A candlelight vigil was held in Dimapur on Friday evening in memory of the six Naga civilians who were abducted and later killed in Manipur, with participants demanding a fair investigation, justice for the victims and lasting peace in the region.
The programme, organised by Zeliangrong Public Dimapur (ZPD) at the Super Market area, brought together representatives of Naga tribal organisations, church bodies, civil society groups and members of the public. Held under the theme, “In Remembrance of the Six Nagas Abducted and Murdered,” the gathering focused on expressing solidarity with the bereaved families while calling for unity among Nagas.
The event began with an invocation by Zeliangrong Baptist Church, Dimapur, pastor Rev. Peuhau N. Hau, followed by an account of the incident presented by organising committee member Raymond Chawang.
Speaking at the programme, Chawang recounted the events surrounding the May 13, 2026 incident, stating that the victims were returning from a wedding and a local market when they were intercepted in Manipur. He also referred to a final video call allegedly made by one of the victims, warning others not to travel along the same route, which he said helped save additional lives.
Emphasising that the gathering was not only to mourn the victims but also to seek justice, Chawang urged the Naga community to remain united and appealed to the authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.
A tribute video honouring the six victims was screened before representatives of various organisations addressed the gathering.
Naga Council Dimapur president G.K. Rengma said the tragedy should remind all Nagas to remain united beyond tribal identities. He described the vigil as a symbol of remembrance, hope and collective strength, and urged both the Manipur government and the Centre to restore peace, ensure civilian safety and expedite justice through due legal process.
Naga Women Hoho Dimapur joint secretary Khriezovonuo Zumvu condemned the killings and expressed solidarity with the affected families. She said no conflict or ideology could justify violence against innocent civilians and stressed that justice should be pursued through truth, accountability and the rule of law rather than revenge. She also appealed to young people to reject hatred and uphold human dignity.
Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur president Thamlong Phom called on Nagas to rise above tribal differences, describing unity as the community’s greatest strength. He informed the gathering that a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister had been prepared with the support of several tribal organisations in Dimapur, seeking justice for the victims.
Representing Tenyimi Union Dimapur, president Thepfuneituo Rio urged the Manipur government and the Centre to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure exemplary punishment for those found responsible. He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to peace while cautioning that justice should not be delayed.
Western Sumi Hoho secretary Inaka Achumi described the killings as a barbaric act with no place in a civilised society. While extending condolences to the bereaved families, he appealed to the Zeliangrong community to continue pursuing peace and justice without allowing hatred to prevail, assuring the organisation’s support in every lawful effort to secure justice.
