Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 27 2010:
The only surviving Maram Naga Queen Apei Hinga passed away at her traditional Maram Khullen village residence in Senapati district at around 2 PM today.
She was 86 .
The funeral service would be held tomorrow at 10.30 am in accordance to the traditions and rituals of the Maram tribe.
Maram Students' Union has appealed to all well wishers and friends of the late queen to join the funeral service.
Apei Hinga assumed the title of Maram Queen in 1965 .
The Maram Queen was seriously ill for some time and was being looked after round the clock by her only surviving son and present Khullakpa (village chief) K Namba and granddaughters.
She had been struggling with problems related to the heart and lungs since first week of August.
Known for her justice and her role as a peace loving mother, the Naga Women's Union Manipur (NWUM) has conferred the title 'Best Mother' in 2006 on her.
Pioneer Health Club Manipur with its office at Khurai Tinsid Road, Imphal has acknowledged and awarded a citation to the queen on the International Day of Older Persons in October 2009 .
The Queen was credited with bringing about many social changes in the Maram society.
In 1968, she abolished the evil-traditional practice of "M-Bung Katai" under which a pregnant women undergoing difficult labour is ill-treated, thus upholding the status of women in Maram society.
In 1975, the Queen also lifted restriction on inter-clan and inter-tribe marriages.
She also proclaimed the freedom to villagers to start cultivation works in their own convenient season even before or after the Saraha Kati Lura Manai (seed-sowing).
Though no one knows how strong the power of legend is to get success in every aspect of life, many have thronged the Queen's place to get her blessings till the last hour with the belief it is very auspicious.
A Namba, the only son of the queen, would succeed his mother as Maram chief as per traditions of the Maram tribe.
Until the last rites of the late queen are performed, Maram people would suspend all kinds of agricultural and other activities.
Meanwhile, Maram A/C MLA K Raina has conveyed heart felt condolence over the demise of the village queen.
Meanwhile Maram Students' Union (MKS) has appealed the masses and well wishers to attend the ritual ceremony and traditional last rite of the Queen tomorrow.