Nearly 1,000 members of the Naga community assembled at the Nagaland State Guest House in RK Puram, New Delhi, on June 13 for a candlelight vigil demanding justice for six Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted and killed in Manipur.
Organised by the Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD), the gathering brought together students, elders, community leaders and supporters to pay tribute to the victims and express solidarity with their families amid the continuing unrest in Manipur.
The vigil was initially planned at Jantar Mantar but was shifted after permission was reportedly denied by Delhi Police. Organisers subsequently arranged another venue at Ghitorni, but that location also could not host the programme following police intervention. The event was eventually held at the Nagaland State Guest House with the approval of the Nagaland government.
Before 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, the student body alleged that the six civilians, including a Reverend, had been abducted on May 13 and were later killed after being handed over to armed Kuki militants. NSUD called for immediate action and urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
Among the demands raised by the organisation were the resignation or removal of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, the termination of the Suspension of Operations 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, emphasising unity and accountability.
Members of the Naga Scholars Association paid tribute to the deceased and urged the community to remain united, saying the tragedy should reinforce a sense of collective responsibility.
Advocate-on-Record at the Supreme Court, Gaichangpou Gangmei, stressed the importance of establishing the truth behind the incident. “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), reflected on the impact of the violence on affected communities and remarked, “We are in great grief, but we are not broken yet.”
Advocate Worso Zimik from Ukhrul appealed for greater unity among Nagas, saying internal divisions should not detract from the pursuit of justice. A representative from Chandel echoed similar sentiments, stating that the suffering 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 renewed calls for justice, accountability and peace as tensions continue to persist in Manipur.
