Churches and civil society groups across Manipur held candlelight vigils and prayers in memory of six slain Naga civilians, while demanding swift justice.
Imphal, June 14: Churches, civil society groups and members of the public across Manipur on Sunday held candlelight vigils and prayer gatherings in memory of the six Naga civilians who were abducted and later found dead, while renewing calls for justice and immediate action against those responsible for the killings.
At the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) Centre Church in Imphal, members of the convention and the public gathered for a solemn tribute programme under the theme, “We mourn with hope, and pray for peace.” The observance began with a prayer led by MBC Women Secretary Archana Serto.
The gathering later lit candles under the leadership of MBC General Secretary Reverend Dr. Jolly Rimai as a mark of respect for the deceased and to express solidarity with the bereaved families. Reverend Zuankamang Daimai, Pastor of MBC Centre Church, also offered prayers for the families of the victims and for peace and stability in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Reverend Dr. Rimai described the killing of the six Naga civilians, including two pastors, as deeply shocking and painful. He said the candlelight observance was intended to express love and solidarity with the victims and their families while praying for peace and healing in the land.
He stressed that those responsible for the abductions and killings must be arrested and brought to justice at the earliest. According to him, failure to take appropriate legal action could lead to further resentment and deepen tensions among communities. He said decisive action by the authorities would help reassure the public and prevent future incidents.
“We stand with the grieving families at all times and continue to pray for peace in our homeland,” he said.
RELATED NEWS: Body of Six Naga Hostages Recovered Near Kuki Village Day After Release of 14 Kuki Captives
A separate candlelight vigil was organised by members of Naga GEN-Z at the Tribal Market in New Chekkon, Imphal East district. The programme drew participation from members of both the Naga and Meitei communities.
Participants lit candles and offered prayers for the six victims, seeking eternal peace for their souls and expressing solidarity with their families.
Speaking during the event, Liangmai Film Forum president Lungambiu Thiumai expressed concern over what he described as the inability of authorities to ensure justice despite repeated incidents involving abductions and killings of civilians.
He alleged that 18 Naga civilians had initially been detained by the women's wing of Leilon Vaiphei village before being handed over to armed Kuki militants. According to him, six of them were subsequently killed. He urged the government to immediately identify, arrest and prosecute all those involved in the incident in accordance with the law.
The mourning and prayer gatherings were not limited to Imphal. Across different districts, churches and community organisations joined a coordinated observance initiated by the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI).
In Kakching district, the Moyon Naga Baptist Association (MYNBA) organised candlelight vigils in all churches under its jurisdiction. The programme was held in response to a call by CBCNEI for simultaneous observances across its constituent conventions and affiliated churches.
Church members gathered in prayer, lit candles and remembered the six victims, including a Reverend and a Pastor. Participants also prayed for the bereaved families and appealed to both the Central and State governments to ensure justice without delay.
The CBCNEI, which includes the Assam Baptist Convention, Arunachal Baptist Church Council, Garo Baptist Convention, Karbi Anglong Baptist Convention, Manipur Baptist Convention and Nagaland Baptist Church Council, had urged all member churches to participate meaningfully and prayerfully in the observance.
According to organisers, the vigils were intended not only as acts of mourning but also as a collective appeal for peace, healing and reconciliation.
Similar candlelight vigils were also held in Noney district, where the Steering Committee Khoupum Area Village Volunteers (SC-KAVV), a joint body comprising the Khoupum Area Villages Authority Council (KAVAC), Rongmei Luh Phwam Khoupum Area (RLPKA), Zeliangrong Students' Union Khoupum Area (ZSUKA), Zeliangrong Union Khoupum Zone (ZUKZ) and Rongmei Naga Council Manipur Khoupum Luangrian (RNCMKL), organised a vigil at Gungpungbut, a historic customary court site and memorial dedicated to freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang.
The programme began with a march from Khoupum Bazaar to Gungpungbut, where residents gathered to express solidarity with the families of the six victims and to condemn the killings. Participants carried candles and offered prayers for the departed souls while calling for justice.
During the vigil, the organisers condemned what they described as the brutal killing of six Naga civilians in Leilon Vaiphei village and urged the State and Central governments to take immediate action. Among the demands raised were the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the incident, justice for the victims' families, and strict action against those found guilty in accordance with the law. The gathering also called for measures to address armed violence and criminal activities in the region.
Similar scenes were witnessed across Chandel district, where churches and local communities held candlelight vigils and special prayer services in memory of the six victims — Pastor Kenpibou, Reverend Manu, Phenrongwibou, Phenrilungbou, Dilip and Kaliwangbou.
Residents of B. Wangkhera village gathered to light candles and offer prayers, while Y. Khutha Baptist Church held a special remembrance service. In Anal Khunou village, community members participated in a collective vigil to honour the deceased and support their families.
At Thangbung Minou Baptist Church, congregants organised a candlelight rally, while Lambung Baptist Church conducted a special prayer service seeking comfort and strength for the bereaved families. Similar observances were also held at Hnatham Baptist Church, Phunchung Baptist Church, Thamlapokpi Baptist Church and several other churches across the district, irrespective of denomination.
The district-wide participation reflected the deep sense of grief felt across the Naga community following the killings. Throughout the vigils, participants reiterated demands for justice, accountability and respect for human life while offering prayers for lasting peace in Manipur.
The candlelight observances across the state concluded with prayers for reconciliation and renewed appeals to authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
