Participants attend the candlelight vigil organised by the Naga Students' Federation in Kohima on July 9. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 9
Naga people gathered at Old MLA Hostel Junction in Kohima on Thursday evening for a candlelight vigil organised by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), expressing solidarity with the families of the six slain Naga civilians in Manipur and demanding justice for their killings.
Later, the NSF submitted a memorandum to President of India through the Governor of Nagaland.
The Memorandum sought urgent intervention for justice, accountability and protection of innocent Naga civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, particularly the abduction, torture and killing of six Naga civilians and other incidents documented during the NSF’s Reconnaissance and Solidarity Mission to Southern Nagalim, Manipur.
The Federation submitted this representation along with “Report on the Naga-Kuki Conflict in Manipur: Findings of the Naga Students’ Federation Reconnaissance and Solidarity Mission to Southern Nagalim, Manipur,” containing the field observations, community interactions, incident documentation and recommendations compiled during the mission.
The NSF delegation undertook the mission from June 4 to 6, 2026, in response to what it described as the deteriorating humanitarian situation affecting Naga communities.
It visited affected areas and engaged with village leaders, displaced families, churches, student organisations, youth volunteers, civil society institutions and community representatives.
The delegation further documented the experiences, concerns and immediate challenges faced by communities affected by violence, displacement, destruction of property, disruption of livelihoods and prolonged insecurity.
Accordingly, the NSF, in its recommendation, has called for an independent investigation into all incidents of violence documented during the Naga-Kuki conflict in Manipur, including the abduction, torture and killing of six Naga civilians, while urging the Government of India to review or abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups.
‘Show the strength of Naga unity’
In his address, NSF President Mteisuding stated that it was not a mere assembly but a “gathering of revolutionary solidarity towards our Naga brothers who have been killed, brutally murdered, butchered and buried in different places.”
“Today, we are not gathered here with fear or weakness. We are gathered here to show the unity of the Naga people,” he asserted.
He said the gathering was intended to send a clear message to Kuki armed groups and the Government of India not to “play with the lives and patience of the Naga people.”
“We are together, we are united, and we will fight till the end,” he added.
Nevertheless, the NSF president said the Naga people had not waged war against any community and had consistently advocated peace and harmonious coexistence.
However, he cautioned that if the patience of the Naga people continued to be tested, they would not remain silent, adding, “Today, it’s happening in the South Nagalim. Tomorrow, it may happen anywhere. Let us all stay united.”
He called upon the people to stand together and show the strength of Naga unity to the Government of India.
GoM, GoI urged to fulfil the UNC demands
Addressing the gathering, Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee Convenor Thejao Vihienuo claimed that the ancestors of the Naga people had allowed Kukis who settled in the region to establish villages in Naga areas, but alleged that the goodwill had not been reciprocated.
He described the killing of the six Naga civilians as an inhumane as well as an unforgettable act and urged Kuki leaders to end the violence, withdraw from what he termed their “misadventure,” and pursue peaceful coexistence rather than leave what he described as “a legacy of treachery and hatred.”
Vihienuo also appealed to the Governments of India and Manipur to address the “peaceful and just demands” of the United Naga Council (UNC), Manipur, adding, “Unless these demands are fulfilled, there is a real danger that the violence you have nurtured will spread further.”
On behalf of the Nagaland Tribal Hohos, he also conveyed his support to the UNC in its demand for justice and paid tribute to the six slain Naga civilians.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NSF Editor Pithungo Shitio while Bendangsashi Walling, pastor Kohima Ao Baptist Arogo prayed for the programme. NSF general secretary Kenilo Kent read out the memorandum, which was later submitted to President of India through Governor of Nagaland.
NSF key demands
• An independent, impartial and time-bound investigation should be instituted into the abduction, captivity, torture and killing of the six Naga civilians, with all responsible persons identified and proceeded against through due process.
• A comprehensive investigation should be undertaken into all incidents involving killings, abductions, attacks on civilians, destruction of property and displacement to ensure justice for affected families.
• A comprehensive review and appropriate action regarding the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement should be undertaken in view of concerns regarding violations, continued armed activities and grave human rights abuses associated with SoO.
• An independent inquiry should examine concerns relating to the conduct, neutrality and operational role of security forces in conflict-affected areas, including observations recorded during the NSF delegation's field assessment.
• Immediate measures should be taken to protect Naga villages, civilian populations, ancestral lands and community institutions affected by the conflict.
• Effective measures should be adopted to address illegal poppy cultivation, narcotics trafficking and illicit arms proliferation through coordinated action by competent authorities.
• Safe and unrestricted movement of civilians along National Highway-202 and other strategic routes should be ensured through impartial and effective security arrangements.
