Various civil society organisations in Dimapur held a solemn candlelight vigil at Super Market on July 17, 2026, to honour six Naga men who were reportedly abducted from Leilon (Leilon Vaiphei) village in Manipur on May 13, 2026, and whose bodies were recovered on June 10, 2026. The programme, organised by Zeliangrong Public Organisation Dimapur (ZPOD), expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and renewed calls for justice, peace and security.
Representatives from multiple bodies attended and paid tribute, including Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD), Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD), Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD), Western Sumi Hoho (WSH), Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD), Lotha Hoho Dimapur (LHD), Zeliang Women Organisation Dimapur (ZWOD), Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF), Chakro Angami Kuda Union (CAKU) and Zeliangrong Youth Organisation Nagaland (ZYON).
Speaking for NCD, President GK Rengma said the vigil was meant not only to pay tribute to the victims but also to show compassion, solidarity and support to the affected families. He urged all Nagas to stand together and “speak with one voice in seeking justice and security.” “Darkness often feels heavy and overwhelming, but even the smallest flame can pierce through it,” he said, adding that each candle symbolised unity and the collective strength of the Naga people. Rengma appealed to the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to respond to the demands of the United Naga Council and ensure swift, impartial justice through due process of law, while pressing for the restoration of peace and civilian safety in the affected areas.
NWHD Joint Secretary Khriezoronuo Zumvu described the gathering as more than a candle-bearing event, saying it was to honour innocent civilians who were “brutally murdered.” She expressed solidarity with the families — “Your loss is our loss” — and urged especially the youth not to let bitterness take root, but to defend human dignity and work toward a future where justice and peace coexist.
ENPUD President Thamlong Phom stressed practical unity, saying, “If we are united, we can achieve so many things,” and noting that, despite tribal differences, Nagas are identified collectively outside the state. TUD President Thepfuneituo Rio condemned the killings and warned that the Naga community’s patience and commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness. Izesile Ramlia, president of Zeliang Women Organisation Dimapur, strongly condemned the incident, saying no mother should suffer like this and urging authorities to deliver justice: “If justice is maintained, demand and violence will be lesser and will fade away.” ZYON President Ramdibe added that “innocent blood demands justice, not revenge,” framing the issue as one that transcends religion, caste and tribe and touches on basic humanity.
The vigil underscored community demands for accountability, the restoration of peace in affected Manipur areas, and protection for civilians while signalling unified calls from Dimapur-based organisations for justice and reconciliation.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/no-mother-should-suffer-this-way
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2026-07-17 22:35:00
