People of Senapati braved the downpour to pay respect and demand justice for 6 Naga men, whose mortal remains were found last week after they were allegedly taken hostage by Kuki militants
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DIMAPUR — People of Senapati braved the downpour on Tuesday evening to pay respect and demand justice for six Naga men, whose mortal remains were found last week, nearly a month after they were allegedly taken hostage in Kangpokpi district by Kuki militants.
Thousands of people gathered at Senapati districts headquarters Traffic Point for candlelight vigil organised by the district frontal organisations including the Naga People's Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) and Senapati District Women's Association (SDWA) in memory of the six civilians who were killed in cold blood and to demand for their justice.
Addressing the gathering, NPO President Kuba Peter said the candlelight vigil was organised to mourn the tragic loss of the six Naga brothers who were abducted by the Leilon Vaiphei Kuki villagers under the leadership of Lalboy Vaiphei, the village chief, before they were brutally murdered by the Kuki militants.
"Words cannot adequately express the brutality of their deaths. They were beheaded, cut into pieces, and left beyond recognition," he said, adding that Nagas stand together in grief.
Maintaining that candles are not only a symbol of remembrance but also a symbol of a shared humanity, he said, "People remember their dreams, their kindness, their relationships, and the unique impact they had (made) on the lives of those around them”.
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"Though their lives were cut short, their memories will continue to live on and strengthen the unity of the Nagas in the days to come," Peter added.
He said the people of Senapati strongly endorse the charter of demands submitted by the United Naga Council (UNC).
"We will stand united and remain committed to the cause of justice for our six brothers. We will not fail the Naga people, and we will continue to stand together in our pursuit of justice," he said adding: "Enough is enough, and we cannot remain silent in the face of such tragedy."
While extending deepest condolences to the bereaved families, he said the people of Senapati share their pain and stand with them in solidarity during this difficult time.
Speaking at the event, A. Saloni Tony, President of Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), also said that Senapati shares the pain of the six martyrs’ families and that the names of the deceased won’t be forgotten.
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"Your father and sons are not gone. They live in every Nagas who refuses to stay silent, in every mother who lights a candle, in every youth who chooses the path of justice," he said.
Describing the six slain Nagas as 'martyrs', he said ‘their sacrifice asks us to pause the noise of daily life and listen: listen to the grief of families, to the silence they left behind, and to the responsibility that now rests on our shoulders’.
As youth of Senapati district, Tony said their role is clear -- to be the keepers of memory, by ensuring that the names of the six deceased are spoken with honour, remembered with dignity, and justice pursued with patience and unity.
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The candles signify commitment to truth, unity, justice, hope, the land and honour the identity as Nagas, the crowd was told.
Solidarity messages were delivered by representatives of Senapati District Women's Association (SDWA), Tahamzam Youth Forum, Zeliangrong Youth Front, Nagaland Tribal Youth Coordination Committee, Naga Students’ Federation, and the North East Students’ Organization.
A gun salute was displayed by the Naga Village Guard in honour of the six slain Nagas at the event.