IMPHAL/UKHRUL: The Naga Humanitarian Aid Committee Manipur (NACM) organised a candlelight vigil at the western gate of Kangla in Imphal on Monday to mourn eight Naga men killed in separate incidents amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
Members of various indigenous communities participated in the vigil, including former UNLF chairman RK Meghen.
The organisers remembered the deceased as Kh. Kumar Paomai Ashiho Mao, Rocky Mao, NK. Wiphenbou, Betterson Jajo, Phami Jajo, Vareishim Jajo and Ningthem Kashak.
Speaking to reporters, the co-convenor of NACM Amana Thaimei said the vigil was organised to express solidarity with the families of the victims and to honour their memory.
The co-convenor said that eight Naga men had been killed consecutively from September 21 by Kuki narco-terrorist amid the ongoing conflict and described the killings as a grave concern for indigenous communities.
“We have no other option than to light candles for our brothers with a heavy heart,” he said.
He appealed to the Manipur government to listen to the grievances of indigenous communities and ensure justice in connection with the killings.
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The NACM co-convenor also thanked members of different indigenous communities who attended the vigil to express their solidarity, love and respect for the deceased.
The participants lit candles in memory of the victims and observed the vigil at the Kangla Western Gate.
It may be noted that the eight Naga civilians killed across Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur hills since September 21, includes a 17-year-old Liangmai Naga in Tamei, four Tangkhul Nagas in the Pilong area of Kamjong district, and three Mao Nagas in the Kalenjang area of Senapati district.
The latest death was Ashiho Sani, 49, who succumbed to injuries on September 27 after being wounded in the Kalenjang attack a day earlier. Two others, K. Rocky Osanah and Kh. Kumar, were killed on the spot in the same incident. Earlier, Phami Jajo and his father Vareshim Jajo, along with Betterson Jajo/Jaio and Ningthem Kashak, were reportedly killed in the Pilong area of Kamjong on September 24. On September 21, 17-year-old Nk. Wiphenbou, a Liangmai Naga, was reportedly killed in the Tamei area of Tamenglong.
The killings have added to growing concern among Naga civil society organisations over the safety of civilians in Naga-inhabited areas amid the continuing conflict in Manipur.
