A section of the gathering during the candlelight vigil held at Super Market Dimapur, organised by Zeliangrong Public Dimapur on July 17. (Morung Photo)
Candlelight vigil in memory of six Nagas
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 17
Various civil society organisations in Dimapur held a solemn candlelight vigil at Super Market on Friday evening to honour the memory of six Naga men who were reportedly abducted from Leilon (Leilon Vaiphei) village in Manipur on May 13 and whose bodies were recovered on June 10.
The programme, organised by Zeliangrong Public Organisation Dimapur (ZPOD), also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and renewed calls for justice, peace and security.
Organisations that attended and offered tributes included the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD), Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD), Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD), Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), Lotha Hoho Dimapur (LHD), Zeliang Women Organisation Dimapur (ZWOD), Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), Chakro Angami Kuda Union (CAKU), and Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON).
Speaking on behalf of NCD, President GK Rengma said the vigil was held not only to pay tribute to the six victims but also to convey compassion, solidarity and support to the affected families.
He said the incident should serve as a reminder for all Nagas to stand together and speak with one voice in seeking justice and security.
“Darkness often feels heavy and overwhelming, but even the smallest flame can pierce through it,” he said, adding that every candle lit symbolised unity and the collective strength of the Naga people.
He appealed to the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to respond to the demands of the United Naga Council and ensure swift and impartial justice through due process of law.
Rengma also reiterated the NCD’s appeal for the restoration of peace in the affected areas of Manipur and for the safety and security of civilians.
Representing the NWHD, Joint Secretary Khriezoronuo Zumvu said the gathering was not merely to carry candles but to pay homage to innocent civilians who were “brutally murdered.”
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, she said, “Your loss is our loss,” and urged people, especially the youth, not to allow bitterness to rule their hearts but to defend human dignity and work towards a future where justice and peace go hand in hand.
Meanwhile, ENPUD President Thamlong Phom stressed the need for practical unity among Nagas, saying, “If we are united, we can achieve so many things.”
He said that while Nagas may belong to different tribes, they are identified collectively as Nagas outside the state, underscoring the importance of speaking in one voice.
TUD President Thepfuneituo Rio condemned the killings and maintained that the patience and commitment to peace of the Naga people should not be mistaken for weakness.
Izesile Ramlia, President, Zeliang Women Organisation Dimapur strongly condemned the incident, stating that no mother should suffer this way. “If justice is maintained, demand and violence will be lesser and will fade away,” she noted, making an appeal to the rightful authority to give justice as demanded.
ZYON President Ramdibe said that innocent blood demands justice, not revenge. He held that the issue transcends religion, caste and tribe and is about humanity.
