Dimapur, April 18 (MExN): The North East Connect Association (NECA), Hyderabad, along with other Naga organisations, on April 18 said they are actively coordinating efforts to repatriate the body of a deceased Naga youth from Hyderabad, urging that the focus remain on ensuring a dignified return rather than on publicity.
In a statement, General Secretary of NECA, said the association, in collaboration with the Naga Christian Fellowship (NCF) Hyderabad and other groups, has been working to complete the necessary procedures for transporting the body.
He said NECA Vice President Gawtam Sawang, a former Director General of Police of Andhra Pradesh, has been coordinating with police officials over the past two days to facilitate documentation, including obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Vijayawada, which is required for air cargo transfer.
According to the statement, the body is currently at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad, where local Naga volunteers, including a doctor identified as Maorenba, have been assisting with medical and logistical arrangements, including embalming.
NECA said several individuals and groups, including members of the Naga Association for Working People, have contributed to the process, including financing funeral-related arrangements.
The association also expressed concern over claims by another organisation, Helping Hands, which it said had presented the efforts as a singular initiative, without acknowledging the role of local groups in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh.
“Media visibility should not take precedence over the task at hand,” the statement said, adding that coordination among local stakeholders has been ongoing to ensure that the deceased is sent home with dignity.
NECA said it is continuing efforts to secure the required documents from authorities in Andhra Pradesh, without which the body cannot be transported by air.
The association urged that due recognition be given to all those involved while reiterating that the priority remains the timely and respectful repatriation of the deceased.
