Nearly 1,000 attend candlelight vigil in New Delhi for six Naga civilians killed in Manipur

A candlelight vigil attended by nearly 1,000 members of the Naga community was held at the Nagaland State Guest House in RK Puram, New Delhi, on the evening of June 13, with participants demanding justice for six Naga civilians allegedly abducted and killed in Manipur.

 

The event was organised by the Naga Students' Union Delhi (NSUD) and brought together students, community leaders, elders and supporters who gathered to pay tribute to the victims and express solidarity with their families.

 

The vigil was originally scheduled to take place at Jantar Mantar but was shifted after organisers were reportedly denied permission by Delhi Police. A second venue arranged at Ghitorni also could not host the programme following police intervention, prompting organisers to relocate the event to the Nagaland State Guest House with the approval of the Nagaland government.

 

Ahead of the vigil, representatives of NSUD's federating units submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Manipur at Manipur Bhawan, seeking accountability and a comprehensive investigation into the deaths.

 

In the memorandum, NSUD alleged that the six civilians, including a Reverend, were abducted on 13 May and later killed after being handed over to armed Kuki militants. The organisation called for immediate action and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

 

Among the demands raised were the resignation or removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, the termination of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, and the establishment of a special investigation mechanism to ensure a swift prosecution process.

 

Addressing the gathering, NSUD president Soziio Mao said the community had come together to honour the victims and seek justice. Several Naga leaders and representatives also spoke during the programme, emphasising unity and accountability.

 

Members of the Naga Scholars Association paid tribute to the deceased and urged the community to remain united, saying the incident should serve as a reminder of collective responsibility.

 

Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court, Gaichangpou Gangmei, stressed the importance of establishing the facts surrounding the case. "The foundation of justice is truth. The very truth of the narration is under attack. Should not the truth be told?" he said.

 

Moses Charenamei, chairman of Liangmei Ruangdi Delhi (Senapati), spoke about the impact of the violence on affected communities and said, "We are in great grief, but we are not broken yet."

 

Advocate Worso Zimik from Ukhrul called for greater unity among Nagas, saying divisions should not overshadow the pursuit of justice. A representative from Chandel echoed similar sentiments, stating that the pain of one Naga community was shared by all.

 

The programme concluded with an address by Hutovi Yeptho, who said lasting peace could only be achieved through justice. "Peace is not merely the absence of violence. Peace is the presence of justice," he said.

 

The vigil ended with prayers and a renewed appeal for justice, accountability and peace amid the continuing unrest in Manipur.