The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Thursday evening organised a candlelight vigil under the banner, “Justice for Six Nagas” at Phoolbari Junction, Kohima, expressing solidarity with six slain Nagas at Leilon Vaiphei village in Kuki Village on 13th May calling for justice, unity and peace.
Addressing the gathering, NSF president Mteisuding said the vigil was more than a symbolic event, describing it as “a revolutionary solidarity” with Naga brothers who were allegedly killed and buried in different locations. He said the gathering reflected the collective resolve of the Naga people to stand united in the face of violence.
The NSF president held Kuki militants responsible for the killings and also criticised the Government of India, alleging that it had failed to protect Naga lives. He said the deaths of the six Nagas must be accounted for and asserted that the Naga people would not accept what he described as continued suppression.
Referring to historical grievances, Mteisuding alleged that attempts to suppress the Naga people were being repeated. He warned both the Kuki militants and the Government of India “not to test the patience of the Naga people,” adding that the Nagas remained united and determined to defend their rights.
At the same time, he maintained that the Nagas had not initiated conflict against any community and had consistently advocated peace and harmonious coexistence. However, he cautioned that continued violence and what he termed “proxy war” against the Nagas would not be tolerated.
Calling for greater unity among Nagas across regions, Mteisuding said the situation in South Nagalim should be a reminder that all Nagas must stand together. He urged the people to speak with one voice and demonstrate solidarity in seeking justice and security.
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Describing each candle lit during the vigil as “a light of unity,” he said every participant’s presence symbolised the collective strength of the Naga people. He concluded by praying for the well-being and unity of the Naga community.
Convenor of the Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee, Thejao Vihienuo also expressed solidarity with the families of six Nagas allegedly abducted and killed in Manipur, while urging the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to address the demands of the United Naga Council (UNC) to prevent further escalation of violence.
Vihienuo said the gathering was held to pay tribute to six Nagas who were allegedly kidnapped from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13 and whose remains were reportedly recovered on June 10.
He alleged that the victims had been brutally killed and mutilated, describing the incident as an inhuman act. He further claimed that the killings reflected longstanding tensions between sections of the Naga and Kuki communities.
Vihienuo recounted allegations regarding the settlement of Kukis in Naga areas and cited a 1956 letter that he claimed had been written by the Kuki Union of Naga Hills to the then Prime Minister of India seeking arms to fight what the letter allegedly described as “Naga gangsters.” He also alleged that Kukis were later inducted into village guards and provided with weapons.
Despite these claims, Vihienuo said the Nagas had consistently sought peaceful coexistence and exercised restraint. However, he alleged that the killing of the six Nagas demonstrated continued hostility towards the Naga people.
Appealing to Kuki leaders, he urged them to abandon what he described as a “misadventure” and instead promote peaceful coexistence for future generations. He cautioned that continued violence would leave a lasting legacy of hatred and division.
Vihienuo also appealed to the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to respond to what he described as the “peaceful and just demands” of the United Naga Council, warning that failure to do so could lead to a further spread of violence.
Concluding his address, he conveyed the Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee’s support for the UNC’s demand for justice and paid tribute to the six slain Nagas.
A memorandum addressed to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, seeking urgent intervention to ensure justice, accountability and protection of Naga civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, was read out by NSF General Secretary Kenilo Kent.
