Imphal: Hundreds of people gathered at Keirenphabi in Thanga Assembly Constituency on Saturday evening for a candlelight vigil and torch rally to pay tribute to two Assam Rifles jawans killed in an ambush by unidentified armed assailants at Nambol Sabal Leikai in Bishnupur district.
In the September 19 attack, Naib Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap lost their lives, while five other personnel sustained injuries.
Carrying candles and torches, the participants marched through the locality, raising slogans such as “We want peace” and “We condemn the Nambol incident.” The gathering expressed both grief over the soldiers’ deaths and a strong call for peace and stability in the state.
Speaking to the media, Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh said, “These brave men serve not just for Manipur, but for the safety and integrity of our entire nation. They dedicate their lives to protect us, often staying away from their families, so that we may live in peace. Such an act of violence against them is deeply condemnable and unacceptable.”
He extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He further appealed to the public to reject violence and work collectively to restore peace in Manipur.
“The candles we light today are a symbol of respect for their sacrifice, and a reminder that light must always triumph over darkness,” Singh added, urging unity for peace, harmony, and the future of both the state and the nation.
Alongside the vigil in Keirenphabi, condemnation protests were also held in several other parts of Manipur, where community leaders and residents denounced the ambush and reiterated their demand for peace.
In Churachandpur, a candlelight rally in remembrance of the soldiers was organised from the Public Ground to the Peace Ground, drawing residents who stood in solidarity against violence.
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