shulai, Martyr Samlang Blah @ Raja, Martyr Hep Shimray, Martyr Cleverson Basan @ Teibor, and a civilian Lumlang Mawleiñ, Martyr Delphinus Myrthong @ Khraw Nongstoiñ

Martyr Sylvester Snaitang @ Bahdeng Krew, Martyr Wantei Kharkongor @ Bantei, Martyr Donbok Jyrwa @ Bush, Martyr Smambar Khonglam @ Smam, Martyr Jan Ryntathiang @ Tiewïong, Martyr Donkupar Marweiñ @ Don along with a civilian Wanlambok Lyngdoh, Martyr Bestar Nongriang @ Ialam, Martyr Ebor Pyrbot, Martyr Derylpeio Sungoh @ Hart, Martyr Greek Wankhar @ Remdor

 Martyr Bankit Khongjee @ ieid, Martyr Pynskhem Sohkhlet @ Danny, Martyr Tirot Syiemlieh@Marak, Martyr Saphir Hashah, Martyr Korbar, Martyr Wanpynshai Rynjah@ Gul along with his brother Manbha Rynjah, Martyr Mekammore Ryntathiang, Martyr Malcolm, Martyr Ma Tang, Martyr Vicky Majaw, Martyr Lider, Martyr  Skhem, Martyr Bording Rongson, Martyr Cambridge Mawleiñ @ Jockey, Martyr Arkieru Sumer, Martyr Hemingstar Kharmulong @ Bahdeng

Martyr Rangdonkupar Syiemlieh @ Mac, Martyr Royalson@Banrap  @ Smit, Martyr Denilson Lyngdoh @ Chaplin, Martyr Bahritmud Thongni, Martyr Tenzing, Martyr Shen Khonglamin, Martyr Pynhunlang Kharbani @ Aah, Martyr Bankerlang Lyngdoh, Martyr Christopher Khongjee, Martyr Dean, Martyr Kyrshang Syiemlieh @ Kohlieh Banshemlang Tham, Martyr (Retired) Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.

Further, Nongtraw also warned “The Meghalaya police may have taken out Bah Cheris when he walked away from the HNLC, but let me tell you, if we cannot kill you now, we will be waiting. We will be watching, lurking in the shadows of your retirement. We’ll be closely monitoring those officials when they choose to retire. Remember these words, you can bet on it – whether you choose to believe it or not, we will track you down, we will find you, we will haunt you. And when the time comes, there will be consequences.”