NEW DELHI/UKHRUL, June 13: Nearly 1,000 members of the Naga community gathered at the Nagaland State Guest House, RK Puram, on Saturday evening for a candlelight vigil organised by the Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) to remember the six Naga civilians allegedly abducted and murdered in Manipur and to demand justice for the victims.
The vigil, which was originally planned to be held at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, was shifted after the organisers were reportedly denied permission by the Delhi Police. NSUD later arranged an alternative venue at The Den, Ghitorni, but the programme was again disrupted following intervention by the Delhi Police. With limited time and uncertainty over the venue, the event was eventually held at the Nagaland State Guest House, RK Puram, with the support and permission of the Government of Nagaland.
Despite the repeated changes and challenges, a large number of community members, students, elders, and well-wishers gathered with candles in their hands to stand in solidarity with the families of the six deceased civilians.
Before the vigil, representatives of NSUD’s federating units submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur at Manipur Bhawan, demanding justice, accountability, and a thorough investigation into the killings.
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In the memorandum, NSUD alleged that the six Naga civilians, including a Reverend, were abducted on May 13, 2026, and killed after being handed over to armed Kuki militants. The union demanded immediate action, stating that justice for the victims could not be delayed.
The key demands submitted by NSUD included:
- The immediate resignation or removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, citing concerns over moral responsibility and accountability.
- The abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant organisations, alleging that it has failed to ensure peace and security.
- The establishment of a special investigation mechanism and the speedy prosecution of all those responsible for the killing of the six Naga civilians.
The programme began with an address by Soziio Mao, President of the Naga Students’ Union Delhi, followed by speeches from various Naga leaders and representatives.
The Naga Scholars Association paid tribute to the six civilians and called for unity and remembrance, stating that their deaths should serve as a call for responsibility and collective action within the Naga community.
Adv. Gaichangpou Gangmei, Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court of India from Tamenglong, while addressing the gathering, emphasised the importance of truth and justice in addressing the incident. He said, “The foundation of justice is truth. The very truth of the narration is under attack. Should not the truth be told?”
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Moses Charenamei, Chairman of Liangmei Ruangdi Delhi (Senapati), shared concerns from the ground and spoke about the challenges faced by affected communities amid the continuing violence. He said, “We are in great grief, but we are not broken yet.”
Adv. Worso Zimik from Ukhrul also called for unity and accountability. He said, “Our enemies do not care about your political party, faith, or ideology. We cannot afford to remain divided.”
A representative from Chandel expressed solidarity among Nagas across different regions, stating, “When one Naga bleeds, we all bleed.”
The closing address was delivered by Er. Hutovi Yeptho from Nagaland, who spoke about pursuing justice while upholding the values of peace and humanity. “Peace is not merely the absence of violence. Peace is the presence of justice,” he said.
The candlelight vigil concluded with prayers and a moment of remembrance as the Naga community renewed its call for justice, accountability, and peace in Manipur.
Disclaimer: This report is being published as received from the source. The content has not been independently verified, edited, altered, or modified by the publisher.
