Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday evening organised a candlelight vigil at Naga Solidarity Park in Kohima, protesting the killing of two Naga civilians in Manipur’s Ukhrul district.
On April 18, two civilians were killed and several others injured after suspected armed militants ambushed vehicles near TM Kasom village along NH-202.
Hundreds of people, clad in traditional Naga attire, gathered at the vigil expressing solidarity and mourning the deaths of Chinaoshang Shokwungnao of Tashar village and Yaruingam Vashum of Kharasom village.
The programme was led by NSF general secretary Kenilo Kent and began with a prayer by Francis P. Kiewhuo, catechist of St. Francis de Sales Church, Kohima.
NSF president Mteisuding Heraang said the Naga people stand united in grief across the Naga homeland, mourning the loss of the two civilians. He cautioned that the silence of the Naga people should not be misinterpreted as weakness.
Heraang also recalled that on November 21, 2023, under the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), Naga representatives had undertaken a goodwill mission to both Meitei and Kuki areas, appealing for peace among communities.
He said that at a time when Nagas are fostering peace, such attacks cannot be treated with silence. Heraang added that patience of the Naga people must not be mistaken for weakness.
Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) president Nuheymong Yim, in his address, emphasised that the call is for justice, not revenge.
He called upon the perpetrators to answer for the crime committed, adding that such acts does not reflect well before the world, especially at a time when Nagas are working towards peace.
Meanwhile, the NSF also submitted a memorandum to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), urging urgent attention to what it described as escalating human rights violations against the Naga people.
In the memorandum addressed to UNHRC President Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, the federation alleged that the April 18 ambush was part of a broader pattern of targeted violence against Naga communities in Manipur.
The document outlined a series of incidents dating from 2023 to 2026, including arson, assaults, and alleged attacks on Naga villages, which it attributed to armed Kuki groups.
The NSF further raised concerns over issues such as alleged encroachment on ancestral lands, illicit poppy cultivation, proliferation of illegal arms, and lack of effective enforcement mechanisms.
Calling the situation an “existential threat,” the federation urged the UNHRC to take cognisance of the alleged violations, ensure accountability, protect indigenous rights, and support peaceful conflict resolution.
“The tragic loss of the two civilians must serve as a wake-up call to the international community,” the memorandum stated. The federation reiterated its commitment to peace but stressed that justice and dignity remain essential for lasting stability in the region.
They said the actions of Kuki militants are serious human rights violations, including threats to life, dignity, property, livelihoods, and indigenous land rights.
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The programme also featured a spoken word performance by Vishü Rita Krocha and was attended by members of the Tangkhul Union Dimapur and Tangkhul Women Hoho.
The vigil was held under the theme, “We Rise Together: Unbreakable, Unafraid. For Them, We Will Not Be Silent.”
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