A strong appeal for justice, accountability and Naga unity resonated across Dimapur on Friday evening as leaders of prominent Naga tribal hohos, civil society organisations and women’s groups gathered at Super Market for a candlelight vigil organised by the Zeliangrong Hoho Dimapur in memory of the six Naga civilians who were abducted and later killed during the ongoing conflict in Manipur.

The solemn gathering witnessed participation from representatives of the Naga Council Dimapur, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Eastern Naga People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD), Tenyimi Union Dimapur, Lotha Hoho Dimapur, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Western Sumi Hoho, Zeliang Women Organisation Dimapur and several other organisations.

Speakers paid tributes to the victims, expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and unanimously condemned what they described as a barbaric and inhuman crime. They urged the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay, while repeatedly stressing that the tragedy should become a rallying point for greater Naga unity.

Addressing the gathering, Naga Council Dimapur president, GK Rengma said the candlelight vigil symbolised not only grief but also hope, unity and collective resolve.

He said the six victims, who were kidnapped from Leilon Vaiphei village and whose bodies were later recovered, deserved justice, while the families deserved the full support of the Naga people.

Rengma stressed that the prevailing situation in southern Nagaland and neighbouring Manipur should remind that all Nagas must stand together.

Recalling the historical relationship between Nagas and Kukis, Rengma alleged that the Nagas had originally accommodated Kuki settlers in Naga-inhabited areas but regretted that relations had deteriorated over time. Referring to historical events dating back to the 1950s, he claimed that the Nagas had extended goodwill to Kukis but were later confronted with hostility.

Calling for immediate intervention by the authorities, he urged both the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to restore peace in the affected areas, ensure the safety of civilians and respond sincerely to the demands raised by Naga organisations.

He also demanded a swift, impartial and transparent investigation into the killings so that all perpetrators and accomplices are brought to justice through due process of law.

Describing the candles lit during the vigil as symbols of remembrance and resilience, Rengma said every flame represented the collective determination of the Naga people to continue demanding justice until it is delivered.

Speaking on behalf of the Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Joint Secretary, Khriezovonuo Zumvu delivered an emotional address, describing the six victims as fathers, husbands, sons and brothers whose loss had left families with wounds that could never fully heal.

She said the gathering was not merely about holding candles but about carrying the pain and sorrow of the affected families.

“T The brutal killing of these innocent lives and the attack on these innocent civilians is not an attack on civilians alone. It is a direct attack on common humanity,” she said.

She also appealed to Nagas across tribal, regional and denominational lines to remain united, saying that their collective identity and shared responsibility were stronger than any differences.

Eastern Naga People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) president, Thanglong Phom expressed deep anguish over the killings, describing the incident as one of the gravest crimes committed against fellow human beings.

He extended condolences to the bereaved families and strongly condemned what he termed an unimaginable act of inhumanity.

Phom said lighting candles alone would not be enough to honour the victims.

“The greatest tribute we can pay to our departed brothers is to remain united as one Naga people,” he said.

He lamented that Nagas often allowed tribal identities to divide them, making them vulnerable to external forces.

“Phom, Ao, Lotha or Sema are merely identities—they should never become reasons for division. Outside Nagaland, we are all known simply as Nagas,” he remarked.

Phom warned that repeated attacks on Nagas should serve as a wake-up call for greater unity and suggested that all Dimapur-based civil society organisations jointly submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India demanding justice for the victims.

Representing the Tenyimi Union Dimapur, Thepfuneito Rio said the organisation was founded to preserve brotherhood, peace and mutual support among its constituent tribes.

Expressing grief over the killing of six fellow Nagas, whom he described as members of one extended family, Rio condemned the brutal manner in which they were murdered.

He said even in warfare such acts were unacceptable and urged the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to identify the perpetrators and ensure they receive appropriate punishment under the law.

At the same time, Rio cautioned that the patience shown by the Naga people should not be interpreted as weakness.

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Dimapur Lotha Hoho president, T Lotha described the killings as a barbaric act that had shocked the entire Naga community.

He said the mutilation of the victims’ bodies represented cruelty beyond comprehension and amounted to an assault on humanity itself.

While strongly condemning the incident, Lotha appealed to the people to remain peaceful and allow the law to take its course.

He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort during their time of grief.

Speaking on behalf of Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, Ningsangwaba described the killings as a crime against humanity.

He said the six Liangmai Nagas were fathers, sons, husbands, brothers and respected members of society whose loss had deeply affected the entire Naga community.

Referring to International Justice Day, observed on July 17, he said the incident should strengthen the collective resolve of Nagas to unite in pursuit of justice and peace.

Quoting German theologian, Martin Niemöller’s famous warning against silence in the face of injustice, he urged Nagas not to remain passive when fellow Nagas were targeted.

Zeliang Women Organisation Dimapur president, Izesile Ramlia thanked all tribal bodies and civil society organisations for standing with the Zeliangrong community during its time of grief.

She said the brutality inflicted upon the victims was beyond imagination and had compelled the organisation to organise the vigil despite being small in number.

Speaking as a Naga mother, sister and daughter, Ramlia said no family should ever have to endure such suffering.

She appealed for justice, truth and lasting peace while stressing that timely justice would reduce violence and restore public confidence.

“The tears of the bereaved families are our tears. We pray that God grants them comfort and that our land may be blessed with peace, dignity and protection for every life,” she said.

Throughout the vigil, speakers repeatedly stressed that the killing of the six Naga civilians was not merely an attack on individuals but an assault on humanity, peace and the dignity of the Naga people.

They collectively urged the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to conduct a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation, bring all those responsible to justice, protect innocent civilians and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.

The vigil concluded with prayers, candlelight tributes and renewed calls for unity, justice and lasting peace.