Imphal: Hundreds of Nagas residing in Imphal extended their solidarity with the departed souls of the recent TM Kasom killings during the candlelight vigil held on Thursday evening.
The solemn programme, which began at 6:30 pm, was organised by the Naga People’s Union, Imphal (NPUI) and All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) under the guidance of the United Naga Council (UNC).
The vigil was held at Mao Market near MBC Church, where participants gathered with candles to pay their respects to the victims and to reaffirm a collective commitment to peace with dignity.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the event, MLA Leishiyo Keishing termed the recent incident of shooting along National Highway 202 in Ukhrul district as “deeply unfortunate” and strongly condemned the act.
“This is a very unfortunate moment for all the people of Manipur. Peace-loving citizens across all communities are being forced into situations of violence, which is extremely concerning,” he said.
Referring to the highway shooting, the MLA pointed out that the attack took place on a national highway, a lifeline used by people from all communities. “Anyone could have been travelling on that road, be it from any community. Such indiscriminate firing with the intention to kill and to derail the peace process is barbaric and unacceptable,” he stated.
Keishing described the perpetrators as “barbaric and maniacal” and stressed that the act was not part of any conventional conflict but a deliberate attempt to create fear and disrupt peace in the state.
He further said both the state and central governments are making efforts to restore normalcy, peace, and development in Manipur. However, he warned that as long as the culprits remain at large, fear among the public will persist.
“There is a sense of fear among people travelling along the highway. This fear psychosis is intentional and must be addressed. The perpetrators must be identified, arrested, and given stringent punishment to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future,” he added.
The MLA also urged all sections of society, irrespective of community, to collectively condemn such acts of violence and support efforts to bring lasting peace to the region.
Authorities, he said, are working to track down those responsible, though restoring complete normalcy may take time.
Representatives from Uripok Apunba Lup (Meitei) also participated the vigil to show their support and solidarity to the Naga community.
Meanwhile, ANSAM president Th Anteshang Maring said that facts cannot be denied and that everyone is aware of what is happening in Manipur. In the midst of these challenges, the government must come up with a solution based on historical facts and official documents in its possession to bring peace and a lasting resolution to the already turmoil-hit state.
Expressing concern over the continued firing in Naga areas, particularly in Sinakeithei village, by armed Kuki miscreants, the Naga student leader said that such actions are unfortunate and unbecoming of Christian brothers.
He further stated that, in accordance with Naga customary law, a declaration was made by the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women’s Union, and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) to observe a three-day mourning period. The mourning was declared to pay respect and express solidarity with the two innocent Tangkhul civilians who were massacred while returning home along National Highway 202 at TM Kasom village on April 18.
“Those who died were civilians and were deliberately targeted by the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Indian armed forces were present on duty, yet they were neither targeted nor able to save those innocent lives. This clearly indicates that there are hidden hands behind the incident, which are now being exposed and have become visible on the ground,” added the student leader.
In Chandel district, a candle light vigil was held at the district headquarters in mourning and remembrance of Lt. Chinaoshang Shokwungnao of Tashar Village and Lt. Yaruingam Vashum of Kharasom Village of Ukhrul district, who were killed at T.M. Kasom village on April 18.
Organised by the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO), 11 Naga Tribe Hohos, Naga Students’ Union Chandel (NSUC) and NCAC of Chandel under the aegis of the United Naga Council, the vigil began at 6:30 pm and drew large participation from across the district.
Leaders of the 11 Naga tribes of Chandel, village chiefs, units of NSUC, youth, womenfolk and members of the public attended the event, holding candles and observing silence to honour the deceased. The gathering reaffirmed commitment to peace with dignity.
Db. Thamdok, President, CNPO, delivered the welcome note and spoke on the incident and the ongoing three-day total shutdown being observed since midnight of April 20 at all Naga inhabitat area under Chandel district.
Solidarity speeches were given by Wng. Kohring Victor, Speaker UNC, and Rl. Elly, President NSUC.
The act of candle lighting was observed by all leaders and participants, followed by a condolence prayer by Rev. Sh. Shrimon, Vice President, Chandel Naga Christian Forum.
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The vigil concluded peacefully. The three-day total shutdown across Naga areas, called by the UNC and endorsed by CNPO and NSUC, will continue till midnight tonight.
Similar vigil was also held in other parts of Naga areas in the state, including Ukhrul district headquarters and beyond to show respect and homage to the victims and expressed concern over the recent violence in Manipur.
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