‘Naga people will stand together in the face of injustice’

Naga Students' Federation holds Candlelight Vigil for TM-Kasom incident

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 23

Stating that the silence and inaction of the authorities in the face of grave atrocities is deeply concerning, Mteisuding Heraang, President of Naga Students Federation (NSF) on Thursday asserted that failure to bring perpetrators to justice only “perpetuates a cycle of violence and emboldens those who seek to harm innocent lives."

Addressing the Candlelight Vigil organised by NSF in honour two persons, late Chinaoshang Shokwungnao of Tushar village and late Yarungam Vashum of Kharasom Village, who were reportedly killed during the attack at TM-Kasom village along NH-202 in Manipur on April 18, he said that the pain of the bereaved families is the “pain of the entire Naga nation, and their loss, a reminder that our shared destiny binds us in both sorrow and strength."

He said the gathering at NSF Solidarity Park was not merely to mourn, but to stand united in resolve and declare that the Naga people would stand together in the face of injustice.

Heraang further pointed out that the Naga political struggle is rooted in history, identity and aspiration for dignity and underscored that the “struggle did not begin today, nor is it confined within artificial boundaries."

Long before India's independence, he reminded that the Nagas had asserted their right to determine their own future. "Our movement is not one of aggression, but of survival, of preserving our identity, our land and our inherent rights as a people,” he affirmed.

The NSF President further asserted that what had been witnessed was not “series of isolated incidents” allegedly perpetrated by the Kuki people but a “systematic and calculated pattern of aggression." 

"The repeated acts of violence, arson, intimidation, assaults and coordinated attacks are clear indicators of a larger design aimed at instilling fear and destabilising the Naga people and our homeland,” he stated. 

To this end, Heraang demanded unequivocal “justice, accountability and immediate protection for our people" and held that "justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done, swiftly and impartially."

The Naga people have always upheld peace, but said peace cannot be sustained in the absence of respect and security, he added.

Unwavering' commitment to peaceful coexistence
Meanwhile, the NSF President asserted that its commitment to peaceful coexistence remains unwavering, but maintained that peace cannot prevail where fear exists, ‘lands are encroached upon, and people are targeted.’

To this end, he underscored: “True peace demands mutual respect, recognition of rights and an end to all forms of aggression."

He also declared that the patience of the Naga people should not be mistaken for weakness, while highlighting that they had exercised restraint for decades in the hope of justice and a peaceful resolution.

Underscoring that restraint should not be misread as submission, he added that it remained committed to democratic principles while standing firm in the resolve to defend the people, land, and dignity.

In his solidarity message, the Eastern Naga Students' Federation President said the sacrifices of the two victims would be remembered and remain etched in the history of the Naga struggle.

Stating that vengeance has no place in the pursuit of a unified society, he also urged that as respects are paid and justice sought, it should be pursued with a clear conscience and firm faith that God will deliver justice.

At the vigil, Vishü Rita Krocha also shared an original poem titled, "How long must we wait for peace?"

A five-point memorandum addressed to Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, President of the Human Rights Council on the subject, "Memorandum on Systematic Human Rights Violations Against the Naga People and Escalating Aggression by Kuki Militants/ Armed Groups in the Naga Homeland, with Special Reference to the Heinous Attack of 18 April 2026" was also read out during the vigil.

The memorandum highlighted the Historical foundation of the Naga political movement; Contemporary Escalation: A systematic pattern of aggression by Kuki Militants/Armed Groups; Land, Narcotics and Armed Militancy; Human Rights Violations, and Appeal to the International Community.  

Other highlights of the event included invocation by Francis P Kiewhuo, Catechist, St. Francis de Sales Church, Kohima Town while Kenilo Kent, General Secretary, NSF led the programme.