Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Wednesday held a candlelight vigil at Phoolbari Junction in Kohima, demanding justice for six Naga civilians who were abducted, allegedly tortured and killed in Manipur, while urging the Centre to ensure accountability, protect Naga villages and address the broader security situation.
Addressing the gathering, NSF president Mteisuding said Nagas have consistently stood for peace and have never waged war against any community.
“Don’t test the patience of the Nagas. We have always advocated for peace,” he said, calling on Naga communities to remain united during what he described as a critical period.
Warning against what he termed a “proxy war” targeting Nagas, Mteisuding said the situation in southern Nagalim should concern all Nagas.
“Today it is happening in South Nagalim; tomorrow it could happen here,” he said, stressing that unity among Nagas was essential.
Convenor of the Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee, Thejao Vihienuo, alleged that the killings reflected hostility towards Nagas.
Describing the killings as “inhumane”, Vihienuo alleged that the six victims were targeted only because they were “peace-loving Nagas.”
In an appeal to Kuki leaders, he urged them to “stop the madness and do not leave a legacy of treachery,” adding that future generations should be taught to live peacefully with communities that had provided them shelter and coexistence.
Vihienuo also appealed to the Centre and the Government of Manipur to address the demands raised by the United Naga Council, warning that failure to do so could allow the violence to spread further. He expressed hope that the new government in Manipur would take meaningful steps towards restoring peace and justice.
The programme, attended by student leaders, tribal representatives and members of the public, concluded with the submission of a memorandum addressed to the President of India through the Governor of Nagaland.
In the memorandum, the NSF sought an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation into the abduction, captivity, torture and killing of the six Naga civilians, with those responsible brought to justice through due process.
The federation also demanded a comprehensive investigation into killings, abductions, attacks on civilians, destruction of property and displacement in conflict-affected areas to ensure justice for affected families.
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Among its other demands, the NSF called for a review of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement in light of alleged violations and continued armed activities, an independent inquiry into the conduct and neutrality of security forces in conflict-hit areas, immediate protection of Naga villages and civilian populations, coordinated action against illegal poppy cultivation, narcotics trafficking and illicit arms proliferation, and safe movement of civilians along National Highway-202 and other strategic routes.
It further urged the government to pursue lasting peace through dialogue, justice, accountability and respect for the rights and dignity of all affected communities.
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