SENAPATI: Braving heavy rainfall, nearly 1,000 people gathered at Traffic Point, Senapati District Headquarters, on Tuesday evening for a candlelight vigil held in memory of the six Naga civilians who were brutally murdered.
Organised by the frontal organisations of Senapati, including the Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), and Senapati District Women Association (SDWA), the vigil witnessed the participation of civil society organisations, student bodies, women organisations, and Naga representatives who came together to honour the victims and express solidarity with their families.
The programme began with a keynote address by SDSA President A Saloni Tony, who called upon the people, especially the youth, to preserve the memory of the six martyrs and continue the pursuit of justice through unity and patience.
“Tonight, they remind us that even in loss, we are not alone. We must be keepers of memory and ensure their names are spoken with honor, remembered with dignity, and justice pursued with patience and unity,” he said.
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Addressing the gathering, Naga People’s Organization (NPO) President expressed deep grief over the loss of the six civilians and condemned the manner of their deaths. He reaffirmed support for the charter of demands submitted by the United Naga Council (UNC), stating, “What happened to our six Naga brothers and the manner in which they were tortured and killed is unacceptable in any manner.”
He also appealed for unity among the people, saying, “This is not the time for division but for unity. Let us stand together as one people.”
Solidarity speeches were delivered by representatives of NPO, SDWA, Tahamzam Youth Forum (TYF), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF), Nagaland Tribal Youth Coordination Committee (NTYCC), and the NorthEast Students’ Organization (NESO).
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As part of the tribute, the Village Guard paid a solemn salute to the six martyrs through ceremonial firing. Participants lit candles, observed moments of remembrance, and reaffirmed their commitment to seeking justice for the victims.
The vigil concluded around 8:30 PM with a salute to the martyrs, as people stood together despite the heavy rain in a show of grief, solidarity, and unity.
